The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1) (original 1999; edition 1999)

After the 3 Baudelaire children lose their parents, home and possessions in a tragic fire...things only continue to get worse. In this first book of the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" series, the orphans must use their courage, wits and teeth to try to survive the evil Count Olaf. ( )

this book is about when 3 orphans move in a house after there perents died.the names of the orphan are klaus, sunny,voilet. there perents died becuase their house burned down when the tree was not at home. the kids have to do all the choures while count olaf is doing some thing at the house. count olaf is the gaurdin of the three kids and treats the kids like he is their dad. ( )

This book is appropriate for 3-5th grades. This book is about three children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire who are orphans. The children are sent to live with a distant cousin Count Olaf, after their parents have died in a house fire. The first family that took them in already had two children of their own and found a distant cousin in the will to take the children. All three children have a special talent which make them unique. Their cousin that takes them is an actor and is very out their and does not seem normal to the children. He often leaves them to be on their own and has strict rules that limit their space of the house. Olaf devises a plan that in his performance he will marry his 14 year old niece. Klaus picks up on Olaf's plan and tries to get it so it wont go through by reading law books. At the performance the wedding ceremony takes place but violet doesn't sigh with her "own hand" and the contract does not count. The children are sent to live with another family member.

Teachers could use this book to:
-A class read. Children have this book as an assigned reading and they read it as a class.
- Children create a book report for the book. Younger grades could make a diorama.

I enjoyed this highly creative story. There was nothing in depth at all about the tale of three orphaned children who find themselves in the care of mean, evil, nasty Count Olaf who attempts to steal their inheritance, but, I laughed right out loud at the twists and turns of a story well written. ( )

In this, the first installment of “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” the reader is warned right from the beginning that if a happy ending is what they want, they’d better look elsewhere. But I still think most readers with a developed sense of humor will be charmed by this parody of Victorian-style children’s novels, in which children are routinely orphaned and placed at the mercy of scheming relatives, cold porridge and itchy clothes.

One of my favorite devices was the author’s habit of defining any difficult word he happened to use in the course of telling the story, such as “fitfully” and “mystical”, as well as elaborating on such abstract concepts as the difference between literally and figuratively doing something. Intelligent children who aren’t bothered by stories in which horrible things happen to other intelligent children (who yet always seem to persevere through the strength of their own character and wits) will not only get a funny, fast-paced, engaging story but might also learn a thing or two along the way. ( )

In this book their are children named Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire. They are being look after by a distant cousin called Count Olaf. Count Olaf is gross,he is careless and treats the children like a garbage. Olaf is so greedy that he wants to steal the Baudelaires fortunate that was left behind by the Baudelaire parents. The plan of Count Olaf is to make a play called Marvelous Marriage and when violet signs the paper they will be husband and wife and that means that Count Olaf can hold the Baudelaire's fortune. I really enjoy reading this book. by Laetitia ( )

I really enjoyed reading this book. The way the series is told is incredibly fascinating. we sometimes jump into the authors life and hear about his feelings, and I have a suspicion that in the last book we will receive some message about Lemony Snicket's life. This book is a bit depressing so i did not read them and then I heard my brother read the first book out loud and now I can't stop reading them. This book pulls you in and shows you the tragedy of the Baudelaire orphans as they are first discovered by count Olaf and he sets his eyes on the Baudelaire fortune. Count Olaf is a cruel and heartless man and starts all the trouble in the Baudelaire's lives
Even though there is no happy ever after in this story it enchants you and makes you want to just read more. I think this book deserves a four star rating and is a good story but not a good one to fall asleep to. I highly recommend this story for reading in the daytime. ( )

The Bad Beginning is a wonderful book that introduces readers of all ages to a sad yet exciting series that includes thirteen books. Orphans Violet, Klaus, and their baby sister Sunny are given tragic news that their parents were killed in a horrible house fire. The eldest of the Baudelaires, Violet, was left with an enormous amount of money. She would be given the fortune when she came of age. The orphans were sent to their "uncle" Count Olaf. His spooky name was the least of the orphan's worries. Count Olaf has a plan to steal the Baudelairs' fortune. Will these clever children find a way to stop this evil man? Lemony Snicet did a wonderful job telling about the misfortunes the Baudelaires endured, so please read this wonderful book. You will not be disappointed. ( )

Daniel Handler's approach to children's literature is refreshingly original. He employs a variety of literary devices quite obtrusively, often breaking the fourth wall to explain them to the readers. In this first novel, adults are either flawed so much as to be useless or actively wicked. The Baudelaire's parents may have been neither of these things when alive, but their flaw in the book is that they are dead and consequently of no help. In fact, it is their considerable fortune that motivates the evil Count Olaf to threaten, persecute, and attempt to murder their three children.

The humour is of a particular sort and may not be enjoyed by readers preferring a more straightforward or less mannered narrative. Readers who view their lives as a series of unfortunate events often disastrously affected by persons more powerful than themselves but unable or unwilling to act correctly may find the narrative cathartic.

