This post was written as a Master's course assignment for Texas Woman's University.
Selznick, Brian. 2007. THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN-10: 0439813786
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this rousing picture book creation, Brian Selznick creates a lively "into-the-walls" world, and a young boy's place in it, set in a train depot in Paris, circa 1931. Through alternating hand-drawn pictures and moving text, the author leads the reader through the history of the orphaned protagonist, Hugo Cabret, and how he came to be the sole caretaker of every working clock in the train station. A budding love/hate relationship with an old man, a toy maker who set up shop in the train station, threatens to expose Hugo and his big secrets, including a mysterious, clock-like machine that slightly resembles a human. Hugo's seeming friendship with the young girl who works alongside the toy maker could be the universal thread that weaves them all together... or destroys all of them.
In this rousing picture book creation, Brian Selznick creates a lively "into-the-walls" world, and a young boy's place in it, set in a train depot in Paris, circa 1931. Through alternating hand-drawn pictures and moving text, the author leads the reader through the history of the orphaned protagonist, Hugo Cabret, and how he came to be the sole caretaker of every working clock in the train station. A budding love/hate relationship with an old man, a toy maker who set up shop in the train station, threatens to expose Hugo and his big secrets, including a mysterious, clock-like machine that slightly resembles a human. Hugo's seeming friendship with the young girl who works alongside the toy maker could be the universal thread that weaves them all together... or destroys all of them.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This picture novel is a fascinating concept, combining black and white pencil drawings, separate text pages, and old photography. The effect on the reader is similar to a film- the pages draw in the reader and immediately capture her attention, urging her to press on and keep turning the next page in order find out what comes next. Sometimes, the turning of subsequent pages has the effect of a "camera close-up," with one picture larger and closer in than the last. The pace moves along quite well, building suspense and mystery, leaving the reader wondering: "Why does Hugo have so much responsibility at such a young age?" and "Where is his absent uncle?" and "Why is he alone?"
As the plot moves and becomes increasingly complicated, the reader learns more about Hugo's past, including how he came to be an orphan. Though struggling, and sometimes stealing so that he may eat, Hugo displays a surprisingly solid moral foundation and defends himself honorably when questioned by scary authorities. Especially, this book offers inspiration for anyone who finds a fascination with mechanical objects, classic films, or daydreaming tendencies.
Artistically, the painterly pencil drawing technique offers a myriad of textures and contrast: soft and hard, light and dark, moody and exuberant. The story moves quickly at times, especially when the series of page-turns is mostly drawings; the text serves to slow down the story and offer a deeper explanation of the plot. One drawing is actually life-sized; a hand touches a pile of books gently, encouraging the reader to reach out her hand over the drawing and compare it (which happens to be, in fact, exactly the same size).
This picture novel is a fascinating concept, combining black and white pencil drawings, separate text pages, and old photography. The effect on the reader is similar to a film- the pages draw in the reader and immediately capture her attention, urging her to press on and keep turning the next page in order find out what comes next. Sometimes, the turning of subsequent pages has the effect of a "camera close-up," with one picture larger and closer in than the last. The pace moves along quite well, building suspense and mystery, leaving the reader wondering: "Why does Hugo have so much responsibility at such a young age?" and "Where is his absent uncle?" and "Why is he alone?"
As the plot moves and becomes increasingly complicated, the reader learns more about Hugo's past, including how he came to be an orphan. Though struggling, and sometimes stealing so that he may eat, Hugo displays a surprisingly solid moral foundation and defends himself honorably when questioned by scary authorities. Especially, this book offers inspiration for anyone who finds a fascination with mechanical objects, classic films, or daydreaming tendencies.
Artistically, the painterly pencil drawing technique offers a myriad of textures and contrast: soft and hard, light and dark, moody and exuberant. The story moves quickly at times, especially when the series of page-turns is mostly drawings; the text serves to slow down the story and offer a deeper explanation of the plot. One drawing is actually life-sized; a hand touches a pile of books gently, encouraging the reader to reach out her hand over the drawing and compare it (which happens to be, in fact, exactly the same size).
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2008 Randolph Caldecott Medal
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "A true masterpiece."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Breathtaking."
Starred review in KIRKUS: "Fade to black and cue the applause!"
2008 Randolph Caldecott Medal
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "A true masterpiece."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Breathtaking."
Starred review in KIRKUS: "Fade to black and cue the applause!"
5. CONNECTIONS
*This book offers redemption and hope for anyone who finds herself having lonely feelings, feelings of abandonment, fear or mistrust of the world, or an orphan.
*Seek other picture books by Brian Selznick, including WONDERSTRUCK, which includes some color illustrations.
*Other books for children coping with becoming an orphan/loneliness/early self-sufficiency: THE BOXCAR CHILDREN series by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
*This book offers redemption and hope for anyone who finds herself having lonely feelings, feelings of abandonment, fear or mistrust of the world, or an orphan.
*Seek other picture books by Brian Selznick, including WONDERSTRUCK, which includes some color illustrations.
*Other books for children coping with becoming an orphan/loneliness/early self-sufficiency: THE BOXCAR CHILDREN series by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
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