What do you think?
Rate this book
Teeny Houdini #1
The Disappearing Act
Meet Bessie Lee! The Teeny Houdini chapter book series from author Katrina Moore and illustrator Zoe Si begins with a simply magical story. The adventures of Teeny Houdini come in short, easy-to-read chapters full of hilarious illustrations--a favorite series for building confident readers!
Bessie Lee might be the teeniest in her first-grade class, but with the tap-tap-tap of her wand, some glitter, and a little magic . . . she's going to dazzle the crowds to win the school talent show.
But when a trick goes disastrously wrong, Rufus, the class hamster, disappears!
Can Bessie find a way to bring him back in time? Or is Rufus truly gone forever?
Bessie Lee might be the teeniest in her first-grade class, but with the tap-tap-tap of her wand, some glitter, and a little magic . . . she's going to dazzle the crowds to win the school talent show.
But when a trick goes disastrously wrong, Rufus, the class hamster, disappears!
Can Bessie find a way to bring him back in time? Or is Rufus truly gone forever?
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2022
5 people are currently reading
3367 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Moore
28 books22 followersKatrina Moore is an author and former elementary educator. She holds a M.A. in Teaching and taught for thirteen years in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. She writes in Georgia, where her mission is to create books that children will hug for ages. When she is not writing, she is cooking without a recipe, painting outside the lines, adventuring, or snuggling up with her two kids, husband, pups, and of course, a cozy book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 19, 2021
Move over, Junie B. Jones. Here comes the Teeny Houdini. In this new #ownvoices chapter book, a 1st grade girl named Bessie Lee is determined to shine in the school talent show. Her list of talents includes: 1) Cut and style Bailey's (older sister) Barbies' hair 2) Play with Baby Rabbit 3) Put crayons into Gramma's soup so it turns rainbow colors. When she learns about Harry Houdini, she decides to put together a magic act. I love her DIY magic cape and the mistakes she learns from (liking putting the bitter melon from dinner in her dad's slipper to make it disappear). Her Gramma lives with them and there are some wonderful family interactions as well as great vocab words and cultural food references. The illustrations by Zoe Si are a delightful complement to the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Teeny Houdini's next adventure.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2022
First sentence: Ding. Ding. Ms. Stoltz rings the teacher's bell.
Premise/plot: Bessie Lee is the 'Teeny Houdini.' This rambunctious first grader is super excited about the upcoming talent show. But WHAT is her talent??? Since annoying her older sister probably most likely does not count. With the help and support of her family, a dream is born....
My thoughts: Bessie Lee joins a long, long, long list of youngsters who are adorably pesky and/or hyper. Think Junie B. Jones.
The Disappearing Act would make a good read aloud for teachers and parents. Time is split between Bessie Lee's classroom and her home life. The book is about Bessie Lee searching for (and finding) her talent before the big show at the end of the week. There will be a few missteps along the way, perhaps.
Overall, I definitely liked it.
Premise/plot: Bessie Lee is the 'Teeny Houdini.' This rambunctious first grader is super excited about the upcoming talent show. But WHAT is her talent??? Since annoying her older sister probably most likely does not count. With the help and support of her family, a dream is born....
My thoughts: Bessie Lee joins a long, long, long list of youngsters who are adorably pesky and/or hyper. Think Junie B. Jones.
The Disappearing Act would make a good read aloud for teachers and parents. Time is split between Bessie Lee's classroom and her home life. The book is about Bessie Lee searching for (and finding) her talent before the big show at the end of the week. There will be a few missteps along the way, perhaps.
Overall, I definitely liked it.
September 1, 2022
A very cute book about a teeny girl who wants to prove she isn’t so teeny!
I have had my eyes on this book for a while but it kept going in and out of stock at Amazon, but finally it was in stock for a long enough time that I could buy it! I will definitely be buying the other books in this series as this was just so cute!
Meet Bessie. The tiniest girl in her class (really, she is so tiny I wondered if she was old enough to be in this class, haha) and she is done with that. When a talent show is announced she decides to go big and show that she is magical! I really liked Bessie. Well, OK, to be honest, at times I found her a tad annoying. Haha. She makes some not so good decisions. Like taking her sister’s favourite blanket and turning it into a cape. Or stuffing food in someone’s slipper because she doesn’t want to eat it. Sometimes she just doesn’t seem to have any ears because listening is hard. But as the book went on I also saw she was trying hard to do her best. To understand what was and wasn’t allowed. She made amends. She said her sorries. And I love that. Plus, given her age, I can forgive her more easily. Kids are just like this. I loved how dedicated she was to finding her talent and to making sure she had everything ready for that talent. I was rooting for her to figure out a wonderful thing to show at the talent show.
I loved reading about Bessie’s family. Meet her grandma who can only speak Chinese, her hardworking parents, her sister who loves to dance (and wants her peace and quiet). I loved Bessie’s bond with her grandmother. Even if they cannot communicate through words, they can talk through hints, pictures, and more. I just adored that. Oh, and some extra points to the cute pet bunny!
There is also a bully, and while I am happy that this book didn’t go the way that so many kids books are going, aka making the bullied feel crap and having the bully be the sad one. I still wish that maybe a teacher or a parent had talked to Margot. I mean, there are several moments that someone should have intervened but didn’t. And that is a shame.
