Scholastic Press 2007
Reading Level: 9+ Number of Pages: 533 Genre: Historical Fiction
Junior Library League Selection
2008 Caldecott Medal Winner
2007 National Book Award Finalist
Summary: Hugo Cabret works in the walls of the train station, where he maintains the clocks. Since his uncle disappeared, he has been forced to make a living for himself by stealing milk and croissants from a local shop to survive. He has a secret, however, which he feels is part of his destiny: a mechanical man, currently broken, which he hopes to repair and find out the message it is built to tell. While trying to steal parts from windup toys at a shop in the station, Hugo is caught and his drawings are discovered. He and the shopkeeper's stepdaughter try to uncover the secret of the mechanical man and it's mysterious origin, as well as that of the shopkeeper, who is a legendary movie maker in hiding. Hugo discovers that he doesn't need to steal to make a living and becomes a master magician and moviemaker himself.
My Impressions: Of the book's 533 pages, 284 are filled with full-frame pictures. This gave me an impression of viewing a silent film. The most interesting thing about the book is its pictures, as they tell the story with striking depth, even without text. I was impressed that the book was able to capture my interest, as at first glance the text appears to be quite heavy and thick, but of course over half of it is told without any words at all. The depth of the charcoal illustrations within provide an extra payoff for this book.
"The story . . . takes place in 1931, under the roofs of Paris. Here you will meet a boy named Hugo Cabret, who once, long ago, discovered a mysterious drawing that changed his life forever."
My Impressions: Of the book's 533 pages, 284 are filled with full-frame pictures. This gave me an impression of viewing a silent film. The most interesting thing about the book is its pictures, as they tell the story with striking depth, even without text. I was impressed that the book was able to capture my interest, as at first glance the text appears to be quite heavy and thick, but of course over half of it is told without any words at all. The depth of the charcoal illustrations within provide an extra payoff for this book.
Parent's Guide: Hugo's father is said to have died in a fire, and his uncle is also suspected to be dead. Hugo is alone, and is forced to steal to survive. Parents and kids may find his initial position to be very sad.
Recommendations: I think this book would be enjoyed by people who like and enjoy movies, as well as books with illustrations. Most of the pictures are done in charcoal, and the monochromatic feel is reminiscent of a silent film. Great book, I highly suggest it.
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