Caldecott Part III

The term picture books brings to mind certain words and phrases—simple plots, cute pictures, and sweet kittens. This is simply not the case with the book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2008 Winner), a picture book that combines sketches, film, and novel elements.

Hugo Cabret, a young boy who loses both his father and uncle, must fend for himself while he cares for the train station’s clocks. Hugo is in possession of automaton, a mysterious mechanical man who can write, but the device is broken. Even Hugo’s father couldn’t fix it after analyzing the machine and keeping a notebook on his progress. Hugo has a talent for mechanics like his father but since he is only thirteen, he cannot yet make a living and is forced to steal to survive. While stealing from a toy vendor, the owner catches Hugo and claims the notebook! The man acts as if he recognizes the automaton in the drawing and keeps the notebook. Hugo desperately wants it back but in order to get the notebook, he must discover the automation’s origins.

This novel uses both words and pictures to weave a complicated plot worthy of any mystery novel. The sketches are shown in succession, usually for several pages, and provide an action view of the plot. This method of picture story-telling is particularly successful during several of the story’s chase scenes. The novel’s plot is based around the film work of George Méliès and several film screen shots enhance the novel.

Selznick’s take on the picture book turned my perception of the genre upside down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and can think of little with which to compare it except a graphic novel. I find this genre mixing completely innovative and immediately searched Amazon.com to see what else Selznick had written. Selznick has written two other novels that include his sketches and I’ve already placed them on my GoodReads.com to-read list.

Watch the author discuss this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m3KZSLAU46TQLF

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic.