|
|
Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King
|
You are here:
Home > Unusual Subjects Books > Harry Houdini > Item
|
Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King
|
by Kathleen Krull and Eric Velasquez
Sales Rank : 940136
|
|
|
|
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers June 12, 2007
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080279646X
ISBN-13: 978-0802796462
Product Dimensions:
11.8 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5–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. His belief in hard work, self-education, and the value of books is emphasized. 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. This is, however, a somewhat sanitized portrayal of a complex and controversial figure. In an effort to portray a "real-life superhero," Krull avoids the negative aspects of his life such as the volatile combination of insecurity and arrogance, and alleged racism. Despite its narrow scope, this title will satisfy young Houdini fans. Older readers should try Clinton Cox's Houdini: Master of Illusion (Scholastic, 2001) or Tom Lalicki's Spellbinder (Holiday House, 2000) for more in-depth portraits of the master of magic.–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. 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 ("Failure to escape means a drowning death! / An assistant stands by with an ax just in case"). Though together the main narrative and poetry barely skim the surface of Houdini's life, the card-trick contingent will find the combination accessible, and motivated children will take full advantage of the amplifying endnote and resource listing. It's hard not to notice that Velasquez's paintings resemble the artwork of Brian Selznick, but if the parallels reminds grown-ups to direct older Houdini-obsessed youngsters to Selznick's own chapter book, The Houdini Box (1991), so much the better. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
|
|
|
|
