“[A] compelling and wholly original tale….Pure magic.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Everyone thinks they know Harry Houdini, but have you ever heard about the real secret behind his magic? HOUDINI’S LIBRARY (Knopf Books for Young Readers | ages 4-8), written by Caldecott Honoree Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mar Delmar, is on sale now and reveals the world-famous illusionist’s greatest inspiration of all: books!

Perfectly timed for the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death in 2026, this fascinating picture book biography is a timely love letter to the magic of books and libraries. Follow Houdini’s spellbinding journey from his childhood in Budapest to the height of his career—all through the lens of the books he cherished. Ideal for book lovers, history buffs, and budding magicians young and old.                                                                                                                                                              “A visual delight and excellent take on Houdini’s life…”—School Library Journal, starred review    

                
A fresh and fascinating picture book biography about the iconic magician Harry Houdini, an avid book collector who lived and breathed the idea that books are magic, from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.

Houdini is the world’s most beloved magician, and he became famous for all of the amazing tricks he accomplished. Houdini knew just how to captivate his audience, whether it was leaping from a bridge or freeing himself from a straitjacket. But in true magician’s fashion, he kept a secret so great that not many people knew about, and that was his love for books!

As a young boy in Budapest, Harry learned to read at his father’s knee. After the family emigrated to America, Harry grew up to be the amazing Houdini–but never lost his love of reading. He spent the rest of his life collecting all kinds of rare and unusual books, almost entirely about magic. With warm, inviting text and astounding art with miniature models constructed from paper, this extraordinary book opens a new page on the story of Harry Houdini.

“The theme, that books were Houdini’s great escape—and can be anyone’s—is convincing and inspirational. This book has magic all its own.” —Booklist, starred review

Barb Rosenstock likes true stories about real people. She is the author of nonfiction and historical fiction children’s books that combine deep research and playful language to bring history to life. Her book, The Noisy Paint Box, illustrated by Mary Grandpré, received a Caldecott Honor. Other awards include an Orbis Pictus Honor, a Sydney Taylor Honor and the California Library Association Beatty Award as well as numerous national and state recognitions. Barb loves sharing stories and inspiring students in schools and libraries across the country. She lives with her family near Chicago.

“Mesmerizing account…The creative team’s illumination of Houdini continually amazes in this elegant work about books as his ‘greatest escape’.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review