The pleasure of reading is eloquently described. However, an important lesson of this book is that one may read not just for the pleasure of reading and because one is interested in the subject matter but because it may be the only way to discover something of great practical importance.

Even the title of the whole series of books, "A Series of Unfortunate Events" is probably an exercise in irony on the part of the author, since a stronger adjective, such as "awful", "tragic", or "disastrous" would be more appropriate.

The reading by Tim Curry, an interview with Daniel Handler, Lemony Snicket's literary and social representative, and the song by the Gothic Archives are all excellent. ( )

How many times has one wished they could invent something to get them out of a certain predicament? Or found that they hand no one to talk to, so one turned to books for information? Well, Violet loves to come up with inventions often, and this characteristic comes in handy when she and her two siblings, Klaus and Sunny, are stuck living with a men man named Count Oalf. Violet uses her knowledge of science to try to help rescue her baby sister, Sunny when she is dangling from the tall tower that Count Oalf had tied her two. Violet invents a grappling hook which would enable Violet to climb from the bottom of the tower to Sunny that is bounded up in a bird cage. Of course this book is about "Unfortunate Events" so violets grappling hook hooks to a man's hand claw which means she was caught. Violet's brother, Klaus loves books. In fact, it was a book that informed them of Count Oalf's plan to get to the inherited fortune from their deceased parents. Klaus stayed up all night to read a law book, so he could help he family out. Klaus found out that Count Oalf was conducting a real marriage ceremony at the play he made Violet participate in to marry his "character." Once everyone found out about Count Oalf's plan (Violet, Klaus, Count Oalf) things went even further down hill from there. Family is important and violet promised her mother and father both times when her siblings were born that she would take care of them and keep them out of trouble. She agreed to Count Oalf's terms to save Sunny because they were threatening to drop Sunny from a thirty foot tower. I wonder how other teenagers and young children would act if they were in a situation like this? I wonder if they would turn to books to learn someone's plan to ruin their lives even further, or would they take their chances to tell and ask someone? Books are important because they can be very informative. In this case, a simple book taught Klaus about the law and what Count Oalf was planning, books also helped Violet understand how to make inventions and to learn more about them. Family is also another important factor in this book because without each other, they probably would not have gotten out of this situation like they did. ( )

This is the story of three orphans that are sent to live in the most unusual place with the most peculiar people. I love this book for its colorful, distinctive use of words and out of the ordinary characters. ( )

Just as children are not immune to unfortunate events and tragedies in the real world, neither are the Baudelaire orphans in this melancholy filled, inspiring and witty young-adult series. Lemony Snicket’s obvious reverence for children is apparent by his honest and forward illustrations of how cruel the world can be for them, as it is for adults. It is of course not all doom and gloom as Snicket imparts illuminative anecdotes for dealing with disastrous luck as part of his narrative. Also, whilst speaking directly to the reader in an engaging style, he informs and defines for us any advanced vocabulary or phrasing that a young reader might not yet be aware of. This alone would make this series appealing to any reluctant readers out there.

The Baudelaire children may be sad at times, and often unlucky, but they are clearly notable role models, especially in a world where hard times can be just as prevalent as the easy ones. Just because there are some unfortunate events that take place in this series, that is no reason to strike this collection from your child’s library.

www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

Just as children are not immune to unfortunate events and tragedies in the real world, neither are the Baudelaire orphans in this melancholy filled, inspiring and witty young-adult series. Lemony Snicket’s obvious reverence for children is apparent by his honest and forward illustrations of how cruel the world can be for them, as it is for adults. It is of course not all doom and gloom as Snicket imparts illuminative anecdotes for dealing with disastrous luck as part of his narrative. Also, whilst speaking directly to the reader in an engaging style, he informs and defines for us any advanced vocabulary or phrasing that a young reader might not yet be aware of. This alone would make this series appealing to any reluctant readers out there.

The Baudelaire children may be sad at times, and often unlucky, but they are clearly notable role models, especially in a world where hard times can be just as prevalent as the easy ones. Just because there are some unfortunate events that take place in this series, that is no reason to strike this collection from your child’s library.

www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

Just as children are not immune to unfortunate events and tragedies in the real world, neither are the Baudelaire orphans in this melancholy filled, inspiring and witty young-adult series. Lemony Snicket’s obvious reverence for children is apparent by his honest and forward illustrations of how cruel the world can be for them, as it is for adults. It is of course not all doom and gloom as Snicket imparts illuminative anecdotes for dealing with disastrous luck as part of his narrative. Also, whilst speaking directly to the reader in an engaging style, he informs and defines for us any advanced vocabulary or phrasing that a young reader might not yet be aware of. This alone would make this series appealing to any reluctant readers out there.

