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If you fell in love with Caldecott winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret, as so many of us did a few years ago, you’ll definitely want to check out the latest book from Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck.

Readers are given two independent stories, one told in traditional text form and another told via gorgeous illustrations. Ben and Rose live 50 years apart, yet the manner in which their stories intertwine and weave in and out of each other is almost like a puzzle. And a beautiful puzzle at that! Rose is searching for something in her lonely and isolated life and Ben is searching for answers after the death of his mother. Both are on personal journeys that lead them to many of the same places (both literally and figuratively), despite their difference in time period.

A bit of mystery, lovely and detailed writing, and amazing illustrations add up to an absolute gem of a book. Another Caldecott in Selznick’s future perhaps?

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. Scholastic Books; Ages 10+; 29.99