A Series of Unfortunate Events are the fictitious volumes (there are 12 so far, there will be a total of 13) written by Daniel Handler, using the pen name Lemony Snicket, about the Baudelaire children, who are orphaned when their parents are suddenly killed in a fire.                  

The Baudelaire orphans are thrust into a scary world where they must learn to rely on each other, their wits and good humor to stay out of the evil Count Olaf's (who wishes to kill them for their sizable inheritance) clutches.

In each book, they find themselves in one curious and dangerous predicament after the other, with Olaf close on their heels. They grow and mature under these extremely difficult situations, meet people who are kind hearted but often powerless to help them.

About the Baudelaire Orphans

Violet Baudelaire, the eldest, is a Victorian beauty who has a gift for invention. Although only 14 years old, she feels the heavy responsibility of taking care of her younger siblings and can be found using the unlikeliest of odds and ends to invent objects the children must use to escape capture by Count Olaf, the villainous villain (and very bad actor, to boot) who is bent on having the Baudelaire fortune. When Violet is brainstorming a new invention, she ties her hair up with a ribbon to keep it out of her eyes.

Klaus, the middle Baudelaire, is a voracious bookworm who remembers everything he reads. He can quickly recall trivia, for instance, the difference between crocodiles and alligators. This skill comes in handy as the children research the mysterious events surrounding their parent's death.

Sunny, the youngest Baudelaire, is a baby who has a penchant for biting. Her 4 very sharp teeth help the children get out of many tight spots. Sunny may not say much but when she does speak, her words are rich with meaning.

Why A Series of Unfortunate Events

The books are recommended for children ages 9-12, but my 6 year old enjoys reading them, and so do I (and I'm 29). Daniel Handler's writing style in A Series of Unfortunate Events is witty, slightly dark but hopeful, intelligent and very captivating.

A Series of Unfortunate Events are wonderful for homeschooling children especially because of the extremely diverse subjects that each volume brings up...everything from reptiles to fungus to inheritance law to phobias and a lot more. A Series of Unfortunate Events will be a springboard for many conversations with your kids and further research and reading. I've heard parents say that Lemony Snicket's ASoUE got their reluctant readers cracking open books again.

At the very least, you're surely not going to be bored while reading these books with your children and may even find yourself enjoying them immensely.

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Read more about Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket > Lemony Snicket Bio