I, Houdini: The Amazing Story of an Escape-Artist Hamster

I read this one years ago, but unfortunately didn't remember much of it, so I decided to read it again. And honestly, what could be more fun than reading the adventures of an escape-artist hamster in first person perspective?

Having always been fascinated by magic, and also having a pet hamster at the time, this book immediately grabbed my interest. It's also from the author of The Indian in the Cupboard, so it's full of miniature-sized adventure both inside and outside as Houdini manages to escape from almost every trap he finds himself in. He is, after all, quite the clever hamster.

I read this book dog-eared and shredded when I was little, and I found a copy at a used book store recently. I think as a kid, I loved the premise of looking at the world from the perspective of a tiny animal. As an adult, I was SO ANNOYED by the pompous hamster voice! It reads like the most condescending lecture ever. Which, I think, is just the character of Houdini, but I guess as a grown up it's annoying instead of interesting. Oh well. It's a good book for kids who like animal based stories.

Houdini, a little golden ball of fur and determination. He hears the call of being free and after one escape and he makes it to the great outdoors, the call of the wild is all he can hear.

Yes, the humans are nice and give him a warm cage to live in, with plenty of food and attention; but what he really wants is to be free and live in the open as his ancestors did. To experience Nature and all its glory!

After adventures exploring the Father's workshop, inside the piano, the fireplace, under the floor boards near the hot water pipes, Houdini gets his chance and takes it. Yes, it is wild and open, but it is also populated with other critters such as cats, dogs and mice and flying things! And the weather isn't always pleasant, show more either.

Written from the viewpoint of Houdini, you find that he is a bit cultured and educated and very observant for a creature with bad eyesight. He is persistent and resourceful and determined to survive.

With Lynne Reid Banks' writing and illustrations by Terry Riley this is a Goodread for kids and adults alike. show less

Enjoyable reading from an author who probably does her research by lying on the floor and checking out the view from 2 inches above sea level and the underside of things. How else could she get the authentic viewpoint for The Indian In The Cupboard as well as hamster Houdini?

The story of a clever hamster named Houdini, who has a knack for escaping from cages and getting into all sorts of adventures. The story is told from Houdini's perspective, showcasing his humorous escapades and his desire for freedom and exploration.

Top notch anthropomorphic kiddy reading.

If you're going to read a book about a hamster, why not read this one?