Grade III Boys Meet Author, Brian Selznick

By Mr. Schwartz, St. B’s Librarian

On a Sunday in late November, I accompanied several third-graders to Symphony Space to hear renowned Caldecott-Award winner, Brian Selznick, talk about his new book, The Marvels.  Brian Selznick is the author responsible for The Invention of Hugo Cabret (which was turned into a film by Martin Scorcese) and Wonderstruck.  His presentation was lively and entertaining.  The Marvels is the story of a 19th century London theatrical dynasty told entirely in pictures.  The second half of the book is told in text and is about a boy who runs away from boarding school.  He finds an eccentric uncle who lives in a London house that is exactly as it was in the 18th century.  Finding out how the two stories are connected keep readers turning the pages!  Mr. Selznick’s presentation included many of the illustrations from his book accompanied by live piano music.  Barbara Barrie, the award winning actress, was on hand to interpret the Shakespeare passages that are mentioned in the book.  After speaking about the way he designs, writes, revises, and publishes a book, Mr. Selznick answered questions, many of them from St. Bernard’s boys.  We ended the evening by having our books signed by the author and getting to talk with him one-on-one.  It was exciting afternoon for everyone!