NBC'S 'Today' Picks the Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick as First Selection in 'Al's Book Club For Kids'

NBC'S 'Today' Picks the Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick as First Selection in 'Al's Book Club For Kids'

NEW YORK, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Al's Book Club For Kids" has picked The Invention of Hugo Cabret as its first book selection. The announcement was made this morning by Al Roker on NBC's "Today." Published in March 2007 by Scholastic Press, the #1 New York Times best-selling debut novel by award-winning artist Brian Selznick is a book in words and pictures featuring more than 300 illustrations. As part of the Book Club, Brian Selznick is scheduled to appear on "Today" for a live in-studio interview on May 18.

"Al's Book Club For Kids" is a new series to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long. It coincides with the Scholastic Summer Reading Buzz!(TM) Campaign to help get kids reading "Four or More" books to combat the "summer slide"-a common loss of skills attributed to being out of school for a period of time. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is the first of four books to be featured on "Today" that kids can read and discuss over the summer. For more information on "Al's Book Club for Kids," visit www.todayshow.com. For more information about the Scholastic Summer Reading Buzz!(TM) Campaign, visit www.scholastic.com/summerreading.

Universally praised by critics since its release and called "a masterpiece" by Publishers Weekly, The Invention of Hugo Cabret has been on the New York Times best-seller list for 13 consecutive weeks to date. The Invention of Hugo Cabret has more than 300,000 copies in print, and Scholastic has gone back to press six times. As reported in Variety on February 22nd, Warner Bros. has acquired the film rights for the book.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a spellbinding story set in 1930s Paris about a boy named Hugo-an orphan, clock keeper, and thief-who lives in the walls of a busy train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks-like the gears of the clocks he keeps-with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the train station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate and tender mystery. Selznick seamlessly weaves the story from narrative to picture to extraordinary effect.

Al's Book Club For Kids" will have extensive online components at Todayshow.com and scholastic.com/summerreading. Parents and kids alike from across the country can be part of the club by emailing questions for the authors, who will answer a select few live on "Today." Todayshow.com will continue the discussions with the author online after each book club segment airs. In addition, at Scholastic.com/summerreading (launching May 15) kids can access fun book-themed activities, join a book community, and create their own reading log. Parents, teachers and librarians can also find expert advice on reading and age-appropriate summer book lists for kids in English and Spanish, as well as downloadable materials that will help engage kids in reading.

About NBC News' "Today"

NBC News pioneered the morning news program when it launched "Today" over 55 years ago, with Dave Garroway as host. The three-hour live broadcast provides the latest in domestic and international news, weather reports and interviews with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, business, media, entertainment and sports. After more than 48 years of the standard two-hour format, the third hour was launched in October of 2000, making "Today" the only three-hour national morning show broadcast. The program is unparalleled in its ratings dominance in the morning news arena, serving as America's overwhelming favorite for more than eleven consecutive years.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school- based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rmarchuk@scholastic.com

Source: Scholastic Corporation

CONTACT: Lauren Kapp of NBC, +1-212-664-2919, lauren.kapp@nbcuni.com; or
Sara Sinek, +1-212-343-6899, ssinek@scholastic.com, or Charisse Meloto,
+1-212-389-3785, cmeloto@scholastic.com, both of Scholastic

Web site:

http://www.scholastic.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/summerreading
http:/www.Todayshow.com

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