Victor is forever trying to escape from locked trunks, walk through walls, and perform any number of Houdini's astonishing magic tricks...without success. Then -- amazingly -- he actually meets his idol, and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious locked box is the magician's only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets to the most famous magic tricks ever performed?Brian Selznickis the author and illustrator of the bestsellingThe Invention of Hugo Cabret,which was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a National Book Award finalist. He is also the illustrator of many books for children, includingFrindleandLunch Moneyby Andrew Clements, as well as theDoll Peopletrilogy by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, andThe Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkinsby Barbara Kerley, which was a Caldecott Honor Book. Mr. Selznick divides his time between Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.