The Invention of Hugo Cabret

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.

About The Author

Brian Selznick is the author and illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. He was born in 1966 in New Jersey. Brian studied at The Rhode Island School of Design. After graduating from college, he worked at Eeyore’s Books for Children in New York City. While at Eeyore’s, he also painted the windows for holidays and book events.

Selznick's first book, The Houdini Box, which he both wrote and illustrated, was published in 1991 while he was still working at the bookstore. Since then, he has illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, which received a 2001 Caldecott Honor. Brian has also written a few other books, including The Boy of a Thousand Faces.

Brian lives in Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.