Brian Selznick received the 2008 Caldecott award for this book, a picturebook award that usually goes to little kids' books. Finally the ALA recognized that powerful images are in books for older children, too. The book looks thick, but more than half of the pages are full-page illustrations. We read this book together and enjoyed the intrigue of the story and how we wanted to keep turning the page to see what happens next. Some of the story is tragic and sad. Kids may need the context of the difficulties of the 1930s. They will also be curious about real automatons and Georges Melies. Selznick includes website links and books to get more info on both. The story is really about the history of early films in France, but also about magic and magicians, the Depression, horology, mechanics, trains, libraries, and orphans. Fascinating! An imaginative 8-year-old may like it. 10 - 14 years old will definitely like it.
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The Invention of Hugo Cabret
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Spectacular book/film hybrid has lots of heart.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Parents need to know that the hero of this story has a sad life. Orphaned, alone, and homeless, he lives by stealing and scavenging, and no one is kind to him until late in the book.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about some of the research-based themes the author includes. How can an automaton be made to write poems and draw pictures? How do they work? How were the earliest films made? Many young readers will want to learn more about mechanical machines and automata, and about the history of film, especially the work of Georges Melies. They may also want to see the films referred to in the story.
Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Imaginative graphic novel for tweens about early filmmaking
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
exciting brilliant book
ithought this book was really good and it has lots of pictures. in some parts it's a little scary because hugo falls onto the train track but then someone picks him up so the train won't hurt him. it's a exciting book but hugo isn't the best role model because he lives by himself and steals things.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
exciting brilliant book
ithought this book was really good and it has lots of pictures. in some parts it's a little scary because hugo falls onto the train track but then someone picks him up so the train won't hurt him. it's a exciting book but hugo isn't the best role model because he lives by himself and steals things.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A great and entertaining book for children and young teens.
This is an amazing book. I picked it up while volunteering at a local summer library program, simply because the size and cover caught my eye. The story is interesting and content is acceptable. What really makes the story, however, are the beautiful illustrations.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
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