PPBF: Houdini

. . . World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King

Welcome again to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Author: Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher: Walker and Company
Date: 2005


Genre: Juvenile Biography
Ages: 6-10

Themes: Houdini, magicians, escape artists, perseverance

Front Flap: "He made himself a living legend and became the most famous name in magic. But Harry Houdini, like his acts, was fascinating and mysterious. As a child, he was often on the edge of homelessness, so he would charge crowds to watch him perform tricks he knew no one else could do. After leaving home to seem his fortune, Houdini mastered every form of magic available--card tricks, juggling, illusions--and traveled the world over to make a name for himself. . ."

First Lines: "Watch Houdini thump and pound at a steel can meant to hold milk. His assistants pour twenty pails of water into the can. They handcuff him, then help him inside. He shrinks, he curls, he takes a big gulp of air. . ."

Why I like this book: I have always been fascinated with Houdini, even as a child. I remember watching a movie back in the 70's about his life and work. Not only does it chronicle his progress, but tells about all his famous tricks and feats. The back of the book holds a bibliography, and a list of films about his life.

Links:

Find the used book here


Interesting website about the Houdini museum here


Fourth grade unit on Houdini found here

Have you, too, been fascinated with Houdini's performances?