Krull, Kathleen. 2005. HOUDINI: WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING. New York: Walker & Company.
ISBN 0802789536.

In this brief picture book biography, Kathleen Krull introduces young readers to Harry Houdini, born Erik Weiss of Budapest, who became the world’s foremost escape artist at the beginning of the 19^th century. The timeline traces Erik’s drive for fame from his self-taught trapeze act at age eight through his teenage athletic achievements (some self-bestowed) to his fascination with the life of the French founder of modern magic, Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin and his subsequent change of identity to focus on magic and “the art of the escape.” The book recounts how Houdini became famous with his daring escapes from chains, handcuffs, and even locked water-filled cabinets, then ends with a Behind the Scenes note giving further particulars of Houdini’s life, philosophy, and details of his death in 1926.

Interspersed with the story of Houdini’s life are double-page snapshot spreads showcasing his stage performances: The Milk Can Escape, The Metamorphosis (with his wife Bess), and The Underwater Handcuff Release, The Water Torture Cell, and The Suspended Straitjacket Escape. “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.” (School Library Journal, 2005)

The text is interesting, giving young readers an overview of Houdini’s accomplishments and emphasizing his dedication to his craft, appreciation of learning, and devotion to family. Personal quotes bring out the man behind the stage actor. A bibliography is included for interested readers to find out more about this real-life superhero who, 80 years after his death, remains “the most famous name in magic.”

Reviews and Awards

Booklist review: “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.”

School Library Journal review: “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.

Connections

One third grade class I know made lifesize paper cutouts of themselves, then “dressed” their paper doll as their chosen biographee and displayed them next to their written biography reports outside the classroom in the hallway for everyone passing by to admire. And of course it would be great fun to invite a local magician to the library to present a demonstration of magical illusions.

Other picture book biographies by Kathleen Krull:

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chaves, 2003

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman, 2000

The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss, 2004

Albert Einstein (Giants of Science series), 2009