The Marvel - Brian Selznick - 4 stars

Another brilliantly written and illustrated story. I just love how he can create 2 different stories and bring them together to tell such a beautiful tale. I also love the fact that the author does all of his own illustrations and book covers for each of his books. He is a very talented writer and artist.

In this one the story starts in 1766 with a family called the Marvels who were a family of actors in theatre. The whole first half of the story is told in marvelous and fascinating illustrations. I found that the illustrations told the story very well, it was really easy to follow it. I also think the illustrations give the story that dramatic affect and also make the story so very magical. The second part of this book continues in 1990 with a boy who is trying to figure out his family and ancestry. Both stories come together in an alluring tale that anyone will enjoy.

The characters are very colorful and of course amazing as they always are in Selznick's writing. My two favorite characters would have to be Joseph and Frankie. Both are stubborn and a force to be reckoned with for young children who are on a mission. They make you like them, they make you feel for them and understand them. I felt as though I knew them all and wanted to know them even better. They are all just beautifully done.

Of course I recommend this book to everyone, even if you don't read middle grade. Selznick's story telling should be appreciated by everyone because it is so very magical in every sense of the word. So pick it up and just try it out. If you don't like it then you just move on to something else without really losing anything at all, that is better than missing out completely.