The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Brian Selznick
Hugo is in desperate straights. Brought by his drunkard uncle to live with him in the attic of a train station in Paris, he finds himself alone after his uncle disappears. He is able to keep the clocks running, but has no way to cash his uncle’s paychecks, and is forced to steal croissants and milk to survive. All his hope is placed in repairing a mysterious mechanical man his father had been working on before his death, but he is caught stealing parts for a toy booth, and loses possession of his father’s instructive notebook. He is forced to work each day for the toymaker until one day he injures his hand and finds his time is running out.
Interspersed with stunning charcoal illustrations that rather than illuminate the words, carry on the story between them, the book is magical. Readers will be drawn into the Paris setting, and inspired by the story of dreamers creating their worlds. Excellent for ages 10 to adult.