The illustrations are just so fabulous, I love the style, it is both cute and sparkly. I love the way Bess was drawn, with her big poofy tutu.
All in all, a book that was really fun to read and I just flew right through it. Bess may be a tad annoying at times, but you can forgive that.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have had my eyes on this book for a while but it kept going in and out of stock at Amazon, but finally it was in stock for a long enough time that I could buy it! I will definitely be buying the other books in this series as this was just so cute!
Meet Bessie. The tiniest girl in her class (really, she is so tiny I wondered if she was old enough to be in this class, haha) and she is done with that. When a talent show is announced she decides to go big and show that she is magical! I really liked Bessie. Well, OK, to be honest, at times I found her a tad annoying. Haha. She makes some not so good decisions. Like taking her sister’s favourite blanket and turning it into a cape. Or stuffing food in someone’s slipper because she doesn’t want to eat it. Sometimes she just doesn’t seem to have any ears because listening is hard. But as the book went on I also saw she was trying hard to do her best. To understand what was and wasn’t allowed. She made amends. She said her sorries. And I love that. Plus, given her age, I can forgive her more easily. Kids are just like this. I loved how dedicated she was to finding her talent and to making sure she had everything ready for that talent. I was rooting for her to figure out a wonderful thing to show at the talent show.
I loved reading about Bessie’s family. Meet her grandma who can only speak Chinese, her hardworking parents, her sister who loves to dance (and wants her peace and quiet). I loved Bessie’s bond with her grandmother. Even if they cannot communicate through words, they can talk through hints, pictures, and more. I just adored that. Oh, and some extra points to the cute pet bunny!
There is also a bully, and while I am happy that this book didn’t go the way that so many kids books are going, aka making the bullied feel crap and having the bully be the sad one. I still wish that maybe a teacher or a parent had talked to Margot. I mean, there are several moments that someone should have intervened but didn’t. And that is a shame.
The illustrations are just so fabulous, I love the style, it is both cute and sparkly. I love the way Bess was drawn, with her big poofy tutu.
All in all, a book that was really fun to read and I just flew right through it. Bess may be a tad annoying at times, but you can forgive that.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 23, 2022
Despite her size, Bessie Lee wants to prove she has the biggest talent as a magician, but when her first tricks go wrong, can she learn how to fully do a trick in time for the talent show? I really liked it because Bessie read like a first grader better than other first chapter books. She makes mistakes and bad choices, then gets upset when she's caught. Also loved Baby Rabbit! Reminds me of Dory Fantasmagory, Junie B. Jones, Clementine, and Catalina Incognito.
November 25, 2024
Kind of like a really young Ramona Quimby, Bessie Lee has lots of troubles listening, staying on task, and foreseeing consequences. But she is boundlessly enthusiastic and creative. Will she be able to pull off a magic act for her class talent show? Regular B&W drawings interspersed, young readers will have a good time figuring out how mischievous/naughty she is.
January 4, 2022
I found a new character to love! Bessie Lee, although teeny in stature, has a big heart and loves to express herself. This delightful chapter book series is perfect for readers who enjoy characters like Roscoe Riley, Dory Fantasmagory, and Junie B. Jones.
February 19, 2022
I loved this book! The illustrations were adorable and the story itself was a great read. This story has great messages and an amazing and realistic main character for young children to identify with. I cannot wait to use this as a read aloud in the classroom!
February 3, 2022
Kids will enjoy but characters attitude might be a turn off for adults.
April 21, 2022
Cute but TBH I read it a week ago and already forgot what it was about.
November 18, 2024
Cute book in our otter awards
January 5, 2025
This cracked me up. Think Ramona Quincy meets Junie B. This will be a hit with the littles.
January 13, 2025
Too twee.
September 13, 2022
Cute start of the year book. Fast read
July 26, 2021
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.
#TeenyHoudini1TheDisappearingAct #NetGalley
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.
#TeenyHoudini1TheDisappearingAct #NetGalley
Read
August 24, 2022Cute enough, slice of life, school setting diverse early chapter book. Fans of the Mindy Kim or Jasmine Toguchi series may like it.
December 31, 2021
***Note: I received a free digital review copy of this book from NetGalley and Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review.***
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!
Teeny Houdini #1: The Disappearing Act is due to be released by Katherine Tegen Books on January 4th, 2022 and is now available to preorder wherever books are sold.
***Note: This review appears in slightly different form on my blog at https://thevoraciousbibliophile.com/2...
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!
Teeny Houdini #1: The Disappearing Act is due to be released by Katherine Tegen Books on January 4th, 2022 and is now available to preorder wherever books are sold.
***Note: This review appears in slightly different form on my blog at https://thevoraciousbibliophile.com/2...
December 3, 2022
'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.
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.
July 24, 2022
Katrina Moore’s spot-on voice and Zoe Si’s bright expressive illustrations create magical smiles in this fun new series for young readers. With curiosity and spunk, Bessie falls in and out of trouble chasing her dreams, that are fancy, just like her.
Want to read
September 21, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 19, 2022
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews