The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a reading experience involving drawings, movie stills, writing and elements of graphic novels. There are 525 pages contained in the book, though probably less than half contain words. Yet it is one of the most beautiful books I have read this year. Interested yet? Rather than trying to explain it myself, let me provide a few pictures for you. First, the book is separated in to chapters:
And many of the pages do contain normal paragraphs and text to detail the life of Hugo Cabret:
However, interspersed within these chapters and paragraphs are pictures to further detail Hugo’s life and adventures:
Now, the pictures don’t just complement the words. They serve as a storytelling mechanism. Without the pictures and movie stills, there is no story. And as for what the story itself contains? Well, you’ll just have to check it out yourself.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Words and illustrations by Brian Selznick
Originally published in 2007
Kari
December 18, 2010 at 8:41 am
I have been teaching my kids about book awards the past few weeks, and I showed them this one. It BLEW THEIR MINDS. If I had 50 copies, they all would have checked out. It was hilarious.
literarywife
December 18, 2010 at 10:44 am
That is so wonderful to hear, Kari! It pretty much blew my mind, too, so I completely understand.
Amanda
December 18, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I adored this book! The audio version is very strange. I had to listen to it! They translated the pictures into sounds, so it’s like an old radio program. You can hear the fire and footsteps going up and down passageways, etc. It’s awesome.
Kelly Light
December 19, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Absolutely amazing and beautiful book! Some of my old Year 6 class almost fought over who was going to take it home lol!