Reviews

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

shelbyheartonmysleeve's review

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4.0

I read this today, having the film in mind the whole time. Surprisingly, it followed the plot line extremely well. I loved having a story so beautiful in my hands that read not only in words, but through pictures. It was like nothing I have seen before in a book -- children's or otherwise -- and I'm very glad I took the time to conquer it. Definitely a quick read for anyone who can appreciate the art of film making or clock making.

zbmorgan's review

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5.0

This book is wonderful, but not about what you think it is. The history of film doesn't start until you are about one third into the book, and is a total surprise. Still, the drawings are terrific, and while the conflict between Hugo and the old man is wrapped up too quickly and easily, this book will make you wonder about dreams, automatons, and the beginnings of many things.

lostinfrance's review

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3.0

I have wanted to read this book since my first year of teaching when I saw the book in a bookstore. Once I got a copy...I saw it was a quick read, so I grabbed my copy and curled up (after some encouragement from my nephew).

The story is about an orphan boy hiding in a train station in Paris winding clocks and trying to make an automaton work...he befriends a young girl who brings him into her world.

The artwork is beautiful and the story is sweet and great jump off point for discussions with students. The book is hefty, but the majority of the story is pictures, not text.

Read if you like to disappear into a young world...the book is not a page turner, but it will keep you interested.

redheadreader73's review against another edition

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5.0

Not quite a graphic novel and not quite a children’s novel, but very much engaging and brilliant!

pri_ss's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A very Charles dickens’s story 
For the way most adults of the book treat children as if they weren’t innocent creatures 

shipwreck78's review

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3.0

This was just ok for me. With all the stands full of this book and the beautiful coloring on the jacket, I expected more. Perhaps this is one of those young adult books that is much better read when you are young adult? The concept was interesting (half picture book half written story). Drawings were nice but the breakup made this a hardcover book over 500 pages and with that much heft, I expected more of a storyline and I guess it was lacking in the magical element I was expecting...

emicree's review

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4.0

Simply delightful.

bellbookandcandle's review

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5.0

I spied this book on the shelf and thought, "What a treasure". The illustrations (detail, shading and light) are amazing and the story looks to be full of intrigue and wonderment. I'm reading it at the moment but I actually bought this for when my son (who is currently 5 years old) is older and we can enjoy it together or he can read it on his own. I think this book will definitely spark any young reader's imagination- it has mine.

dragonflymorning's review

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4.0

This giant tome is a bit intimidating until you realize it is mostly picture book with action sequences taking place in sketches. I was delighted by the story all the way to its conclusion.

katiesbusyreading's review

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medium-paced

2.5