The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Tammy DiBartolo

     Are you weary of wizards? Dragons got you down? Have unfortunate events made you feel like a loser? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there may be a remedy for you.
     The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a children’s book that is something different.  It weighs in at an intimidating 526 pages. But don’t be put off by its size, because much of the book is filled with rich illustrations that oversee the telling of the story. It will remind readers of a silent movie.
     It has been said that this book may be the first book to win both the Caldecott Medal (for artwork in a children’s book) and the Newbery Medal (for children’s literature).
     The story is set in Paris, in 1931, in a large train station that has become the home of twelve year old Hugo. Hugo tends to all the clocks in the station, keeping them wound and running smoothly. It had been his uncle’s job until he disappeared. Now Hugo tends to the clocks and struggles to survive, always fearful someone will find out that he is alone and kick him out of the tiny room he lives in.
     Hugo has two possessions saved from the days when his father was alive. First are his notebooks full of sketches of an automaton, a mechanical man that he found in the attic of a museum where he worked. The second thing Hugo has is the mechanical man itself. Hugo found it one night in the ruins of the museum. It was in terrible shape, rusty with pieces missing and broken. Hugo steals bits and pieces from the old man at the mechanical toy booth in the train stations so that he can repair the automaton.
     What is the secret in the notebooks that Hugo carries? Why is the old man interested in them? What will the automaton do if Hugo fixes it?
     This book will appeal to readers who like to read fiction as well as those who prefer nonfiction. There is information in the book about automatons as well as George Melies, (the man at the toy booth) who was an actual historical figure in the film industry.
     Enter the world of Hugo Cabret, a world of secrets, silent movies, friendships and surprise endings.
     This book would be a great addition to your child’s summer reading list. Summer Reading Program is right around the corner, so don’t miss it Check the RPL website or call your nearest RPL location to find out more.
     Tammy DiBartolo is the Manager of the Youth Services Department of the Rapides Parish Library.