The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By: Brian Selznick

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2007 Brian Selznick (P)2006 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.

Critic reviews

"It's wonderful. Take that overused word literally: Hugo Cabret evokes wonder." ( New York Times Book Review)

"A true masterpiece." ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"A fast-paced treat for tweens." ( People Magazine)

engaging story for the whole family

Our family read the book last year when it came out, and it appealed to both my 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter. The book is VERY visual, however, with nearly 1/4 of the pages being full (and very detailed) black and white illustrations that evoke the silent film era that the book refers to. The illustrations actually move the plot of the book forward, so I was skeptical about the ability of an audiobook to do justice to the book. They solve the dilemma of several pages of wordless pictures by resorting to old-style radio sound effects, which work fairly well, and also call to mind days gone by.

The book made a car trip go by quickly for everyone, and the kids wanted to start it over again. I'd recommend the story highly, but strongly suggest that you read the book as well in order to really experience Hugo's adventure.

Cute story and easy listen

I didn't realize when I bought it, but this seems to be a kids book. It's a cute story and very easy to listen too.

LOVE this, I hope the movie is as good

Would you listen to The Invention of Hugo Cabret again? Why?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I don't care if this is a kid's book. It was wonderful. Just delightful. I hope the movie does it justice.

This guy knows how to tell a story!!!

If you could sum up The Invention of Hugo Cabret in three words, what would they be?

Great invention!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite was Pappa George. He was the original, the mind behind the magic, the wise and slowly fading glow. He was the teacher; he just didn't know that he was still doing it.

What does Jeff Woodman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Loved the sound effects in the background. Great touch. It fit the story well. Jeff's voice was soothing when needed and rough at the right times. Well read. I would listen to more read by him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes and glad I did

My children listened with rapt attention!

If you could sum up The Invention of Hugo Cabret in three words, what would they be?

Vivid, magical and fun.

What did you like best about this story?

We enjoyed the suspense and the magical quality of the story.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Woodman – was your favorite?

Our favorite character was the toy maker.

Any additional comments?

My only disappointment is that with the audio version of this book, you miss the rich illustrations in the book. But my children had the unique experience of being able to conjure their very own images while they listened to the engaging story.

My kids and I loved this.

My 8 and 6 year old loved this story. We have the actual book so we had the wonderful illustrations to look at too. They are amazing and I wish they were included with the download.

A magical story

Any additional comments?

This is a children's book but still a good story for all. It blends fiction with history in an uplifting way.
See the movie too! It really leveraged the magic of the book.

10 and 12 year olds loved it

it was a short book, but the kids really enjoyed it. they want to check the book out of the library to see the illustrations, but they saw the movie after we heard the audio book and enjoyed that as well.

Deligtful

I did this one backwards, as I really prefer to read books before seeing the movie. But regardless, this book is simply delightful. The characters catch you quickly despite the fact that I cannot relate to the differences in our experiences. The performance was just right. Sound effects are startling since they are so real. I was listening outside much of the book even though I do not usually have trains come along in my backyard. A treat for all ages.

Great story!

Very good story liked the fact that Hugo was such a brave and intelligent character. The story felt so magical but kept you on your toes as things were never as expected and Hugo kept having to step up to the challenge.