In 2004, the feature film that is based on Lemony Snicket’s book, A Series of Unfortunate Events was released to some acclaim. The film was well made and true to the mood and story of the book. It seems that the reading public tends to “close the book” on a work when the movie is released. This is a bad idea for this series of books.
Many readers may not know that this series includes 13 books that are all just as interesting as the first on which the movie was based. There are also a couple stories published on the side as extra content.
Lemony Snicket is actually the pen name for Daniel Handler. Handler also publishes several other children’s books under the name of Lemony Snicket that aren’t entirely related to A Series of Unfortunate Events.
The beautiful artwork throughout the books is done by the brilliant Brett Helquist. I’ve actually purchased and read books based entirely on Helquist’s involvement after witnesses his wonderful work in A Series.
The series focuses on the lives of three young siblings who find out within the first chapter of book one that their parents have perished and they must live with their (very) distant relative, Count Olaf. The children are heirs to a mighty fortune, which Olaf seeks to steal from them. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking “Ugh! This is awful! Why is this for kids?!” But I think you may have misread the title of the book series. Looking back now you realize it’s titled A Series of Unfortunate Events. It is made up of quite unfortunate events. However, not all of the events in the series are bad.
The children spend the series at a new home throughout each book, slowly being followed by the monstrous Count Olaf. Along the way, they begin to learn the truth about their parents, make new friends, and go on such great adventures! As the reader, you also begin to learn more about the narrator, Lemony Snicket. Snicket himself is a character in the series. And Snicket does such a great job teaching youngsters fun, large new words. Oh! And the metaphors! He makes those fun, too. Even as an adult these books are a blast. These are great books to read with your children.
The books are perfect for a 3rd to 5th grader who is fairly proficient. Don’t forget these great books!