The Trouble Begins: A Box of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-3 (The Bad Beginning; The Reptile Room; The Wide Window)
by Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist
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Hardcover (02 October, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Fans of Lemony Snicket and newcomers to his gleefully ghastly Series ofUnfortunate Events will be elated to discover this boxed gift set of the firstthree books in hardcover: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, andThe Wide Window. While it's true that the events that unfold in Snicket'snovels are bleak, and things never turn out as you'd hope, these delightful,funny, linguistically playful books are reminiscent of Roald Dahl, CharlesDickens, and Edward Gorey. After they get their paws on this boxed set, there isno question that young readers will want to read the continuing unluckyadventures of the three Baudelaire orphans. (Ages 9 and older) --KarinSnelson ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (125)

Depressing Series Lacks Magic
If you crave some good postmodernism in children's arts and lit, watch the Simpsons.

If you want to avoid some truly useless postmodernism for tots, don't waste your time on these books.

Actually, many parents keep their youngest ones away from the Simpsons, and for good reason.That brilliant cartoon series is loaded with adult humor.But many of those same cautious parents would read to their kids this series of creepy books.Just because some crafty marketing person at Harper compared them to Harry Potter.

Note: I wouldn't mind knowing what J K Rowlings thinks of Lemony Snicket's work.

People who want their kids to hear tales of adventure and of triumph over adversity, can go to any number of classic children's books.What sets apart diverse classics such as A Wrinkle in Time and Rapunzel, from the likes of A Series of Unfortunate Events, is the uplifting magic of wrongs truly righted, and of puzzles terminatedly solved.

The series in review simply offer no hope at all to the reader.At every bend in the road, Snicket (I'd hide behind a pseudonym, too, if I were the creator of these books) invokes woe and hopelessness.It can drive you batty, all the too-bad-we-weren't-there-to-warn-them's.It's just a downer, all the way, as unrelentingly awful as the Chuckie series of horror movies. (Child's Play, I believe, is the series... and let us not forget what part that evil-can't-be-overcome movie played in the horrific murder enacted by two young boys in the UK last decade).

I can see that there are a few kids who liked the books and have reported as much at this site.But I would imagine they are of a certain age (not sure which age, exactly) and certain fortitude.That doesn't mean these books are appropriate for most kids.Why take the chance of depressing your kids, when there's so much great adventure to be enjoyed in other books?

I still have the books lying around... think I'll move 'em over towards the fireplace.

Great.I mean horrible.
Don't believe a thing Lemony Snicket says - the only way these books of woe will have you crying is if you laugh really, really hard.

Lemony Snicket has a fresh, unique, and hilarious writing style. He speaks very plainly, explaining things along the way with his signature phrase, "a word which here means". Always he reminds his readers that they do not have to read these awful books that will only bring nights of wailing and weeping, although he has sworn to record them. Sometimes Snicket is deliciously non-sequitur - "...you would run much slower if you were dragging something behind you, like a knapsack or a sheriff". And each book is morbidly dedicated to a so far unknown woman named Beatrice. "Beatrice - Darling, dearest, dead."

Although the books are sold as children's books (or perhaps because of it), I would recommend these books to adults who are secure enough in their maturity to read them. Some of the humor might actually be hard for young children to understand unless they are great cynics already.

The basic plot of the story is this: three siblings - Violet, Claus, and Sunny Baudelaire - lose their parents in a fire. They are sent off to live with their "uncle", Count Olaf. Olaf is a horrible, detestable man who will do anything, however evil and dishonorable, to get his hands on the fortune that the Baudelaires will inherit as soon as Violet is of age. The Baudelaires find themselves in frustratingly hopeless and distressing situations, mostly because of the (oh, so aggravating!) thickheadedness of the adults around them. So using their special skills, Violet, Claus, and Sunny try and find solutions themselves - by inventing, researching, and biting things, respectively. They wriggle out of immediate danger, but there is never exactly a happy ending - instead, one that is relieved but forebodes more calamity.