The Baudelaire children may be sad at times, and often unlucky, but they are clearly notable role models, especially in a world where hard times can be just as prevalent as the easy ones. Just because there are some unfortunate events that take place in this series, that is no reason to strike this collection from your child’s library.

www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

I thought this book was cute. I do think it is a little under my 9 year old's reading level, however it is entertaining so that would make up for it. ;)I love how Lemony uses larger words, and then takes the time to work in the definition of the word for the younger readers. At first, was not fond of it, as I felt like he was talking to me like I was stupid. And then I realized by him doing that, he was making the book personal and I FELT LIKE he was talking to (writing) specifically to ME. It made me appreciate it. LOL.I only gave it 3 stars because it is a childs book, I am a grown up. What would people say if I gave it 4. haha. ( )

Oh My God!Haha it's been ages since I read this series...I used to love it so much! ( )

Even as an adult, I found myself scared for the Baudelaire orphans and frightened by Count Olaf and his creepy friends. I can't wait to read the rest in the series! This would be a fantastic read-aloud spread out over several bedtimes among parents and children. ( )

The bad beginning by lemony snicket
The first book in the series of unfortunate event introduces the Baudelaire children, violet, Klaus and sunny. How unlucky they are, their house gets burnt down killing their parent. Leaving them to live with their distant relative Count Olaf, who is a mean and nasty character throughout the book all he wants, is to get his hands on the children’s fortune their parents left. It takes all the children intelligence to evade his wicked plans.
This is amazing book because it’s clever, funny, entertaining, imaginative and educational. The narrator of book use allot of difficult words, but takes to trouble to explain their meaning, there are three characters , Violet who liking inventing things, Klaus liking reading and sonny who bites things. The story takes disturbing and unhappy turns and readers with nervous disposition may become very anxious at crucial points. I can assurance that the children survive; readers can work that out that much for themselves because the book series by Lemony Snicket has 13 volumes.
They also take great pleasure in book to educate themselves: their refusal to stop looking for ways to solve problems is admirable and their own strength and creativity. The story acknowledges the existence of terrible events and does not pretend that everything turns out for the best. Children who have themselves loss of parent might find reading this book can be quite comforting.
Overall the whole series is great I definitely recommend giving at least the first one a read, then maybe then you might consider reading the whole series, for the first book it was such a excellent start for a amazing series . ( )

This was a good read. For the younger audiences it has spectacular vocabulary lessons embedded into the plot and the characters while not overly developed are very nice. ( )

This book series is nothing like the movie. I was pleasantly surprised to find lots details and very witty humor within its binding. There is a greater story being told here. The book is not only about the Baudelaire orphans but also about the author, Lemony Snicket. From what we can gather Lemony Snicket is trying to tell the story of the Baudelaire orphans but somebody does not want the story told. He is communicating with an accomplice who will get the story published while Lemony is doing the detective work. He leaves secret messages for his accomplice to find and hints throughout his writings about a great tragedy which happened in his own life with his beloved Beatrice. It will be very interesting to see not only what happens to the Baudelaire Orphans but also to the man who is telling their story. ( )

This is the beginning of a truly dreadful masterpiece. If you like stories about orphans who have to get through life with their sheer wits then this a book for you. ( )

I enjoyed the film that is based on the first three books in the series, so I thought I might like the books too.

Those poor Baudelaires - twelve more booksworth of Count Olaf''s scheming to put up with! But they are so resourceful that I''m sure they will be able to foil his evil plots. ( )

The 3 kids are abused and are practically fighting for there life as the series progress it gets better for them. ( )

I wasn't enthralled with this one. I guess with all the warnings by Lemony Snicket himself about how 'unpleasant' this story will be, I was expecting the tale of the three Baudelaire orphans to be much darker—in a funny way—and I it was dark in many ways, but I was left wanting. Still not bad, but I won't be looking for the others in the series. ( )

The Bad Beginning is the first installment of the slightly morbid chronicles of the Baudelaire children. Lemony Snicket skillfully uses a refreshingly frank and humorous tone to guide readers through the chronic tragedies that these children face.
The recently orphaned Baudelaire siblings find themselves in need of a guardian. They are placed in the hands of the unknown Count Olaf. Regrettably, Count Olaf soon makes it clear that he is after the children’s immense fortune. Violet (the inventor), Klaus (the lover of books) and Sunny (the biter) must find a way to safeguard their fortune and keep their lives intact, all while struggling with the loss of their parents.
This first book in A Series of Unfortunate Events encourages a true love of reading as a source of entertainment and solace, but also as a means to provide solutions for the situations that appear. Without painting adults as incompetent, it also shows the Baudelaires using their individual talents to problem-solve.
The Bad Beginning is at a good level for fifth and sixth graders. I would caution that the somewhat grim subject matter of this series might be frightening to some.
However, I would strongly recommend this book to sixth and seventh graders with learning disabilities. Snicket sprinkles definitions of words and phrases that might be unfamiliar throughout the story in a natural way that does not assume the reader’s ignorance. Short chapters make this book perfect for struggling readers. Those who have social deficits would also interact well with this book as it points out information that they might not have naturally picked up on. For example, the fact that toddlers, like Sunny, use their mouths as a way to gather information about the world around them might be new information to this type of reader.