The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a novel in words and pictures
by Brian Selznick
Published by Scholastic, 2007
533 pages

“The Invention of Hugo Cabret” is author Brian Selznick’s own wonderful invention. Selznick has done something truly original with this book by creating a work of art that is told alternately by using both pictures and words. It is aimed at children about 9 and up, but the book’s magical qualities will appeal to all ages.

This story is filled with mystery and intrigue. From the first page, the reader instantly becomes engaged in the plot. The book opens and we meet 12-year-old orphan, Hugo Cabret, as he is running through a Paris train station in 1931. Hugo lost his father in a tragic accident and had been staying with his uncle whose job was to wind all the clocks in the train station. Since his uncle has gone missing, Hugo has been secretly winding the clock so that no one will notice he is living all by himself. Selznick transports the reader back to a different time and place with his words and illustrations. He successfully captures the stark atmosphere of the train station where Hugo lives.

The main mystery of the novel revolves around an automated, mechanical man. Hugo’s father dreamed of fixing it and when his father dies, Hugo follows in his footsteps. Hugo is convinced that if he is able to fix this machine, it will reveal some message from his father. The author does an excellent job creating suspense with the automation of this man.

Hugo has an immense desire to reconnect with his father through this machine, but does not trust anyone else to help him.

The other characters in the novel have their own secrets and give the story depth and interest. There is a cranky old toy seller who catches Hugo trying to steal trinkets from his stand so that he can fix the automated man. Hugo also meets Isabelle, the toy seller’s goddaughter, who befriends him. After the toy seller takes away Hugo’s sketch book, action and crossovers ensue between the three of them. Their stories all come together in the intricate plot without being confusing.

The charcoal drawings are just as important as the words in the story.

Selznick switches between words and pictures seamlessly. Instead of illustrating the story, the drawings stand alone and advance the plot.

He balances panoramic views such as Paris at night and the train station with up close views of the character’s faces. He is able to capture the characters emotion in the faces and eyes. The drawings and perspectives make you feel as if you are both a part of the action and watching it unfold before your eyes.

Another prevalent theme in this book is the cinematic details and elements. The book provides some history of early film. The reader is introduced to George Méliès, a movie- making pioneer and some of his works. The cinematic themes of the story are mirrored by the style of drawing. The book looks and feels like an old black and white film because of the black and white pages and dramatic charcoal drawings.

Furthermore, Selznick includes actual still movie shots from films from that era.

“The Invention of Hugo Cabret” is an intimidating looking book at over 500 pages. However, the illustrations make up a large part of it and the suspense and propelling action will have you flipping through the pages in no time. Brian Selznick has created a unique work of art that is also a skillfully written story. This book will make an excellent gift for children and even adults this holiday season and is sure to become a great of children’s literature.