The Bad Beginning is the first book in the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The main characters are Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, who are, without a doubt, the most unlucky characters ever found in children’s literature. The readers are warned at the beginning if they like tales with happy endings, they should not read this book. The book reads somewhat like a gothic tale, and the troubles the children face seem unending. The three children’s talents–Violet is an inventor, Klaus is a reader, and Baby Sunny is a biter–help them escape the worst. This unusual book with its odd humor and remarkable vocabulary is sure to intrigue middle-grade readers, even those who are reluctant readers. Don’t be surprised if the middle-grader in your life want to read the entire series – 13 books, of course. After all, who doesn’t love the underdog, or underdogs, in this case!
Today's Kidlit Book 