The plot seems very repetitive through the fourth book - the Baudelaires live with various guardians and end up in equally desperate situations with Olaf on their tail. But don't be discouraged! By the fifth book, a larger picture begins to show. A whole mystery opens up - the VFD. What caused the fire which in which the Baudelaires' parents perished? Why are do all their guardians have so much in common? I won't give anything away, but the mystery builds through the rest of the books. The reader picks up little clues and tries to piece things together. The final two books have not been written yet, so don't expect a complete answer soon.

There are eleven books, but they are relatively small and quick reads. When you get through them, read The Unauthorized Autobiography. Snicket himself is an obscure sort of character in his books - he hasn't participated in any action yet, but it seems that he may have to soon. The Authobiography gives loads of tantalizing information (or just more questions) about the VFD.

In summary, The Series of Unfortunate Events is a hilarious, well-written action-and-mystery story, and just as suitable for brave adults as for children.

Fun easy read
His books are just great. German being my second language I even benefit from his fun word definitions! His ideas are colorful and exciting, his writing flows and keeps you wanting more. The main characters are courageous and loving, except for Count Olaf of course, who embodies the kind of folk that's just out for your money. Timeless stories for all generations! ... Read more

Isbn: 006029809X
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Orphans   

A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book)
by Linda Sue Park
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (23 April, 2001)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Reviews (72)

A single Shard
the appropicate age group is 12 and up. the book call A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. The story is mainly about an orphan name Tree-Ear who had to work for a potter master to replace th ebroken pot that he broke. so after he repay him,Tree-Ear still want to work for Min, so he could have a chance to learn how to make pot. during his work he got food and clothes from Min wife and some leftover food for Crane-man.Tree-ear got the clothes becasue MIn wife son die so she give the clothes to Tree-ear to wear it. after he got to travel to Songdo to give the pot to the emissy to look at for the emperor. but on the way to Songdo re-ear got rob by two guys and the robber threw the pots off the cliff. ao when he came back to tell Min about it, Tree-ear got reward it for trying, his reward was a new name, a home and a mom and a dad.THe thing that I like about the book is that the author teach a lesson and in the book it shoe a lot of respect to other. The thing that I don't like about the book is that the author didn't tell the whole story. The author didn't tell the reader if Tree-ear was successful with the pots that he learn from MIn. Also the book was a great book to read because the show respect to other and it teach lesson to the reader.

A real masterpiece
This book is an amazing account of a young boy's quest and desire fulfilled.It is a must-read for 3rd through 6th graders.It helps put responsibility and work ethic into perspective.What an accomplishment!

A Single shard



In this book, the main character lives in a potting village and wants to become a potter. Unable to do this because of shortage of money, he gets a job with a master potter. Soon he becomes very good at the job and is sent on a mission to help his master get a commission.


I liked this book because it had lots of mischievous and exciting parts. I got sucked in right away. If there's any historical fiction book you should read, then it's this one.Nothing was dislikable for my taste. That's why I give it a five starrating. ... Read more

Isbn: 0395978270
Sales Rank: 64423
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Classics    4. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    5. Fiction    6. History    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Korea    9. Koryo period, 935-1392    10. Koryæo period, 935-1392    11. Pottery    12. Social Situations - General    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

The Elf Queen and the King (Ruin Mist Tales Series)
by Robert Stanek
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 2002)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Reviews (27)

Wow!
I like Kingdoms and elves best but it was good too! I liked how it is different and same. I liked Midori!

Elf queen and the king is awesome!
I think this is a great book. It had plenty of action and suspense and I really didn't know what to expect every time I turned the page. Robert Stanek seems like he puts a lot into his work and in order to write a great book you must have to have a great mind and you must have to love what you are doing. I would recommend it to anyone. Myself, I just finished book #2 and I'm ready for #3 and #4. So just keep up with the great stories.

Perfection
From the first line to the last letter Robert Stanek grabs your heart and holds on. You feel suspense and plot, while all the same you feel the flows emotion actually emitting from the book. It's as if he put his heart on paper. A brilliantly written piece of fantasy, intriguing and suspenseful. There is no other word that perfection. ... Read more

Isbn: 1575450615
Sales Rank: 319200
Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Fantasy - Epic    3. Fiction - Fantasy   

Emeril's There's a Chef in My Soup! Recipes for the Kid in Everyone
by Emeril Lagasse, Charles Yuen
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (12 April, 2005)
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Editorial Review

"Notches-Unknown PBJ," "Gone Fishin' Fish Sticks," "Pokey Brownies,""Make-Lots-of-Friends Oven-Baked French Fries." Even the pickiest eaters willperk up their ears at these irresistible dishes from acclaimed chef and TVpersonality Emeril Lagasse. Packed with 75 fun, tasty, and even healthy recipes,the New Orleans chef's cookbook for kids is sure to inspire feats of culinarygreatness in the youngest aspiring epicure. The big, colorful volume featuresclear, step-by-step instructions with a strong emphasis on safety, preparation,cleanliness, and fun. Sidebars provide the yield, ingredients, and tools neededfor each recipe, and small pictures illustrate some of the trickier steps,demonstrating, for example, how to brush the "Cheesy Star Snacks" with egg whitebefore baking. A prominently placed Caution bar at the top of the page usesicons (knife, flame, oven mitt, etc.) to let young cooks know how careful theyneed to be. The exuberant chef sprinkles his well-known Emerilisms--"kick itup," "oh yeah, baby," "bam!"--throughout the pages, and clever illustrations byCharles Yuen use photos of Emeril's head with cartoonish drawings of his bodyand the foods he celebrates. Grownup readers who have enjoyed Emeril's othercookbooks (Prime TimeEmeril, etc.) will love sharing their favorite wacky chef--and somekitchen time--with the kids in their lives. (Ages 9 to 12) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Delicious Fun
If you want to cook yummy food that is fun and easy to make, then this book is for you. Although the titles of each recipe are a little silly, the food is great, and your friends and family will love it. I recommend the alphabet soup, chili, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, rotini bake (similar to lasagne), and yes, the garlic bread (so tasty and so addicting!). I have made three complete meals with this cookbook so far (all by myself) and my sister and parents loved them!

Love it...
This was a fun book to do with the Grandkids. It's about having fun and spendingtime together. Emeril made this cook book easy and simple and yet the photos were fun as well. I would love to see more books on the market like this. It's about family time and not just eating... 5 Stars Emeril HAPPY HAPPY Customer

Love the Pork Fat!
I've watched Emeril on TV for years.I watch closely as his recipes come out flawless.I've always wondered - is it the cook or the recipe.

His talent aside - this book is great.The recipies are TV like.Enjoy. ... Read more

Isbn: 0688177069
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Cooking    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Cooking   

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1)
by Eoin Colfer
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (03 May, 2002)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.19
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Editorial Review

Eoin Colfer describes his new book, Artemis Fowl, as "DieHard with fairies." He's not far wrong.

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind inhistory. With two trusty sidekicks in tow, he hatches a cunning plot to divestthe fairyfolk of their pot of gold. Of course, he isn't foolish enough tobelieve in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knowsthat the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnapone of them and wait for the ransom to arrive. But when the time comes to puthis plan into action, he doesn't count on the appearance of the extrasmall,pointy-eared Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements PoliceReconnaisance) Unit--and her senior officer, Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf)who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Fantastic stuff from beginning to end, Artemis Fowl is a rip-roaring,21st-century romp of the highest order. The author has let his imagination runriot by combining folklore, fantasy, and a fistful of high-tech funk in anoutrageously devilish book that could well do for fairies what Harry Potter hasdone for wizardry. But be warned: this is no gentle frolic, so don't be fooledby the fairy subject matter. Instead, what we have here is well-written,sophisticated, rough 'n' tumble storytelling with enough high-octane attitude tomake it a seriously cool read for anyone over the age of 10. --SusanHarrison ... Read more

