Harry and the Highwire: Houdini's First Amazing Act

by Julie Carpenter, Laura Catalan (illustrator)

"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 KimmelAs 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 practicing 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 High-wire 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).

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2024

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard for me to find biography children's books that I enjoy, and I am pleased to say that this was incredible. I loved the words the author used to describe Houdini's early childhood act, and how she was able to make a biography so interesting for kids. And do not even get me started on the illustrations, absolutely stunning. I highly recommend this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasant look at the young life of Harry Houdini, clearly showing him as a young Jewish lad without labouring the fact, and having him besotted by the wire-walker that headlined his first trip to the circus. Pages flip out and fold out from behind each other and expand and extend to have a great single stretch of material – with one kind of rope or wire or something seen across each and every one, showing Harry's path to success, where we finally see a top-down view of him managing the feat himself. The final beat shows said rope entangling the globe in Harry's glory, which is further itemised on the reverse of all this by the non-fiction side of things – a timeline of the man, a look at some of his more noted tricks, and so on. All told it's an homage to practice and perseverance as much as a biography – so a decent item all round. A strong four stars.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could I not love a simple but well planned and beautifully illustrated fun book about Harry Houdini?! I think it is marvelous and plan to send a copy to family who no longer live in Wisconsin.
The illustrations by Laura Catalan are clear, imaginative, colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Pen & Sword, Green Bean Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 30 Mar 2024

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even Harry Houdini had to work hard and practice. Once he figured out what he wanted to do, though, he worked hard to achieve his goals and kept getting better all the time.
I really like the way the illustrations carry over from page to page, which makes you feel like you're on a journey with Harry. There are a lot more facts about his life at the end of the story and even some fun tricks to try.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

I did not know how hard Harry worked from a young age and still did not give up his dreams. Such an inspiring story was told very well.

The timelines were the cherry on top. I think kids will be fascinated by his life, especially the magic lovers

[myalianom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin loved it, worried it might have given him ideas…

I was expecting it to actually teach us how to do houdinis tricks but it did not, although it still had plenty of great information and it was very cool how it unfolded.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found Houdini fascinating since I was a kid, but I didn't know about his early adventures with tightrope-walking.

ARC from Netgalley

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most adults know about the great magician Harry Houdini. But how did he get his start? Julie Carpenters clever biography picture book relates how Houdini fell in love with the idea of performing at the age of seven, when he saw a highwire act at the circus. He practiced over and over through the seasons until he could actually master the art. The illustrations by Laura Catalan are simple, bright and inviting. Each picture sits side by side on a long fold out. Harry starts practicing on a clothesline which becomes a rope and eventually a wire and this tightrope meanders in one continuous line across the panels tying the illustrations together. This sweet story gives us a glimpse at the man's early childhood and his first experience as a performer. But the story is actually more about the theme, hard work and perseverance will help lead to success. The flip side of the fold out contains a time line about Houdini's life and explanations of some of his most famous tricks. I have read a lot of children's biographies and this is one of the most charming that I have come across.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this book was excellent and I loved the story.

I loved that it showed the determination of Houdini in the book and how much he wanted to succeed. The illustrations were perfect for the book and really brought Harry’s story to life.

I read the book with my 6 year old daughter and I loved the way that the book was written and how well it was all put together. She was able to read the book to me and really enjoyed it from start to finish.

The story was easy for her to read and follow and it was a great way for us to spend some time together – we do love our reading time and she takes after me with her massive love of books!

It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!