'Teeny Houdini #1: The Disappearing Act' by Katrina Moore with illustrations by Zoe Si is the introduction to a new series of chapter books.

First grader Bessie Lee is tiny, but knows how to get in to big trouble. She wants to be a magician which leads to her making the class hamster disappear. She needs a cape and makes it out of her older sisters blanket. Can this teeny Houdini get her act together in time for the school's talent show?

I felt a connection to little Bessie Lee wanting to do the right thing, but messing up and maybe younger readers will as well. The story has humor and heart and fun illustrations.

Teeny Houdini follows in the tradition of Junie B Jones and Ramona: a quirky, well meaning kid who doesn't always think things through, often misunderstood by family and peers. Her tendency to act on instinct often gets her in trouble but her good heart means things always work out in the end. The story is clear and easy to follow and the characters are pleasant and believable

Bessie Lee is perhaps the most precocious, mischievous, and big-hearted youngster to enter the scene of children’s literature since Junie B. Jones. She’s a first-grader who lives with her parents, Gramma, and big sister Bailey. When her teacher, Ms. Stoltz, announces the upcoming First Grade Talent Show, Bessie’s head spins with dreams of grandeur, of wild applause and fame beyond imagination. She just needs a talent to get started with and she’ll be on her way.

Once she’s home, Bessie puts on her thinking hat and goes with her pet, Baby Rabbit, to her sister Bailey’s room to ask for her help in choosing a talent. At first, Bailey plays the part of the beleaguered older sister and insists she be left alone. However, at one point in the mostly one-sided conversation, Bailey looks at Bessie with her hat and clutching her rabbit and says, “What’s up, Houdini?” And thus a star is born. Bailey teaches Bessie all about the world’s most famous magician, and Bessie decides that becoming a Teeny Houdini herself will elevate her above her classmates and make her teeny in their eyes no longer.

As you can well imagine, chaos ensues, with Bessie being forced to learn some hard lessons along the way. In the end, and with a little help, she discovers that everyone has a little magic inside of them and that magic is worth celebrating.

Katrina Moore has created an instantly likable heroine in Bessie Lee, and Zoe Si’s soft Schulzesque illustrations are utterly adorable.
I can’t wait to recommend this series to young readers and their caregivers and I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. Two thumbs way up for Bessie Lee, the Teeny Houdini!

I liked the different cultures represented in this book and think that many kids would be able to feel like they can relate to the main character. However, that main character drove me nuts and kind of reminded me of Junie B Jones in some ways. I think kids would enhoy the book, but it is not a series that I would run ou t and buy for my classroom, just because I don't necessarily want my readers to mimic that type of writing.

Bessie is small. Smaller than the other 1st grade kids. In fact, she is teeny. Too short to use the swings and many other things for kids closer to "average" height. It also means that most kids don't want her to join them at recess, and one girl, Margo, treats her like a baby (in a mean way).

When Bessie hears about a talent contest, she decides to be a magician. Her first tricks don't go very well. Add to her list: Planning ahead is best.

After a rough beginning at magic, things go better, and with the help of her supportive grandmother (who only speaks Chinese), Bessie gets ready for the contest.

I like the way this story shows that Bessie's parents think they are teaching her one thing, but she is receiving a different message. It's a failure to communicate fully. And so often the case!

When Bessie makes a bad choice, she gets in trouble, but her family reminds her of their love. It's something we all long for!

The narration is sweet and touching, and is from the viewpoint of someone who can hear what Bessie is thinking; it's a funny place to be! Childlike thoughts like these are so different from what we normally see represented.

Bessie thinks things through to solve problems (usually); when she does, she makes her best choices.

This is overall the best children's book I have read this year. It focuses on what the child can do; she is self motivated, supported, and despite feeling teeny, she has the confidence and bravery to do something new (and ignore the risks of failure).

Bessie doesn't need to be propped up, she does it because she wants to. It's so different from many attitudes in social media now, and children need all of the empowerment they can get.

This little girl is spunky, adorable, and when she makes mistakes, she apologizes. It is refreshing and inspiring. And I'll never tell how she does the magic trick; you'll have to read this (early-reader) chapter book or ask a nice person to read it to you!

Great for kids of all ages, and some adults; I recommend this book as a gift for anyone who feels challenged in life. The Teeny Houdini is also the kind of book kids will read and cherish into adulthood.

5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this delightful book free, for a voluntary review.

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