Scholastic to Publish Brian Selznick's 'Wonderstruck,' on September 13, 2011, a Mesmerizing New Novel in Words and Pictures by the Bestselling and Award-Winning Author and Illustrator of 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret'

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic (Nasdaq: SCHL), the global children's publishing, education, and media company, announced today that it will publish "Wonderstruck," a mesmerizing new novel in words and pictures by Brian Selznick, the #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of the Caldecott Medal-winning novel and upcoming major motion picture "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." With over 460 pages of original drawings, "Wonderstruck" will be published in hardcover simultaneously in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada on September 13, 2011.

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Expanding upon the genre-breaking form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," Brian Selznick creates another awe-inspiring and multi-layered reading experience. "Wonderstruck" weaves together two compelling, independent stories, set fifty years apart—Ben's story, which takes place in 1977, is told in words; Rose's story in 1927 is told in pictures. Ever since his mother died, Ben feels lost. At home with her father, Rose feels alone. When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mother's room, and when a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose, both children risk everything to find what's missing. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, "Wonderstruck" is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

"Wonderstruck was inspired by a lot of things that intrigue me, including my love of museums," says Brian Selznick. "After finishing The Invention of Hugo Cabret, I wanted to create a book using what I'd learned from Hugo, but bring to it something entirely new. The process of writing and illustrating Wonderstruck has been a thrilling adventure for me, and I can't wait to share it with readers everywhere."

"Brian Selznick has created another masterpiece—warm, moving, and wholly original," says Ellie Berger, President of Scholastic Trade. "We are in awe and cannot wait to publish this captivating novel worldwide."

Tracy Mack, Scholastic Press Executive Editor and Selznick's longtime editor, says, "With Wonderstruck, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and evolves the novel form. How the two separate stories unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder."

About The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Winner of the 2008 Randolph Caldecott Medal, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" is a stunning, cinematic tour de force, from a boldly innovative storyteller, artist, and bookmaker. In addition to being a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" garnered many awards and accolades including the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children, and was named a National Book Award Finalist, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. With 284 pages of original drawings, and combining elements of picture book, graphic novel, and film, Brian Selznick has broken open the novel form to create an entirely new reading experience. The book has been licensed for publication in 29 languages to date. "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" movie is currently in production with Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese at the helm. The movie is scheduled for release by Sony Pictures in December 2011. For more information about The Invention of Hugo Cabret or to download digital images, visit http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/hugocabret.

About Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with the intention of becoming a set designer for the theater. However, after spending three years as a bookseller and designing window displays for a children's bookstore in Manhattan, he was inspired to create children's books of his own. His picture books have received many awards and distinctions, including a Caldecott Honor for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins and a Robert F. Sibert Honor for When Marian Sang. The Invention of Hugo Cabret was his first novel. He divides his time between Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.

For more information about Scholastic, visit our media room at: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com.

SOURCE Scholastic Corporation