The Houdini Box - Hardcover

Selznick, Brian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689844883 ISBN 13: 9780689844881

Publisher: Atheneum, 2001

Synopsis

Open this book and come face-to-face with the greatest magician of all time -- Harry Houdini! Victor is forever trying to escape from locked trunks, walk through walls, and perform any number of Houdini's astonishing magic tricks...without success. Then -- amazingly -- he actually meets his idol and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious locked box is the magician's only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets to the most famous magic tricks ever performed? As spellbinding as a virtuoso performance by Houdini himself, this illustrated storybook for all ages combines captivating mystery and mesmerizing historical fiction, and as a bonus, offers a biographical note about Houdini. Equally strong as a read-aloud or a read-alone book, The Houdini Box conjures up the pure pleasure of an old-time magic show.

About this title

Review:

"Crosshatched pencil drawings expertly capture the story's droller moments, as well as Victor's changing expressions....This brief story has an appeal beyond its reading level." -- "School Library Journal"

"In his arresting, informative blend of fact and fiction, Selznick splendidly captures the sense of wonder surrounding Houdini." -- "Publishers Weekly"

"Selznick illustrates his first book with vigorous, carefully composed black-and-white drawings; his faces express emotion with subtlety and quiet humor. The offbeat story is smoothly told...." -- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author:

Brian Selznick also wrote and illustrated The Boy of a Thousand Faces. Among the books he has illustrated are The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan, which was a finalist for the Independent Booksellers Award, and Frindle by Andrew Clements, which won the Christopher Award. Mr. Selznick lives in Brooklyn, New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0689844883
• ISBN 13: 9780689844881
• Binding: Hardcover