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Interviews | December 15, 2009

Jill Owens: IMG The Powells.com Interview with Eoin Colfer

2 comments By Jill Owens

eoincolferEoin Colfer is best known for his bestselling Artemis Fowl series, which inspires fanatical devotion in its fans. Entertainment Weekly raved: "The... Continue »
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    And Another Thing... (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy #6)

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The Lump of Coal

by Lemony Snicket

The Lump of Coal Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around.

Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.

Review:

"A lump of coal, traditionally the dreaded stocking stuffer from Santa Claus to children on the Naughty List, is not such a dreaded gift at all if you are an abstract artist....If you love Christmas stories, then this one will be a welcomed addition to your collection. It is truly a gift." Children's Literature

Review:

"[T]hought-provoking and captivating, and sure to be in demand." School Library Journal

Review:

"The volume's size, as well as the book in general, may strike many as diminutive, which here means small in stature, but make no mistake as to its usefulness, as many a Christmas stocking will accept such an endeavor in lieu of a real lump of coal." Kirkus Reviews
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About the Author

Lemony SSnicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
Cathy from Olympia, Washington, December 12, 2009 (view all comments by Cathy from Olympia, Washington)
Short and sweet (er, unique). A walking, talking, tuxedo-clad lump of coal dreams of becoming an artist. Or at least in "participating" in a barbecue. (Apparently this particular lump of coal wants to feel useful). Despite a certain amount of chutzpa and persistence in pursuing his dreams, he keeps getting turned down, yet never loses sight of his dream. A strangely charming Christmas miracle book (who ever said a miracle has to be big?), suitable for stockings (in lieu of an actual, messy lump of coal).
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jnishjen, December 16, 2008 (view all comments by jnishjen)
In this second little square Christmas book after "The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming," Lemony Snicket tells the story of a lump of coal finding his way in the world. He has two ambitions, both peculiarly appropriate: to be an artist or to create barbeque. His adventures, and eventual success, are told in a sweet-tart manner that is enjoyable for both kids and parents, and Brett Helquist's illustrations perfectly capture the lump of coal's craggy, lumpy scowl, fitted into a neat little suit.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780061574283
Author:
Snicket, Lemony
Publisher:
HarperCollins
Illustrator:
Helquist, Brett
Author:
by Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist
Author:
by Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist
Subject:
Christmas
Subject:
Miracles
Subject:
Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas & Advent
Subject:
Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious
Subject:
Humorous Stories
Publication Date:
October 2008
Binding:
Hardcover
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
32
Dimensions:
6.42x6.16x.41 in. .34 lbs.
Age Level:
04-08
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