Reviews (690)

nice premise, no substance
Like many fantasy and science fiction novels, the premise of this book is cool, but the execution is clumsy.For example, the author TELLS us that the main character, Artemis Fowl is a fiendish mastermind, but you never see him do anything all that nefarious or clever.None of the characters are fleshed out and I didn't really care about any of them.In fact, the author tells us that the character Butler is devoted to Artemis, but we never see any basis for that devotion.Likewise, the story itself was sort of clunky: it had a lot of action, but several reviews have already pointed out several plot holes.Halfway through this book I found myself thinking what a great graphic novel or even cartoon it might make: the author describes imaginative things that might be cool to look at (such as an underground fairy world and a fairy-transport system involving lava) but he wasn't skilled enough to make me really SEE them in my mind.Also the shallow characterisation would have been less glaring in a different format.This book rode the coattails of Harry Potter to popularity, but don't be fooled: unlike the HP series, adults won't be charmed by Artemis Fowl.For a WELL-WRITTEN children's fantasy book, try Summerland by Michael Chabon.

Just a bit of gold..............
Artemis seems like a kiniving terrible haunted young teen....with his father gone...his mother practically crazy and his family practically broke what is a lad to do?
In Artemis' case its kidnap a fairy and get the gold that will replace the lost money....little does he know this fairy isn't exactly going to give up without a fight. This fairy is apart of LEPrecon...the lower elements police. She is one tough fairy that doesn't let anyone mess with her just because she's tho only girl on the force. She really drives Artemis crazy when she contacts Faoly and tells him she needs help. Commander Root is furious of course but nonetheless he wants his officer back. Holly was the kind of fairy that not many people come across down under in Haven. Artemis' is taken for a ride. How does it end? Just read the book...I hope you like it as much as i did!

Cool
This book is cool because not alot of main characers are criminal masterminds.I found this book to be really good because it WASN'T your conventional fairy-story. ... Read more

Isbn: 0786817070
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fairies    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Kidnapping    8. Magic    9. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Holes (Yearling Newbery)
by LOUIS SACHAR
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 May, 2000)
list price: $6.50 -- our price: $5.85
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Editorial Review

"If you take a bad boy and make him dig a hole every day in the hot sun,it will turn him into a good boy." Such is the reigning philosophy at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility where there is no lake, and there are no happy campers. In place of what used to be "the largest lake in Texas" is now a dry, flat, sunburned wasteland, pocked with countless identical holes dug by boys improving their character. Stanley Yelnats, of palindromic name and ill-fated pedigree, has landed at Camp Green Lake because it seemed a better option than jail. No matter that his conviction was all a case of mistaken identity, the Yelnats family has become accustomed to a long history of bad luck, thanks to their "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather!" Despite his innocence, Stanley is quickly enmeshed in the Camp Green Lake routine: rising before dawn to dig a hole five feet deep and five feet in diameter; learning how to get along with the Lord of the Flies-styled pack of boys in Group D; and fearing the warden, who paints her fingernails with rattlesnake venom. But when Stanley realizes that the boys may not just be digging to build character--that in fact the warden is seeking something specific--the plot gets as thick as the irony.

It's a strange story, but strangely compelling and lovely too. Louis Sachar uses poker-faced understatement to create a bizarre but believable landscape--a place where Major Major Major Major of Catch-22 would feel right at home. But while there is humor and absurdity here, there is also a deep understanding of friendship and a searing compassion for society's underdogs. As Stanley unknowingly begins to fulfill his destiny--the dual plots coming together to reveal that fate has big plans in store--we can't help but cheer for the good guys, and all the Yelnats everywhere. (Ages 10 and older)--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (2902)

Classic and "Wholly" Unique
The lay down for a superb fiction book.

