A Picture Book of Harry Houdini

by David A. Adler, Michael S. Adler

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The story of how Harry Houdini astounded audiences around the globe as he freed himself from ropes, handcuffs, and prison cells.

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11 reviews
What struck me most about this book were the illustrations. Magic is an attempt to make possible what seems impossible. The illustrations seem to follow this path as well. Unlike the other books that I've read, this book seems to pay great detail to the illustrations. Individual muscles are sculpted while facial expressions and shadows seem to be accurate to their purpose. It was rather sad hearing that such a great person dies of punches from a kid.

I found the final picture to be the most dramatic. The city seems pristine while there is an incredibly long line of people to mourn Harry Houdini. The contrast between sad and fresh was interesting. And I must admit, for a performer, he has one of the greatest death bed quotes, "I am tired show more of fighting. Guess his thing is going to get me." It is exceptionally understated for a person who had performed the extraordinary his entire life. This was a great book.

Where did that elephant go?
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Perfect biography choice for students. Houdini was so fascinating and the book always surprises children when they discover how he actually died. Everyone always this he must have died during one of his escapes, but his death is not as glorious and mystifying as his stunts. An absolute must have for the classroom, wether you read it as a Read Aloud or as an independent choice, get it! The illustrations are an added bonus in this wonderful picture book!
I enjoyed learning things I did not know about the escape artist known as Houdini. I was not aware that his real name was Ehrich Weisz and that his father was a rabbi in Milwaukee. I did not know that he worked as a child in a "five-cent" circus or that his skill with locks came from his background of working in a locksmith's shop. His name was derived by the names of two of his favorite magicans. I learned a lot of facts about his life that I did not know before. I did not know who he married, where he had traveled. The ending is very sad when the book described how he died. I think this book has good historical background and would be a good teaching aid.
This a picture book biography about Harry Houdini which starts with his birth and goes all the way to his death. It is a quick overview of his life with a lot of little fun facts about him that you may not know. I did not realize I did not know much about Houdini until I read this book! I would recommend this book for Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Harry Houdini astounded audiences every where with his amazing, death defying illusions and tricks. Houdini freed himself from ropes, handcuffs, and straight jackets. Houdini's tricks mesmorized people time and time again. The illustrations in this book were very bright, colorful, and realistic. I like the fact that it's a picture book and appeals to children so they're leaerning without realiing it.
This book is about the famous escape artist Harry Houdini. It takes you on a journey from his first attempt as a magician and escape artist, to his death. The book tells you about his wife and the death of his mother (he took the news terribly). For a child, a little upsetting. - Karen S.
½
The life story of Harry Houdini is an interesting one. This book details his life through pictures. It is a great look in to the time period of his life.

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David A. Adler was born in New York City. He attended Queen's College in New York City and later, earned an MBA in Marketing from New York University. He writes both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of Cam Jansen mysteries and the Andy Russell titles. His titles has earned him numerous awards including a Sydney Taylor Book Award for his show more title "The Number on My Grandfather's Arm," "A Picture Book of Jewish Holidays" was named a Notable Book of 1981 by the American Library Association and "Our Golda" was named a Carter G. Woodson Award Honor Book. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Collins, Matt (Illustrator)

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Classifications

Genre
Picture Books
DDC/MDS
793.8092Arts & recreationRecreation, sports, and performing artsGames, PuzzlesMagic tricks, juggling, ventriloquismBiography; History By PlaceBiography
LCC
GV1545 .H8 .A5Geography, Anthropology and RecreationRecreation. LeisureRecreation. LeisureGames and amusementsParlor magic and tricks
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Members
404
Popularity
76,757
Reviews
11
Rating
½ (3.67)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
7