Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist team up once again to tell and illustrate another splendid tale. This time, however it's not about orphans.

It is about a lump of coal who attempts to find a true miracle.

The lump of coal only wants to be accepted as an artist (he enjoys making black marks on surfaces) and a chef (he is very skilled at cooking things), but everywhere he goes, he is only treated as a lowly lump of coal. It is only after meeting Santa Claus (or at least, someone dressed up like Santa Claus) that he discovers a true miracle.

This book is recommended for all fans of Snicket's work (and I suppose Handler's work too). It's definitely a Christmas classic to go alongside things like The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming. ( )

I haven't shared this book yet with my students and have some reservations about doing so, because I can't figure out if it really is a book meant for children or adults! What exactly was Lemony Snicket's intended audience when he was writing this boo?. I was hoping it would be a funny Christmas story for my harder to please upper elementary students, and perhaps it might be. But it honestly seems as though the humor and references are more for adults. There is nothing about the story that is inappropriate for children, but I think it's not the kind of humor they prefer. Also the book is a small size, which to me, makes it appear as more of an adult novelty humor book, rather than a children's picture book. But I may be wrong. Maybe the small size will encourage an older child to pick it up, where they wouldn't have wanted to be caught reading an oversized childish picture book.

The Lump of Coal was published in September so by Christmas time it could become a bestseller. What would your aspirations be if you would be a lump of coal? You basically have two options: being used by an artist or a cook. These are exactly what our little protagonist is hoping for, but he has to go through a series of hurdles and disappointments before he can reach his life's desire. If you are familiar with and enjoy Lemony Snicket's smart, funny, but dark style you will like this one too. If you are not familiar this is a good book to start with. Brett Helquist's equally gloomy drawings round up the experience,

A fantastic departure from holiday books from 'Lemony Snicket'. Dry, sarcastic, sophisticated humor for children 8 and up. This is the story of a lump of coal who is bored and without a use after summer. He dreams of being used for moody art, Korean bbq, but Santa finds use for him as a gift. Adorable drawings fantastic humor. Great in the classroom as a departure from typical holiday books, may be an inspiration to get the charcoal out. Also has a moral to the story, to appreciate simple things. ( )

Now that the holidays are officially here, the craziness has begun and we are all rush, rush, rushing everywhere. This little book is a fun break from the fray.

With his characteristic humor, Mr. Snicket has created a little leftover lump of barbeque charcoal who has been forgotten in someones backyard. Summer is over and the lump is bored, so he goes rolling out into the world. His journey is a reminder to see and appreciate the small miracles that take place every day. An appropriate message at this time of year that is delivered with the author's classic mixture of sharp wit and sweet story.

The story is accompanied by Brett Helquist's charming illustrations. He has created the cutest little grumpy-looking coal lump you have ever seen. ( )