1 Star for being original. Everything from the characters to the setting to the plot is unique.

1 Star for being captivating.It holds your attention by keeping the plot moving.

1 Star for being so clever. The twists and turns are fabulous. Not to mention, they are also interesting and can be related to.

1 Star for being one of the best books I've ever read. What makes it so good? You'd have to read it for yourself.

Another Star for being humorous and enjoyable. Its not necessarily a serious book, but its still great. There are parts that are hilarious, but some moments that steal your heart because you actually care about the brilliant characters.

Another Star for ending with everything coming together, as well as things being happy but not unrealistic.

Hey, oops, that was six Stars, wasn't it? There you have it. "Holes" is a "Wholly" wonderful, enjoyable book that will forever be used everywhere. (It's also a great book for teachers to use in the classroom.)

holes
For this book the appropiate age group would be like teenage because they would understand it better. They can picture themselves allready ibn jail and what its like. Little kids would think it would just be fun and games. That wouldn't get the point across. Well, the book starts of when stanely gets arrested. he gets sent to camp and has to dig holes. In the beginning of the book stanely doesn't get along with the over people there. Until he proves himselve to them. after that they treat stanely differently. Then something bad happened ,stanelys friend zero runsawayfrom camp. After that stanely loses trust in the camp and he ends up runing away from the camp. the moral of the book is to choose the right choicesand to stand up for yourself.

holes
the appropriate age group for this book is book holes is ages 12 and up. This story is about a boy named Stanley Yelnats and how he is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.In the book he goes to a detention camp called camp green lake. at that camp they have to dig holes to build character. but he doesn't belong their because he did not do anything wrong. Sometimes when something bad happens to him he likes to blame his no good rotten pig stealing great great grandfather for what happened. he meets some characters at camp green lake like zero who runs away and Stanley goes after him. Stanley also teaches zero to read and write. Staley also meets a man named Mr. Sir one of the guards at camp green lake.he chews on sunflower seed and gets a scar on his face becausse of Stanley. I learned that you should always blame somebody for your problems. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440414806
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Homeless persons    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile delinquency    8. Social Situations - Friendship    9. Social Situations - General    10. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Walk Two Moons
by Sharon Creech
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (30 September, 1996)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Editorial Review

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle's mother has disappeared.While tracing her steps on a car trip from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents, Salamanca tells a story to pass the time about a friend named Phoebe Winterbottom whose mother vanished and who received secret messages after her disappearance. One of them read, "Don't judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins."Despite her father's warning that she is "fishing in the air," Salamanca hopes to bring her home. By drawing strength from her Native American ancestry, she is able to face the truth about her mother. Walk Two Moons won the 1995 Newbery Medal. ... Read more

Reviews (585)

A wonderful story!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it had a great plot and was easy to follow. A tad bit predictable at times, but sometimes things would really suprise me. I think this book is best for 11-year-olds and up. It was the best book I have read in a while, and I look forward to reading more of Sharon Creech's work.

really really boring and stupid
This book is about a girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle. She is going on a road trip to visit her mom. On the way she is telling a story to her grandparents. The story talks about a deranged paranoid girl who thinks her mother has been kidnapped. She also talks about how she likes to kiss trees. It is really borring. I don't reccomend this book for boys. It was an easy read and it was dumb. No one in my class liked it. I would not read it again if my life depended on it. Whatever you do don't read this, "Book," if you can call it a book.

Walk Two Moons to my heart!
Walk Two Moons was awesome!! I think every kid my age should read it. My 5th grade teacher introduced it to me and we read it together. I love how Sharon Creech writes. I love all her books because I can relate to them. This one I definatly can realate to. The concepts and plot kids and adults can realate to. This is my favorite book and I'm glad it won the Newbery Medal in 1995!!!! ... Read more

Isbn: 0064405176
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Classics    4. Death    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Family life    7. Fiction    8. Grandparents    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Situations - Adolescence    11. Social Situations - Death & Dying    12. Juvenile Fiction / Classics