Unfortunately, I think I kinda missed the point of this one. The only available copy of this book my library had available to me at the time was the audiobook. Missing the mark for a Caldecott winner, but the book was wonderful nonetheless.
In 1931 Paris, Hugo is an orphan who lives in a train station in the center of town. He has taken over maintaining the clocks in the station after his uncle, and caretaker, dies as well. However, all of this is kept a secret so he can remain with the strange drawings and the mechanical man he has discovered. The mechanical man is an automaton his father found at the museum he worked at before his death. All the mystery surrounding the automaton and strange drawing is revealed at the end when the connection between the drawing, the automaton, the toy shop owner known as Papa George and his goddaughter, Isabel. Papa George had made movies. Movies Hugo's father loved. Movies that the automaton recreates in his drawings. However, after tragic deaths of his crew, including Isabel's parents, George refuses to make any more movies. However, after Hugo's uncovering of events, Papa George and his movies are honored again.
Throughout the story, the idea that we all matter and all have a purpose is recurring. We should not squander our time and torture ourselves over events that we have no control over.
1 comment:
You've got to "read" this book. The illustrations were what made it so amazing. I can't imagine just listening to it. Even if you have to go to Barnes & Noble and sit in a chair and read it there, please do it.
Post a Comment