It was an exciting week for me because Brian Selznick's The Marvels arrived in the mail. Wow, this book is quite a presence even before you open it - it is massive (bigger than a brick), the cover is a lush, rich purple and the pages are gilded on the edges. So, it is impressive before you even crack it open. Once inside it feels quite similar to The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck; one notable difference is that the first half is almost exclusively illustrated, while the second half is almost exclusively text (whereas in the previous two books there was some text interspersed with the illustrations). I love Brian Selznick's illustrations because they truly do set the scene in impeccable detail. The Marvels spans decades and centuries and the drawings capture each era perfectly.
For me, the switch from illustration to words was just a little bit jarring. I wasn't quite ready to leave the world of pictures behind (or make the leap two hundred years forward to the 1990s), but once I adjusted, I was just as captivated by the words as I had been by the illustrations. That said, I was so happy that Selznick chose to return to the art of visual storytelling at the very end of the book.
For those who love Brian Selznick's style, The Marvels will not disappoint. For those who are unfamiliar with his work, this will be, well, a marvel. As an elementary school librarian, I think this book is a little more complex than Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck; I found myself making quite a few mental connections and leaps as I was reading, wondering if my students would be able to keep up. I know that they will be awed by the book and I'm looking forward to seeing what they think!
Other books I read and enjoyed this week:
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| This is SUCH a cool book! Great for all ages. |
The Only Game was so sad-- I was disappointed, and I usually adore Lupica. The Marvels just wasn't my cup of tea. The illustrations always seem so murky.
ReplyDeleteMike Lupica has never made me cry, until The Only Game. I actually really appreciated it, but I know that some readers might be surprised by how emotionally intense it is. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI have never attempted to read any of David Selznick's tomes. The size and the graphic nature have always encouraged me to read something else. My students love the books though. Here is a summary of last week. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being put off by the size of Selznick's books; they go quickly, though!
DeleteI've read quite mixed reviews about The Marvels, I really should pick it up and have a look for myself! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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DeleteI agree that The Queen's Shadow is very cool! Our copy is somewhere in processing limbo, but when it is available I already know who I want to share it with. I'm waiting to read Marvel. I gave my partner Hugo for a Christmas present one year, and am contemplating Marvel this year.
ReplyDeleteThe Marvels would be a lovely gift, in part because it is just so darn beautiful (physically)!
DeleteThere is so much The Marvels love here. I really am looking forward to receiving my review copy soonest.
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