I Houdini

The title tells all: slightly pompous, no slouch when it comes to vocabulary, and with a gift for dry humor, Houdini relates the story of his acquisition by a family and the trial runs and trouble spots that turn him into a great escapologist. The author of The Indian in the Cupboard and The Return of the Indian has slipped into the hide of the hamster and seems to understand these small creatures completely and creates a tantalizing journey. This is pure fun and full of slapstick exaggerationfor example, the father is a clownish bellower, especially when Houdini chews through pipes. There are dramatic moments and cliffhangers, but since this hamster's name is Houdini, readers can count on a grand finale. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 10-up. (May)