Wonderstruck

About this book

In this groundbreaking tour de force, Caldecott Medalist and bookmaking pioneer Brian Selznick sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey.

Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories--Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder. Rich, complex, affecting, and beautiful--with over 460 pages of original artwork--Wonderstruckis a stunning achievement from a gifted artist and visionary.

Reviews

Awards and Praise for Wonderstruck:

#1 New York Times Bestseller
New York Times Notable Children's Book
ALA Notable Children's Book
Parents' Choice Gold Winner
Publishers Weekly Best Book

“Engrossing, intelligent, beautifully engineered and expertly told in word and image.” -- The New York Times

“Moving and ingenious . . .” -- The Wall Street Journal

“Brian Selznick proves to be that rare creator capable of following one masterpiece--The Invention of Hugo Cabret--with another even more brilliantly executed.” -- Washington Post

“Another entrancing, exquisitely illustrated novel . . . Older kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the interlocking stories. A verbal and visual marvel.” -- Family Circle

* “A gift for the eye, mind, and heart.” -- Booklist, starred review

* “Visually stunning, completely compelling.”-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Innovative . . . has the makings of a classic.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “A thing of wonder to behold . . . an emotional experience that neither the words nor the illustrations could achieve on their own.” -- School Library Journal, starred review