The Marvels

About this book

In his most intricate and ambitious work to date, Caldecott Award-winner Brian Selznick delivers a magnificent reinvention of his signature form.

Two seemingly unrelated stories —the first in pictures, the second in words—together create a beguiling narrative puzzle. The book opens with an uninterrupted illustrated story that sweeps us through five generations of a legendary family, beginning in 1766 with Billy Marvel. He survives a devastating shipwreck and grows up in a London theater. There his progeny flourish as brilliant stage actors—until the youngest Marvel, Leontes, runs away into the fire of an unknown future.

A century later, Joseph Jervis, another outsider on the run, seeks refuge with an estranged uncle at his mysterious house in London, where ships and fires, theater programs, and ghostly presences abound. Even more enigmatic is stormy Uncle Albert who won’t answer Joseph’s questions about the house or about an old photo of a boy whose eyes haunt Joseph. So Joseph sets out to solve the mysteries on his own . . . because his future may depend on it.

Reviews

Praise for The Marvels:

New York Times Bestseller
New York Times Notable Children's Book
An Indie Bound #1 National Bestseller
Guardian Children's Book Prize Finalist
Publishers Weekly Best Book

* "Selznick continues his quest to shake up notions of illustrated novels, wordless storytelling, and the intersection of text and pictures in this newest volume . . . The novel as a whole is exactly the sort of theater that is so lovingly described within." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

* "Caldecott Medalist Selznick has been creating acclaimed illustrated novels for years now, and his latest takes his groundbreaking narrative format to new heights . . . [this] warm, affecting family tale is bittersweet, astonishing, and truly marvelous." -- Booklist, starred review

* ". . . epic theater celebrating mysteries of the heart and spirit." -- Kirkus, starred review

* "[A] powerful story about creating lasting art and finding family in unexpected places." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Memorable, momentous." -- School Library Journal, starred review