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April 21, 2007

When is a Book Not a Book?

Answer: When it's by innovative children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick.

In his latest work, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick blurs the line between book and movie, receiving much critical acclaim and attention in the process.

Selznick's book is a tome. It's 533 pages, but kids don't seem to mind as it flies in and out of the Library from child to child. And, no one is intimidated by its large size, because many, many pages are full page illustrations that wordlessly tell the story for a while, giving the text a respite.

The story is set in 1932 and tells of a boy's secret attempts to repair a mechanical human and discover the secret message it holds. It also chronicles Hugo's interactions with a filmmakerand plays with early film conventions.

And, on a more commerical note, Selznick's book has just been purchased by Warner Brothers, with the possibility that Martin Scorsese, a known lover of early film, may direct. Just another example of the ways children's literature impacts society. Enjoy!

Posted by Caitlin at April 21, 2007 11:04 AM