The Lump of Coal: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

Lemony Snickets brings another story just for the holidays and with even more odd, but loveable characters. Written in almost the same fashion as 'Unfortunate Events' this story teaches us that even if a lump of coal can find a miracle, you can too! Brett Helquist returns with Snickets and beautifully illustrates the story in a classic holiday creation. I am more than happy to add this to my Snickets collection as well as my holiday collection! Recommended for ages 4 and up!

This is a book about miracles and perspective. 'You don't always get what you want, but you get what you need,' a wise songwriter once wrote. This book is the perfect gift for anyone who feels that things NEVER turn out right for them. Like me. I bought this book for myself because I love Lemony Snicket. I've already read it several times and I laugh in exactly the same spots every time. I had a horrible day today -- NOTHING went right -- and I came home and read this book. Perspective changed. Mood improved. Try it. You'll love it.

I love this book - it's very clever and very funny, yet still heartwarming with a very positive message. I thought the Lemony Snicket books were dark, and while this has a little darkness in it, it's much more optimistic then I expected. This isn't for very young children (it's bit verbose for my 3 year old), but it's now my 5 year old's favorite. Good plot twists and great language for a kids book.

Reviewed by Madeline McElroy (age 7) for Reader Views (9/08) I thought this was a very interesting story with a very odd character named Lemony Snicket, a piece of coal. All I could imagine was this grumpy piece of coal, so I started reading the book using a scratchy voice to be Lemony. This really made my sister laugh! In the end I found out he wasn't grumpy at all, he was very joyful after Santa gave him to his step-son for Christmas. Lemony and the boy, an artist, become best friends. My favorite part of the story is when his friend Jasper uses Lemony to cook meals at their new restaurant. The picture of Lemony's head on fire heating the pan is so entertaining. Parent Comment: I have never seen my children laugh at a story as much as they did "The Lump of Coal" by Lemony Snicket.

This book made me laugh until I cried. It really did. Yes, I'm a children's book author too. No, gosh no, I don't know Mr. Lemony Snicket. And I've never even read any of his other books! But I sure am going to read every one of them now. This isn't a book for the youngest picture book crowd- they just won't get the humor. It might even be a stretch for the older picture book crowd. But 9 to 12-year-olds who, believe it or not, should still be read to, will likely find this as funny as I did. Read this book to them and find out! Sharing great books is what it's all about :) If you like your humor on the darkly deadpan side, this is a terrific, unique addition to your holiday book collection.