A Picture Book of Harry Houdini. This item is unavailable.A Picture Book of Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini astounded audiences around the globe with his death-defying acts and illusions.

With his wife, Bess, often by his side, he freed himself from ropes, handcuffs, straitjackets, and prison cells. Once he even made a ten-thousand-pound elephant vanish into thin air! Yet Harry's life was not always so glamorous. When he was a boy, he shined shoes and did odd jobs to help make ends meet. But a career in magic was always in the cards for Harry. Readers will be mesmerized by this captivating biography of one of the most celebrated escape artists and magicians in history.

For almost thirty years, David Adler's Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler's "expert mixtures of facts and personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

David A. Adler is the celebrated author of more than two hundred books for children. His books have received many honors, including the Sydney Taylor Book Award, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book, a Golden Kite Honor Book, and a NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book. He lives in the New York City metropolitan area.