The Invention of Hugo Cabret is one of my favourite books because of the way that the story is told. The ‘creator’ Brian Selznick uses a mixture of words and illustrations to tell the story. One minute you’re reading the words and the next you’re looking at the amazing illustrations to try and piece the story together. Brian has used the same storytelling technique in his new book, Wonderstruck.
Wonderstruck is the story of two children, set fifty years apart. Ben’s story is told using words and is set in 1977 and Rose’s story is told completely in pictures and is set in 1927. Ben has never known his father, but when he discovers some clues in his mother’s bedroom to who his father is, Ben sets out on a journey to discover the truth. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook and Brian’s illustrations reveal her own journey.
Wonderstruck is an absolutely amazing book! I love the idea of telling two different stories in two different ways. When I was reading Ben’s story I could see the images in my head, but when I was ‘reading’ Rose’s story I was putting each of the images together to figure out her story. The book looks huge but I read it all in one go because over half the book is made up of Brian’s stunning illustrations. He only uses pencils, but he creates some unbelievable effects. When you look at the faces of the characters you can see exactly what they are feeling, whether it is excitement, anger or sadness. One of the pages is just someone pointing their finger and you know exactly what it means. Reading Rose’s story is like watching a silent movie because you have to work out what is happening yourself. Wonderstruck is one of those books that leave you smiling and you’ll want to read it again and again, just to enjoy Brian’s illustrations.
Spencer Fogle is an ordinary kid who lives in the extraordinary town of Filmington. His hometown used to be called Flemington, until film and TV crews discovered its range of landscapes, from fiery volcanoes to snowy mountains and lush rainforests, and took over the town. The town’s richest resident, Jimmy Jangle, controls most of the business within Filmington and holds alot of people’s futures in his hands. When Spencer is walking home from school one day, he hears blood-curdling screams coming from one of the science labs and goes to investigate. Spencer uncovers a dark plot involving carnivorous plants, genetically modified flies and a mysterious, hidden file. However, Jimmy Jangle and his thugs are willing to do anything to keep the truth covered up.
Lenny the Tarantula lives at Zurlington Zoo. He’s “furry and fuzzy and hairy” and he likes to play tricks on people, especially his favourite trick, Tarantula Boo, where he jumps at people. The only thing that’s missing is a friend to share his scares with, and when a flying coconut breaks the glass on his cage, he escapes to go and find a friend. Lenny looks all over the zoo, but will he find someone who isn’t scared of him or tries to eat him?
If you’re a huge fan of Skulduggery Pleasant like me, you’ve been waiting a whole year to find out what happens next to Skulduggery Pleasant and his side-kick Valkyrie Cain. We were left wondering whether Valkyrie’s dark side would show her head and there was a feeling of impending doom. Death Bringer doesn’t disappoint and there are plenty of thrill, chills and surprises to keep you on your toes.
When I first picked up an Invisible Fiends book in my library last year I thought, ‘this is a BRILLIANT idea!’ In the past few years I’ve become a huge fan of horror stories for kids and reading the blurb I knew the Invisible Fiends series was going to be great. The mixture of horrific characters and dark humour had me hooked and I’ve loved every book in the series so far. The fourth book in the series, Doc Mortis was recently released in the UK but I couldn’t wait until it’s released in New Zealand in October so ordered it from Book Depository. I got straight into it as soon as it arrived, but took my time as I wanted to savour it.
Cecilia Undergarment lives with her extraordinary family in her extraordinary house, which is shaped like a huge bunch of balloons (to find out why you’ll have to read the book). Wouldn’t it be great to live in a house made of balloons! One day while looking out her window she sees a sad and neglected dog trying to escape from the house next door. She rescues the dog, but the dog’s mean owner destroys her home and sends her balloon room floating away, until it lands in the dark forest of Northwood. The forest is home to the ferocious black lions and anyone who has entered Northwood has never returned. Cecilia and the dog, Rocky find refuge in Northwood at Castle Storm, which is ruled by the horrible King Harry. Cecilia is determined to find a way out of Northwood, but King Harry will do anything to stop the people leaving.
My Best Friends Are Books 