The Invention of Hugo Cabret
By Brian Selznick Age Range- 10 - 12 years A boy living in a Paris train station discovers a secret involving an automaton left by his late father.
What's the Story
"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick tells the story of Hugo, a young orphan living in a Paris train station in the 1930s. Hugo maintains the station's clocks while hiding from the station inspector. He discovers a broken automaton left by his late father and becomes determined to repair it. Hugo befriends Isabelle, the goddaughter of a grumpy toy shop owner, and together they unravel the mystery of the automaton. Along the way, they uncover the forgotten history of Georges Méliès, a pioneering filmmaker, and the significance of the automaton to his past. As Hugo and Isabelle delve deeper into the mystery, they discover unexpected connections that change their lives forever. With themes of friendship, perseverance, and the magic of storytelling, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" is a captivating tale that combines elements of historical fiction and fantasy.
Key Points from the Book
01.
Orphaned Protagonist: Hugo Cabret is a young orphan who lives secretly in a Paris train station, where he maintains the station's clocks to avoid being sent to an orphanage.
02.
Mysterious Automaton: Hugo discovers a broken automaton, a mechanical man, that he believes holds a message from his deceased father. He becomes determined to repair it and uncover its secrets.
03.
Friendship with Isabelle: Hugo befriends Isabelle, the goddaughter of a toy shop owner, who joins him on his quest to solve the mystery of the automaton and its connection to early cinema.
04.
History of Early Cinema: The story delves into the history of filmmaking, particularly the pioneering work of Georges Méliès, a real-life filmmaker known for his innovative use of special effects.