Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King [Hardcover]

Kathleen Krull (Author), Eric Velasquez (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

Introducing the astonishing, the unforgettable ... HOUDINI!

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 seek his fortune, Houdini mastered every form of magic available-- card tricks, juggling, illusions-- and travelled the world over to make a name for himself.

But true stardom came to him only when he began to focus his act around daring, heart-stopping escapes. By sheer force of will, Houdini trained his body to withstand the torturous demands of the elaborate acts he created.

How did he do it? Magicians never tell. Yet acclaimed author Kathleen Krull and award-winning illustrator Eric Velasquez combine their talents to reveal the remarkable story of the World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5–An attractive, oversize picture-book biography. Framed descriptions of some of Houdini's most famous stunts are interspersed within the overview of his life. The author's crisp narrative style and careful choice of detail are evident here. Readers get a sense of Houdini's commitment, determination, and dedication to his family. His belief in hard work, self-education, and the value of books is emphasized. Velasquez's impressive framed, posed oil paintings portray the magician's intensity and sense of showmanship. Most of the illustrations feature Houdini and his performances, and the design and varied layout are very effective. This is, however, a somewhat sanitized portrayal of a complex and controversial figure. In an effort to portray a "real-life superhero," Krull avoids the negative aspects of his life such as the volatile combination of insecurity and arrogance, and alleged racism. Despite its narrow scope, this title will satisfy young Houdini fans. Older readers should try Clinton Cox's Houdini: Master of Illusion (Scholastic, 2001) or Tom Lalicki's Spellbinder (Holiday House, 2000) for more in-depth portraits of the master of magic.–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. In this biography of one of history's most successful showmen, Krull's expository narrative periodically pauses to revisit the old-fashioned theater depicted in the splashy title-page sequence. These clever interludes feature vivid, free-verse poems that cast children as audience members at Houdini's most fabled performances ("Failure to escape means a drowning death! / An assistant stands by with an ax just in case"). Though together the main narrative and poetry barely skim the surface of Houdini's life, the card-trick contingent will find the combination accessible, and motivated children will take full advantage of the amplifying endnote and resource listing. It's hard not to notice that Velasquez's paintings resemble the artwork of Brian Selznick, but if the parallels reminds grown-ups to direct older Houdini-obsessed youngsters to Selznick's own chapter book, The Houdini Box (1991), so much the better. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802789536
• ISBN-13: 978-0802789532
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,900,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

KATHLEEN KRULL is well known for her innovative, award-winning nonfiction for young readers, which includes the successful Lives of... series. Kathleen Krull lives in San Diego, CA. Visit her at www.kathleenkrull.com AND http://facebook.com/kathleen.krull

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars learned alot, June 20, 2005

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King (Hardcover)

This is a picture book biography of Houdini. It tells us about his life. It tells us that he practiced his tricks a lot and never gave up on his dreams of becoming a master escape king. The book tells of some of his most famous tricks.




What did you like or not like about the book?

The story is simple and straight forward it should appeal to young readers.




Would you recommend the book? Why or Why not?

Kids who want to learn more about the life of Houdini should read this book.