8 Books to Read if You Love “A Series of Unfortunate Events”
Did your family watch seasons 1 and 2 of A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix? ICYMI, Neil Patrick Harris was a pretty creepy villain as Count Olaf, and we’re now counting down the days until season 3 airs on New Year’s Day.
In the meantime, you could sit around twiddling your thumbs, or you could encourage your kids to pick up a book that’s just as terrible as a Lemony Snicket novel.
Here are 8 books that will appeal to the Snicket fans out there. In fact, maybe you should avoid reading them at all costs. Don’t say we didn’t warn you:
1. The Problim Children
Looking for mystery, humor, and adventure? Check, check, and check. The Problim Children is an unforgettable take of adventure, family, and finding the courage to face any problem heart-first.
When the Problim children’s ramshackle bungalow in the Swampy Woods goes kaboom, the seven siblings — each born on a different day of the week — have to move into their grandpa’s bizarre old mansion in Lost Cove. No problem! For the Problim children, every problem is a gift … or is it?
2. The Crims
If you’re in it for Olaf, try The Crims, about a family full of notorious criminals. Notoriously inept, that is. Except for Imogen. But despite her natural talent for all things unlawful, Imogen got out of the family business years ago. But when the rest of the Crims are accused of pulling off a major heist — which seems doubtful, to say the least — Imogen is forced to step in to clear their names. Because only a truly skilled criminal can prove the bumbling family’s innocence …
3. The Doldrums
The Doldrums is packed with witty wordplay and makes for a great read aloud. It’s the story of Archer B. Helmsley, who wants an adventure. No, he needs an adventure. His grandparents were famous explorers … until they got stuck on an iceberg. Now Archer’s mother barely lets him out of the house. As if that would stop a true Helmsley. Archer enlists Adelaide — the girl who, according to rumor, lost her leg to a crocodile — and Oliver, the boy next door, to help him rescue his grandparents on an adventure full of sly humor and enormous heart.
4. Anyone but Ivy Pocket
Are you ready for Ivy Pocket? Ivy is a 12-year-old maid — and a walking disaster who enrages and appalls the aristocrats she works for. But our protagonist doesn’t see herself that way at all. In fact, she’s convinced that she’s rather wonderful, perfectly charming, and extremely talented. When Ivy finds herself abandoned and penniless in Paris, she has no idea how she will get back to England. Fate intervenes in a surprising adventure full of intrigue, villains, mayhem, and misunderstandings.
5. The Graveyard Book
If you’re looking for a dark adventure with a lot of imagination, try The Graveyard Book. We cannot recommend this modern classic highly enough. It’s about Nobody Owens, known as Bod. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy — an ancient Indigo Man, a getaway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack, who has already killed Bod’s family.
6. Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
The children in this book are completely incorrigible. But they really can’t help it: They were raised by wolves. Now that they’ve been adopted by an English lord and lady, they’re trying to adjust to a genteel life. But it won’t be easy, even with a mysterious young governess to teach them about everything from French to forks.
7. Half-Minute Horrors
If you really can’t wait to get your hands on more Snicket, he’s included in this terrifying collection of short stories and creepy illustrations. How scared can you get in only 30 seconds? Grab a flashlight, set a timer, and get ready for instant chills! It’s jam-packed with other authors you’ll know and love, like Neil Gaiman, R.L. Stine, James Patterson, Holly Black … we could go on, but hopefully you’re on your way to ordering this one already.
8. The Anybodies
Looking for a hilariously intrusive narrator à la Snicket? Look no farther than The Anybodies. Fern discovers that she was swapped at birth and leaves her tragically dull parents for an unforgettable adventure with her true father, the Bone. Just who are the Anybodies? You’ll have to read to find out!
Are there any books you’d add to this list? Tell us below; we’d love to know!
