The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick
Originally published in hardcover in 2007 - Scholastic

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I've said this very recently and I once again am urged to say it - there are A LOT of exciting books being published in the young adult genre. Hugo Cabret might be in the genre preceding the "young adult" genre, but I wont split hairs. 


This book is a massive tome yet not intimidating thanks to the enchanting detail in both the dustjacket and the actual boards of the hardcover, along with the drawings. The story itself is quite engaging and is carried quite effectively by the cinematic illustrations that make up a large portion of the book.


A captivating aspect of the plot is an "automaton" - I knew just about nothing beforehand and was quite delighted with this almost magical element.


As of this writing the movie version has just been released though I haven't watched it yet - cant wait. 


Since I've read this Selznick has published at least one other book in the vein of Hugo Cabret, an engaging story bolstered with illustrations - Wonderstruck. (There must be some artistic term for his use of illustrations, sequentially, to show the action of the storyline.)


Amazon description - Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.