The Invention of Hugo Cabret

      Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret NY: Scholastic. Hugo Cabret was a happy child, but life quickly changed for him. His father was locked in the museum where he worked on a mechanical man, and a fire consumed his father’s life. His uncle takes him in to the train station and makes Hugo his “Apprentice Timekeeper.” He also teaches him how to steal to survive. One day, his uncle disappears; Hugo does his job for him, and collected his checks to avoid being detected. The mechanical man, or automaton, belonged to George Melies, a retired film maker, and now owner of the toy booth.  A terrible accident, took his friends’ lives, but left him a gift, a little girl.  Because of all the tragedies, he ended the film making chapter of his life, and never wanted to relive it again. Hugo Cabret makes certain discoveries that reopen this chapter of his life.  Thanks to Hugo and the young girl, people learn that Melies is alive and his fans celebrate his talent. Hugo is taken in by the Melieses and love him as one of his own. Hugo grows up and builds a more sophisticated automaton that was able to write and illustrate this book. The book begins with illustrations that capture the reader’s attention since he expected to turn to the beginning and see pages filled with words. We all know that pictures speak louder than words. Instead, the sunrise in Paris welcomes the reader and gets him ready for an unforgettable adventure.  Selznick offers the reader two page illustrations, but then elegantly focuses on a specific detail.