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A Series of Unfortunate Events #01: The Bad Beginning
by Lemony Snicket

A Series of Unfortunate Events #01: The Bad Beginning Cover

About This Book

ISBN13: 9780064407663
ISBN10: 0064407667
Condition: Standard
Dustjacket: None
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

Review:

"Written with old-fashioned flair, this fast-paced book is not for the squeamish....Those who enjoy a little poison in their porridge will find it wicked good fun." Kirkus Reviews

Review:

"While the misfortunes hover on the edge of being ridiculous, Snicket's energetic blend of humor, dramatic irony, and literary flair makes it all perfectly believable." Library Journal

Synopsis:

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky.

In the first two books alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, a lumpy bed, a deadly serpent, a large brass reading lamp, a long knife, and a terrible odour.

In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted. Never before has a tale of three likeable and unfortunate children been quite so enchanting, or quite so uproariously unhappy.

Ages 10+

Synopsis:

After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune. Illustrations.

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About the Author

Lemony Snicket grew up near the sea and currently lives beneath it. To his horror and dismay, he has no wife or children, only enemies, associates, and the occasional loyal manservant. His trial has been delayed, so he is free to continue researching and recording the tragic tales of the Baudelaire orphans for HarperCollins. Visit him on the Web at www.lemony Snicket.com.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
Baje360, April 10, 2008 (view all comments by Baje360)
A great, quick read for all ages. The author combines humor and horrible events into a very entertaining read. Snicket plays off words to help the read understand what the characters are thinking and more about his journey. Violet, Klaus and Sonny are lovable, self reliant kids who have to overcome some very suspicious and unusual events.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780064407663
Illustrator:
Helquist, Brett
Publisher:
HarperCollins Publishers
Illustrator:
Helquist, Brett
Author:
Helquist, Brett
Author:
by Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist
Author:
Snicket, Lemony
Location:
New York
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
Children's fiction
Subject:
Action & Adventure
Subject:
Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General
Subject:
Humorous Stories
Subject:
Brothers and sisters
Subject:
Family - Orphans & Foster Homes
Subject:
Orphans
Subject:
Action & Adventure - General
Copyright:
1999
Edition Number:
1st ed.
Edition Description:
Hardcover
Series:
A Series of Unfortunate Events Hardcover
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
September 1999
Binding:
Hardcover
Grade Level:
Children/juvenile
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
176
Dimensions:
736x518x74 53
Age Level:
10-14
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