Comments on: A Review of the 2008 Caldecott Medalist, Brian Selznick’s ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’

By: 1minutebookreviewswordpresscom

1minutebookreviewswordpresscom — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:53:35 +0000

Your daughter may have been a little old for this book. It seems best for 9-to-12-year olds (and I know an 8-year-old strong reader who loved it).

But your daughter’s lack of interest may also reflect that she’s a very astute reader. The relatively flat writing in “Hugo Cabret” may put off a lot of young readers, especially at the older end of its age range, who have read many better-written novels and know when writing doesn’t sparkle.

I hope parents of teenagers will see your comment and take it seriously. At the very least I would encourage parents of children at the older end of the age range to take “Hugo Cabret” out of the library instead of buying (because this is an expensive book). Thanks so much for making this helpful point.
Jan

By: Jon

Jon — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:43:34 +0000

FWIW, because of the great reviews it had received, I bought this book for my 13-year-old daughter. I was excited for her to read it. She was done with it in about an hour and said it was “just OK.” She’s a huge reader and has good taste in books. I had no sense at all that she would ever go back to it, which is very unlike her when it comes to good books.

By: 1minutebookreviewswordpresscom

1minutebookreviewswordpresscom — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:23:06 +0000

You’re very welcome. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” is a good book, with many strength that have clearly delighted thousands of children. But it has weaknesses that adults and children might expect from a Caldecott winner. And both the strengths and weaknesses are worth remembering …

By: flashgordon123

flashgordon123 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:20:59 +0000

Thanks for the honest review, I see what you mean, crime should NOT pay, especially in children's books. I prefer it when they educate, such as The Little Man in the Map, which was beautifully illustrated but also got kids excited and learning about our country. The book showed me it is not that hard to write a book that is positive and educational.