The Lump of Coal (Hardcover)

by Lemony Snicket (Author), Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: Santa Claus

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6–In this tale of Christmas miracles, Snicket chronicles the adventures of an anthropomorphic lump of coal with a dream. The small, flammable hero meets his share of naysayers and phonies on his quest to be an artist. He eventually becomes despondent and settles for something that is better than nothing. It is when he least expects his miracle that it occurs, enabling him to fulfill his destiny. Snicket's trademark arch humor delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments en route to the happy ending. Longtime collaborator Helquist brings the characters to life with simplicity and charm. The lump of coal is sufficiently lumpy and elegantly dressed. Those who would stand in his way are ridiculed with appropriately subtle visual barbs. The entire saga is presented in a seven-inch-square volume that is thought-provoking and captivating, and sure to be in demand.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library
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From Booklist
Just in time for the full-on onslaught of holiday sentimentality, Lemony Snicket comes to the rescue, offering up an acerbic miniature picture book that hides a droll sweetness beneath a biting sardonic wit. It’s December again, and our hero, a lump of coal with an identity crisis (inexplicably wearing a tuxedo) is off in search of a miracle that will give meaning to his life. He tries an art gallery; perhaps he could smudge himself across a canvas masterpiece. No go. He tries a Korean barbecue; maybe he can fuel the fire that roasts eggplant and warms holiday hearts. Nope. At last, a drug-store Santa claims him as the perfect addition to his disobedient stepson’s stocking, and the coal lump finds his place in the world. The tongue-in-cheek narrative receives able support from Helquist’s full-color illustrations, which nicely extend the humor. This Snicket title is extra-wry, but the bracing tone cuts through the honeyed happy ending for a Christmas cocktail that’s just right. Grades 1-3. --Thom Barthelmess

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061574287
• ISBN-13: 978-0061574283
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #91,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #35 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Snicket, Lemony
  #41 in	Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Festivals > Non-religious
  #66 in	Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Festivals > Christmas > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A small, flammable miracle, October 18, 2008

By	Boni Ashburn - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book is Blessing for A Bad Day, December 12, 2008

By	M. BAKER "Annie" (Kansas, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story with odd characters, November 5, 2008

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

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.