Harry and the Highwire: Houdini's First Amazing Act

A fun, illustrated story of Harry Houdini's first trick for young readers.

Julie Carpenter’s inspiring story of Houdini shows how, like him, we can open the locks and dance on the high wire. It’s only a matter of practice. And believing in yourself.’ ― Eric Kimmel

As a young boy of seven, Harry is desperate to do something incredible - but what? A visit to the circus provides the answer when he sees the daring tightrope walker thrilling the audience. From that moment on, all Harry wants to do is to walk the tightrope. But how? His first try, on the family clothesline, ends in disaster but Harry's not about to give up yet. He starts practising in his every spare moment and in every location he can think of. Will he get to the other side or will he fall? (And will his pet chicken Banjoe be able to keep up?)

An inspiring tale about one of history’s most fascinating figures, Harry and the Highwire is essential reading for children, teaching them about the importance of ambition, hard work and, crucially, of believing in yourself, even when things seem impossible.

The reverse side of this fun, fully fold-out book includes a biography and illustrated timeline of Houdini's life, along with a focus on three of his most famous tricks (and hints on how he did them).

Julie Carpenter is a journalist, writer and editor of over 20 years experience. After gaining a masters degree from Oxford University, she started out as a gossip columnist on The Daily Express. She then became a feature writer and theatre critic there for many years. She has also written news, comment, travel, magazine and lifestyle articles and contributed a regular Sunday Express column. Since having her own children, she found herself re-immersed in the wonderful world of children’s literature and began editing for Green Bean Books. Harry and the High-Wire is her first children’s story.

Laura Catalán has illustrated numerous fiction books and educational material for Spanish, UK, and US publishing houses. Her picture books include Two Peas in a Pod, The Naughty Spectre, and Daughter of the God Sülde.