Name a magician. Most people tend to name Harry Houdini, even today. He is that well known. Over the years Hazel and I have explored Harry Houdini, but I don't know that much about his life. Today we are sharing a wonderful new picture book biography on him and his love of books. The book is Houdini's Library by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mar Delmar. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8, but I would say it is on the older side of that maybe 6 to 10.
About the Book:
A fresh and fascinating picture book biography about the iconic magician Harry Houdini, an avid book collector who lived and breathed the idea that books are magic, from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.Houdini is the world’s most beloved magician, and he became famous for all of the amazing tricks he accomplished. Houdini knew just how to captivate his audience, whether it was leaping from a bridge or freeing himself from a straitjacket. But in true magician’s fashion, he kept a secret so great that not many people knew about, and that was his love for books!
As a young boy in Budapest, Harry learned to read at his father’s knee. After the family emigrated to America, Harry grew up to be the amazing Houdini–but never lost his love of reading. He spent the rest of his life collecting all kinds of rare and unusual books, almost entirely about magic. With warm, inviting text and astounding art with miniature models constructed from paper, this extraordinary book opens a new page on the story of Harry Houdini.
From Me:
Harry Houdini grew up learning to read by his father. His father was a rabbi in Budapest but dreamed of something more for his family. He shipped his beloved books and family to America in hopes of a better life. However, America did not provide a better life. Eventually he lost his job as a rabbi and had to work in a factory. Harry worked beside him. His well-educated father did the same job as Harry who had no formal education. Eventually his father had to sell off his book collection. The books meant so much to Harry as well as his father. Harry loved books and loved to read. He wanted to do more and went to the public library to find more books to read. He discovered one about magic and became fascinated. In his spare time, he would read everything he could find about magic and practiced what he learned. Soon he was beginning to perform magic. He met Bess who became his assistant and his wife. They traveled the world and Harry kept collecting books. He was even able to buy back some of his father's collection.
This book shares the thrill of reading that Harry had. It shares how his love of reading helped improve his life and live his father's dream of a better life. His determination and desire for success as well as his love of reading and learning truly made him the success he was. This book lets readers learn all of that.
Harry's hard work paid off and while he gained success his personal library continued to grow. While he traveled, he searched bookstores (often used ones) for books as well as prints to add to his collection. His collection got so big he had to hire a librarian to order it and keep it. I love how the story shares about Houdini's life but also shares how his love of reading truly made him the success he was. This is such a strong message for kids to hear. Books can change your life. They changed Harry Houdini's so much that many people still list him as the first magician they think of even 100 years after he lived.
This story is perfect for every classroom library and public library. It is great for story time as well as a wonderful biography. It is easy to read and truly interesting to learn about some of the behind the scene parts of Houdini's life. Kids will enjoy it and it is educational. Plus it has the amazing message about books!
