A Journey of Magic and Words

The Abracadabra Kid: A Writer's Life invites readers into the enchanting world of a children's book writer who masterfully honed the skills to captivate young minds. This concise autobiography unveils Fleischman as an intriguing persona, as compelling as any character he has ever penned, infused with the same contagious humor that sets him apart. While his humor echoes the legendary Mark Twain, Fleischman humbly refrains from claiming the literary stature of America's master comic writer. Twain's wife would affectionately call him "youth," a nod to his eternally boyish perspective on life. Similarly, Fleischman possesses a unique lens through which he perceives the world, capturing the quirky and often absurd intricacies of human behavior. Unlike Twain, who in his later years grew fixated on humanity's flaws, Fleischman approaches life with amusement rather than cynicism. His work is a testament to his zest for life, a trait vividly evident in his autobiography.

From a young age, Fleischman was captivated by the allure of magic, dreaming of a career as a magician. He narrates his journey from mastering simple card tricks to performing professionally in vaudeville during the Great Depression. His tours spanned from California to the Midwest, offering him not just a livelihood, but a chance to engage with a diverse array of people—an invaluable experience that shaped his narrative voice. It wasn't until the late 1930s that Fleischman decided to pursue professional writing, attending college with this ambition. His service in the Pacific Fleet during World War II was a trial by fire, where he and his fellow sailors initially stumbled through their roles but eventually emerged competent seafarers. Their tiny, under-armed ship, juxtaposed against colossal fleet giants, became a source of humor and camaraderie. Upon returning to civilian life, Fleischman embarked on a winding path into writing, dabbling in detective fiction, journalism, and screenwriting, each venture marked by unforeseen twists. A memorable example includes a film shoot of his script, Blood Alley, where excessive fog effects activated the foghorns in San Francisco Bay, hilariously drowning out the actors' lines.

Navigating the Tides of Time

With a deft touch, Fleischman weaves the historical tapestry of his seventy-plus years, weaving through the Great Depression, World War II, and the evolving publishing industry as he carved out his writerly existence. His firsthand experiences as a news reporter and screenwriter lent him invaluable insights into these demanding fields. This rich, multifaceted career is eloquently chronicled in a book poised to be a standout in non-fiction, adding yet another gem to Fleischman's acclaimed literary collection.

Interestingly, Fleischman's foray into writing whimsical children's tales was almost serendipitous—a "backwards stumble," as he describes it. Yet in this genre, he discovered a perfect harmony between his talents and his worldview. The works following Mr. Mysterious offered him a canvas to craft surprising scenarios and characters, providing him as much delight as the vibrant personalities he encountered throughout his life.