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Houdini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician

by Barb Rosenstock

The books behind Houdini’s magic

Regular price $17.09 USD
Regular price $28.49 USD Sale price $17.09 USD
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Hardcover New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

The books behind Houdini’s magic

Harry Houdini’s public fame rested on daring tricks, but this picture-book biography traces another enduring part of his life: his devotion to reading and collecting books. It begins with young Harry learning to read in Budapest, then follows his family’s move to America and his lifelong interest in books, especially rare and unusual volumes about magic. The contrast between Houdini as a celebrated performer and as a committed reader gives the biography its central perspective. The illustrations incorporate miniature paper models, adding a crafted visual dimension to this account of how books remained part of Houdini’s life.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 interested in biographies
  • Young readers curious about Harry Houdini, magic, and books
  • Families and educators seeking picture-book nonfiction

Themes

Reading and book collectingMagic and performanceHoudini’s childhood and lifeImmigration and family

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A fresh and fascinating picture book biography about the iconic magician Harry Houdini, an avid book collector who lived and breathed the idea that books are magic, from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.

Houdini is the world's most beloved magician, and he became famous for all of the amazing tricks he accomplished. Houdini knew just how to captivate his audience, whether it was leaping from a bridge or freeing himself from a straitjacket. But in true magician's fashion, he kept a secret so great that not many people knew about, and that was his love for books!

As a young boy in Budapest, Harry learned to read at his father's knee. After the family emigrated to America, Harry grew up to be the amazing Houdini--but never lost his love of reading. He spent the rest of his life collecting all kinds of rare and unusual books, almost entirely about magic. With warm, inviting text and astounding art with miniature models constructed from paper, this extraordinary book opens a new page on the story of Harry Houdini.
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