The Houdini Box - Hardcover

Selznick, Brian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1416968784 ISBN 13: 9781416968788

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008

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, to walk through walls, and to perform any number of Houdini's astonishing magic tricks...without success. Then -- amazingly -- he meets his idol and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious, locked box is the only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets of the most famous magic tricks ever performed?

From the creator of the Caldecott Medal-winning bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret comes this magical storybook that combines captivating mystery with mesmerizing historical fiction. Now, as a bonus at the end of the book, you will find a biographical note about Houdini, an illustrated magic trick, never-before-seen sketches by Brian Selznick, and more. The Houdini Box conjures up the pure pleasure of an old-time magic show.

About this title

About the Author

Brian Selznick is the author and illustrator of the bestselling The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a National Book Award finalist. He is also the illustrator of many books for children, including Frindle and Lunch Money by Andrew Clements, as well as the Doll People trilogy by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, which was a Caldecott Honor Book. Mr. Selznick divides his time between Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.

Reviews

Grade 3–5—Selznick reintroduces The Houdini Box, originally published in 1991 (Knopf). In the story, young Victor, a would-be magician, encounters his hero Harry Houdini and is given a prize box belonging to the famous man. Years later, the boy makes an amazing discovery, enabling him to perform an escape trick on his own. In this new edition, Selznick follows his intriguing tale with bonus material: a biographical note on Houdini, an illustrated magic trick, research notes on the writing of the book, and early sketches for the artwork. Libraries not holding the earlier book will want to consider adding this edition as it is sure to intrigue youngsters, particularly those interested in magic.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA
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Edition details

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1416968784
• ISBN 13: 9781416968788
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Selznick Brian
• Number of pages: 80