Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

I often forget that as a youth librarian I become familiar with many author and illustrator names that perhaps non-library folk would not recognize or even care about (but SHOULD read!!!).  Then there are those who are so popular their names end up in pop culture (think Dr. Seuss).  I am really hesitant to review “big name” books because I think that most people have heard about them anyway.  And really, a Google search would turn up thousands of opinions, so why do I need to add my thoughts to the mix?!   Well, after a bit of internal debating, I decided, “why not?”   Perhaps ONE person will visit my blog and have never heard of Brian Selznick or his Caldecott Award winning book The Invention of Hugo Cabret (not to mention the other books he has written and the many books he has illustrated).  There might just be another person out here who needs a book suggestion and this will fit perfectly.   Let’s hope. 

If you are reading this and have not heard of Brian Selznick, don’t worry – you’re not alone (and heck, I’m not even sure how to pronounce his last name), but you should meet his stories, so let me introduce you to his latest book, “Wonderstruck”.  This is the story about Ben and his need – his search – for self-discovery; to find something missing in his life.   At the same time Selznick shares the story of Rose, who is too searching for something.  Selznick weaves the stories so carefully and thoroughly, you can’t help but from page 1 wonder how they are going to finally, completely intertwine. 

Like The Invention of Hugo Cabret , Selznick puts his incredible artistic talents to use.  Rose’s story is told all through pictures, while Ben’s is told through words – both portions of the book coming together with such a natural flow and feel. 

If you like warm touching stories, stories about museums or libraries,  or stories featuring likeable people searching for what’s missing in their life, check this out.   Heck, even if none of those topics suit you, at least pick up the book in your local bookstore and give it a good thumb through – you won’t be disappointed.