Harry and the Highwire

"Picture book biography Harry and The High Wire takes place during Houdini’s childhood, when he became enthralled with a tightrope walking act at the circus. For an ordinary boy, this taste of the extraordinary sparked his first interest in the performative arts... The fully fold-out book is cleverly laid out so that the art continues on the pages that eventually lay out to 4 meters wide (that’s 157.48 inches to us Americans). The art flows to these wider spreads with a lamp wire becoming a clothesline, flowing into a tree and then a tightrope. The engaging drawings feature different points of view, including an aerial shot looking down at Harry on the high-wire. Great attention to detail gives the art a welcoming, familiar feel. One side of the fold-out is the story of Harry learning to walk the high wire; the other side offers a peek into some of his amazing tricks, a timeline, and a biography." ~Shanna Silva, SydneyTaylorSchmooze.com

"After seeing The Great Weitzman walk the tightrope at a circus, a boy called Harry is inspired to emulate him. He begins with the washing line at home - but many falls lie between him and success. Harry and the Highwire, Houdini's First Amazing Act by Julie Carpenter has an innovative fold-out structure. Side A is a joyful picture book, with playful graphics, and intricate illustrations by Laura Catalán. Side B, for older readers, provides a fabulously decorated timeline and discusses some of Houdini's most impressive illusions, such as the vanishing elephant. Age five to adult." ~Angela Kiverstein, The Jewish Chronicle

"Carpenter’s language is simple and direct, and Catalán’s pictures allow for shifts between characters’ perspectives...The story and illustrations convey both Harry’s individual sense of commitment and the community’s faith in his dream." ~Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council

"A delightful and well-done Houdini book for children." ~wildabouthoudini.com

"This unique book, which opens like a concertina to 4 metres wide, holds an inspiring tale, outlining the progress that Harry goes through to become the performer as which he is known throughout the world. One side of the concertina tells of his determination to be a daring tight-rope walker, and an escape artist.   The reverse side of this fun, fully fold-out book includes a biography, and full and colourful illustrations of his life and tricks… An amazing book for 5-10 year olds." ~Hilary Schuman, West London Synagogue