Harry Houdini for Kids: His Life and Adventures with 21 Magic Tricks and Illusions

Description

Illusionist, escape artist, movie star, aviator, and spy--Harry Houdini was all these and an international celebrity and the world's most famous magician. This fascinating biography looks at all the facets of Houdini's amazing life and includes 21 magic tricks and illusions for a hands-on learning experience. Children will be inspired by this Jewish immigrant who grew up in poverty and, through perseverance and hard work, went on to become one of the most popular and successful entertainers of all time. Houdini was an artist who created his acts carefully, practicing them for years in some cases. He performed such seemingly impossible stunts as escaping several sets of handcuffs and ropes after jumping off a bridge into a flowing river. Kids will learn how he devised his most legendary stunts and will also learn the science and logic behind many of Houdini's acts including his famous milk can escape. Kids can amaze their family and friends with these simple, entertaining, and fun tricks and illusions: * Stepping through an index card * Performing an odd number trick * Making a coin appear * Mind reading with a secret code * Making a magic box * Lifting a person with one hand * Making a talking board * And much more

Laurie Carlson is the author of Colonial Kids, Westward Ho!, More Than Moccasins, Green Thumbs, and Kids Camp! She has taught preschool, primary grades, and children's art classes. She lives in Cheney, Washington.

"A very comprehensive biography" -- Publishers Weekly "A wealth of detailed information on ... Houdini." -- Kirkus Reviews "Reluctant readers (as well as budding troublemakers) will flock to this biography/handbook hybrid ...[Carlson's)]snappy writing gives it new life ... enlivened with period photographs ... this is one book that will magically vanish from shelves." --Booklist "The perfect introduction to the life of a celebrated magician." -- Curriculum Review "Thoroughly entertaining biography." --magic-books.blogspot.com "A very comprehensive biography." --Virginian-Pilot "When you get Harry Houdini for Kids and give it to your young prestidigitator, you know you'll be conjuring up a good time (Carlson) gives kids a thorough overview kids will enjoy this book, as will an adult fan of illusion or circus lore." --parumphvalleytimes.com "The man who never ceases to fascinate comes to life in the pages of this in-depth look at his amazing life and magicc" --About.com Tweens