"The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a Novel in Words and Pictures" by Brian Selznick

I realized that I had not yet reviewed The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.  This is a real shame since this book was excellent!  On first glance, it is an intimidating novel- over 500 pages!  But since it is about 50% text and 50% pictures it's not that big of an undertaking (I make it a point to show kids and parents the inside of the book as quickly as possible otherwise their eyes may pop out due to shock that I am suggesting such a long novel).  The story centers around Hugo, an orphaned boy living in a Paris train station.  When he finds that he is all alone, it is up to him and him alone to survive.  Hugo is responsible for the station's clock and is trying desperately to repair the automaton his father left behind.  Hugo becomes friends with Isabelle, the goddaughter of Papa Georges (the man who runs a toy booth in the Gare Montparnasse train station and who may hold a secret to repairing the automaton.

I quickly fell in love with this book.  I loved the story and I especially loved the style of this novel (and note, this is the only novel to win a Caldecott novel- all other winners have been specifically picture books for young readers).  Having read the book, I know desperately want to see the movie (maybe next year instead of book challenges, I should do movie challenges- then I'd actually watch some of these films I would like to see).  If you love children's literature, amazing illustrations, and books with a bit of mystery then this is the book for you!!

Get a sneak peek of the novel here!