Brian Selznick is an innovative storyteller who uses both intricate hand drawings and text to tell his stories. His middle-grade novels, The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck, are contemporary classics. The Marvels is perhaps even more extraordinary than its predecessors, consisting of two linked stories, the first told entirely in beautiful drawings.

It begins with a shipwreck in 1766 and the sole survivor, Billy Marvel, is devastated by the death of his brother Marcus. In London, Billy joins the crew building the Royal Theatre. Generations of Marvels then grow up in the theatre and on stage. Tragically, a fire later destroys the theatre, but do the Marvels escape?

The second story begins in 1990 with young Joseph Jervis, who is running away from boarding school to find his uncle, who lives in London’s East End. What he uncovers at his uncle’s candlelit 18th century house is extraordinary and links these two stories in an entirely unexpected way.

This wonderful book is Selznick’s homage to Dennis Severs’ house in London, a living museum that has recreated life in the 18th century. Both adults and readers aged 10 and up will be captivated by the story, the stunning illustrations and the mystery encased within both.

Angela Crocombe is the Children’s Book Buyer at Readings Carlton.