In the past, I’ve taken on nonfiction picture book subjects that are a bit obscure, bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, outsider artist Nek Chand, the creatures in the Sargasso Sea. Those kinds of topics come with challenges: huge gaps in the historical record, few experts to draw on, and issues of how to introduce young readers to unfamiliar worlds.
Then again, you might wind up with a subject like Harry Houdini. When you say the name Houdini, no one, and (as far as I can tell) I do mean NO ONE on planet Earth, says “Who’s that?” He is beyond famous, an icon. A person so celebrated that his name has transitioned to a synonym found in the dictionary. Houdini means escape like Einstein means smart. Harry’s last name is known in all nations, gracing software, kitchen gadgets, clothing brands, and songs like the recent global hits by Eminem and Dua Lipa. All honoring a man who died at fifty two years old exactly a century ago.
When I was about ten, my grandmother introduced me to the 1953 movie Houdini and I kind of developed a crush. Tony Curtis’ muscles! The underwater escapes! Houdini’s mysterious death on Halloween! This Hollywood Houdini was perfect for a nerdy girl who spent weekends at sleepovers trying to levitate her friends and talk to Mary Worth in the mirror. There was something… well, magic, about the man’s story.
So, you’d think that I would have paid better attention when, more than a decade ago, I noticed a small sign at the Library of Congress that read, “Harry Houdini Collection.” Instead, focused on another project, I ignored it.
Turns out I’d passed right by Houdini’s biggest secret–
Then, around five years ago, while searching for quotes for an upcoming library presentation. I ran across some words from Harry Houdini, “I actually live in a library.” What? What did that mean? Why in the world would Houdini have anything to do with books?
Answering that question took me about three years of searching for the origins of Houdini’s library from Appleton, WI to New York City to Austin, TX. It turns out that Houdini was a major international book collector especially in the areas of magic, mystical arts, and the theater. A newspaperman estimated his collection at “15,000 books, fifty thousand prints, half a million cuttings, and four tons of theatrical bills.” There were so many books they lived in every room, so much material that he and his friends had to sneak any new purchases past his wife, Bess. Harry was so knowledgeable about his books that he was invited to speak as an expert to other collectors, and he had his own librarian.
A whole new side of Houdini appeared when I learned about his love of books. That love started early for an undereducated immigrant kid named Ehrich Weiss. Ehrich used books (and they were USED books!) to dream of a career in magic, create the name Houdini, and make his dreams a reality. Ultimately, through the lens of his books, Houdini grew more magical to me through his struggles and his lifelong commitment to reading. His book collections still live at the Library of Congress, the Ransom Center at the University of Texas, Austin, and in many private collections around the world. Harry has become a treasured personal hero, a person who believed in learning new things every day.
And I hope his love of books spreads to a new generation. Turns out there’s a LOT more to say about the secret book life of Harry Houdini! My newest picture book, HOUDINI’S LIBRARY, was just released by Knopf Books for Young Readers. The illustrations, painstakingly created by cut paper artist Mar Delmar, bring kids into Harry’s world through a series of lively dioramas.
Our entire team has been amazed that HOUDINI’S LIBRARY has so far received FOUR starred reviews, from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal and Booklist. Maybe book reviewers love to learn about fellow readers? Maybe Harry is looking out for our picture book from the great beyond? All we know for sure is that this most famous magician always knew where to find the world’s best magic…in books!
TA-DA! I’m giving away one copy of HOUDINI’S LIBRARY in a random drawing. Post a comment on this post to enter. The winner will be announced in my next post on April 28th! GOOD LUCK!
Barb, this sounds amazing! Can’t wait to learn more.
Thanks! I hope you like it!
What a story! And the illustrations—incredible! Can’t wait to read this one.
Yes! Mar did a wonderful job!
Fascinating! I hope this book inspires many readers.
Me too!
As a retired librarian, I find this absolutely fascinating! Thanks for following your instincts and making this aspect of Houdini’s life known, Barb!
Thanks, I really found it interesting!
Such a fan of all of your books and can’t wait to read this one! I toured the Houdini Museum in Appleton, WI last summer and I had no idea he was such a book fanatic.
Why thank you! I was there too! And may be going back for a visit this summer!
I spent a day or two in that museum a few years back! It was so helpful to see Appleton and I’m hoping to do a visit at the museum soon!
I had no idea Houdini was a book-lover with his own gigantic collection. Congrats on this wonderful new story–I can’t wait to read it!
Please let me know what you think!
Well, the new things one learns every day! No idea that Houdini loved books! What a perfect angle to use for your new book! Congratulations, Barb!
That’s why I love nonfiction so much!
Wow! This sounds magical! I can’t wait to read this!
Please let me know what you think!
When something is hiding in plain sight, those are the best magic tricks! This sounds like an enchanting book. Eager to read it.
I never thought of it that way, but you’re right!
I’m looking forward to reading this book just as I am for any Barb Rosenstock book. What a cover! And why in the world would you be amazed at receiving starred reviews? Thanks for writing this one!
I love the cover! And in this business you are always surprised about reviews, ‘cuz you just never ever know!
Amazing! I love how you discovered and researched a new aspect of this fascinating and well-known man. I can’t wait to read this magical new biography!
Thanks! I hope you do!
As a long time Houdini fan, I can’t wait to get my hands on this magical book.
I love him so much, he is like my boyfriend now! I hope you like the book.
I am SO looking forward to seeing this book, Barb! and I love that it’s more than the “magic”! Congrats!
Hey Beth! It always HAS to be something “more,” right?
Congratulations, Barb.
What a story! I didn’t know this about him. I look forward to reading the book and learning more.
Thank you! I didn’t know it either, love finding a new angle on these folks that everyone thinks they know!
Why didn’t I know this already?? I definitely want to read about Houdini and his library. Good for you for finding this story and making it available for the rest of us!
Wow! I loved learning that Houdini loved books. I laughed when I read his friends had to sneak new purchases past his wife. I can’t wait to read this book.
Oh my, that Bess Houdini was a pistol! She deserves her own picture book! Harry loved her but was seriously scared of her too!
Fascinating to learn something new about someone who is so well known. I can’t wait to read this! Congratulations!!
Finding these keys to the story are what makes writing them worthwhile! Please review it somewhere if you can!
PB gold! I love this new story of a well known subject. Can’t wait.
I hope so! If you read it, please leave a review!
Such a fascinating book!
I hope so!
Love your childhood! We used to levitate each other at out sleepovers (we called them slumber parties) too. How fascinating to learn about Houdini’s book collections.
those sleepovers sure are good for book ideas! If you read Houdini, I’d appreciate you leaving a review somewhere!
Love reading about the journey of this book! I cannot wait to read Houdini’s Library!
thanks Cheryl! Hope you like it.
Thank you so much!
Wow! I never knew that Houdini was a collector of books!
I look forward to reading your book!
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Didn’t realize I had something in common with Houdini. Books fill my house, and I always want to read more, to learn more. Thanks for sharing, Barb.
Mine too Kathy!
I am going to go look him up right now. AND place your books on order for our school.
Please DO and share his story with your school! Thanks!
What a great story. Look forward to reading it!