Life is Magic

When his magician slips on a banana skin (literally), it is up to Houdini, the rabbit, to take over. Houdini loves magic; he is a natural. He is a great success. But life is hollow without a proper partner. Can Houdini rectify the situation?

The artist has created a lovely, lively book that begs to be picked up. The dust cover entices and the end pieces set the scene with some subtlety. However, remove the dust jacket and the cover is a feast of posters inviting the spectator to Monsieur Lapin’s show. If you cannot make it, there is your very own magic trick provided on the reverse of the dust cover. All this – and there is still the story. It is a lively one (well rabbits are involved) told with admirable economy because it is the illustrations that provide all the details, expanding the text deliciously. McLaren’s palette is cool and sophisticated, eschewing over bright colours to good effect. The font is admirably clear and uncluttered avoiding the temptations of frenetic design. This is a picture book that is a pleasure to read and should be enjoyed by both children and adults.