A picture book of Harry Houdini

The long-standing and popular Picture Book Biographies series moves on from more sober historical figures to take on its first entertainer. While it's at it, the series gets a refreshing new cover design, with a marquee-style title presentation and a dramatic close-up of Houdini against vivid red drapes. Nuanced paintings of Houdini's most daring feats, such as his escape from a submerged coffin, enliven the straightforward information about his background and personal history, from his family's immigration to the United States to his decision as a young adult to make magic and illusions his life's work. The most important elements that have made the series a hit with teachers and kids doing research haven't changed: the clear text, accessible illustrations, and helpful back matter including a bibliography, list of important dates, and recommended Web sites all provide a thorough and well-researched introduction to this fascinating figure.--Foote, Diane Copyright 2009 Booklist

Gr 1-3-From Houdini's humble beginnings to international superstardom, this picture-book biography presents the highlights of the magician's life. Deeply hued illustrations, heavy with red and black tones, are well suited to the subject and give the text added drama and depth. Careful research is reflected in the quotations that are fully attributed and an authors' note describing historical discrepancies that exist with regard to Houdini's background. Events are detailed in a straightforward, mostly chronological arrangement that makes the book easy to follow for beginning readers. Kathleen Krull's Houdini (Walker, 2007), also a picture-book biography but written for slightly older children, is more successful in capturing Houdini's unique spirit and personal oddities.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.