The Lump of Coal

It doesn't get much more tongue-in-cheek than Lemony Snicket - whose thirteen-volume A Series of Unfortunate Events explored a hilariously dolorous world - and The Lump of Coal is a case in point! The story of a hero who is "small, flammable, and dressed all in black," who, "for the sake of argument," can think, talk and move, it is a tale suitable for those who hear, at this time of year, "the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision," and answers the crush of more sentimental holiday fare in its own (or Snicket's own) inimitable style.

Now, I tend to get a little sentimental at this time of year, and have no argument to make against the "sweeter" holiday selections, but there is always room for the humorous as well, in my reading schedule, regardless of the season! Between the dryly humorous story, and Brett Helquist's expressive illustrations, which somehow make the anthropomorphic coal look simultaneously cute and repulsive, A Lump of Coal really had me chuckling! Recommended to anyone who likes a little spice in their holiday reading brew, and to fans of this author/illustrator team! ( )

This was read as part of our Christmas church service and I simply loved it. Anything that's used during inter-generational services that doesn't make me want to pass out is a good thing, and this actually made me pay attention rather than just practice patience and tolerance. ( )

Though I thought that the idea behind this book was original and loved the fact that it had a happy ending that including art, I just thought the story could have been more developed. It felt a bit lacking. Still, fans of Lemony Snicket will enjoy it and it is a quick read. Share it with your child - if anything, it will teach them several uses for a lump of coal! ( )

A small lump of coal, abandoned in a BBQ charcoal bag once the summer is over, dreams of becoming an artist one day. Luckily, winter is a time when miracles have been known to happen...

Lump of Coal is a short holiday-themed picture book, published after the success of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events books. It's written in a style similar to the series (i.e., dark humor, the occasional defining of words in context) and features illustrations by the same artist who worked on all of the A Series of Unfortunate Events books, although he here uses full color instead of just black and white. Lump of Coal is a funny enough little book and is a fine addition to any holiday collection, but it isn't the best work from this duo. Still, who doesn't love a happy ending? ( )

Written in the style of A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Lump of Coal chronicles the existence of a piece of charcoal with artistic aspirations who ends up being a Christmas miracle. Humorous and intelligent, this is a new holiday favorite of mine. Adorned with the art of Brett Helquist, the book is visually appealing, especially the frumpy looking piece of coal. I don't know how much children will like it, but I certainly did. ( )