Loading...
52nd out of 264 books
—
377 voters
My rating:
add to my books
The Lump of Coal
This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around.
Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
October 1st 2008
by HarperCollins
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,218)
Lemony Snicket rules and all but mostly I like the crotchety little lump stomping around in his little tuxedo, glaring at everybody. Glare glare glare.
view 1 comment
Lump of Coal is essentially a picture book, re-teaming the wit and whimsy of Lemony Snicket with the admirable illustrations of Brett Helquist, his collaborator in the Series of Unfortunate Events books. The illustrations, to me, are the main appeal here, but the story isn't without its charm as the titular character goes in search of a purpose in life. It's fluff, not as impactful or lasting as great picture books like Corduroy or Harold and the Purple Crayon, but it is a well execute...more
A silly little holiday story about the trials and tribulations of a lump of coal who aspires to make avante-garde art, told in standard Lemony Snicket style; intellectually dry, absurdist, with a dash of morality. This is a short little picture book, so even more so than his other works, the intended audience is ambiguous. Is it really for the kindergarten set? Well, I'm sure many kids would love Helquist's beautiful and narrative illustrations (as usual), but Snicket's verbose, rambling humor e...more
Great authors often have trouble outdistancing their greatest works. The habits of characterization and rhythm of dialogue becomes less a hallmark of an author's style, and more a fall back position. Instead of developing new skills, an author will remain bound to what had been successful in the past, at the cost of becoming more successful in the future (see: Grafton, Sue).
Lemony Snicket is not that kind of an author. He has completed his Series of Unfortunate Events, and moved on....more
Lemony Snicket is not that kind of an author. He has completed his Series of Unfortunate Events, and moved on....more
If you know me, you know that I am a HUMUNGOUS fan of Lemony Snicket. I won’t say Daniel Handler because his adult books just never grabbed me, but when he’s Lemony Snicket, I go bananas.
I’ve seen that some people aren’t as impressed with The Lump of Coal as they were with The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story, but I don’t know if I entirely agree. I liked this book, though I will admit it seems a little watered-down for a Snicket creation. There is the usual dark ...more
I’ve seen that some people aren’t as impressed with The Lump of Coal as they were with The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story, but I don’t know if I entirely agree. I liked this book, though I will admit it seems a little watered-down for a Snicket creation. There is the usual dark ...more
I am a complete Lemony Snicket worshiper, without exception. The way he deals with any subject with irreverence hidden by neat turns-of-phrase and humorous observations is unequalled, in my opinion.
The lump of coal's narrator is as despondent, ob...more
The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles.
The lump of coal's narrator is as despondent, ob...more
You always hear people say that pets are for life and not just for Christmas. Well, stories are for life too and just for a season even if they are set in particular season. And sometimes the smallest books carry the biggest messages.
From the quill of Lemony Snicket comes a tiny tale that has no orphans or insane uncles. It does not even run into 2 volumes, let alone a doomed 13. It’s a tiny book which tells a huge tale and it’s called The Lump of Coal. The book is illustrated by Brett...more
From the quill of Lemony Snicket comes a tiny tale that has no orphans or insane uncles. It does not even run into 2 volumes, let alone a doomed 13. It’s a tiny book which tells a huge tale and it’s called The Lump of Coal. The book is illustrated by Brett...more
This is my new favorite Christmas book! It has everything- great illustrations, cleverly written humor, and on top of all that a heartwarming simple message that is insightful and helps put the holidays in perspective. Love it, Love it, Love it! Go and get a copy TODAY!!!
I thought this was classic Lemony Snicket, just a little bit ridiculous and yet deep at the same time. The ending caught me slightly off guard, but it's probably one of my favorite endings to childrens books.
The art here is the best aspect of the book I think. I wouldn't mind having a little lump of coal guy to carry around like him. I'd probably put him in a little sweatsuit and sneakers instead of the suit but that's just me.
I haven't read any reviews here on this book but I'm guessing the book is described often, and well, enough. I'll stick to my feelings. Like I've already said, the art is the best. The story isn't missing anything but it wasn't all that fun to read out loud.
Julia...more
I haven't read any reviews here on this book but I'm guessing the book is described often, and well, enough. I'll stick to my feelings. Like I've already said, the art is the best. The story isn't missing anything but it wasn't all that fun to read out loud.
Julia...more
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 appropriat...more
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 appropriat...more
Lisa Vegan
rated it
Recommends it for:
adults who are irreverent about Christmas and much else
Recommended to Lisa by:
Abigail
Oh, I was hoping that this would be my last 2010 holiday book; it would have been fitting seeing as how I don’t consider myself to be somebody who is a fan of holiday books. But, I see that there are two more holiday books that I’m expecting from the library. Ah well.
Perhaps this isn’t worth 5 stars but I laughed, a lot, and I thought the whole thing was clever. Much is made fun of here, not just the holidays. Art and the art world are among the subjects skewered here.
The...more
Perhaps this isn’t worth 5 stars but I laughed, a lot, and I thought the whole thing was clever. Much is made fun of here, not just the holidays. Art and the art world are among the subjects skewered here.
The...more
This started as a Christmas gift for my younger cousin and turned into: WHY OH WHY DID I GIVE IT TO HIM?
Really, it's an adorable story. Off-beat, but that's how Lemony Snicket writes. I love the ramblings, the sweet and adorable style (albeit a bit eccentric mostly). But giving it to my two-year-old cousin? Not a bright move.
I do however plan to purchase this for my own little ones one day. While I'd hate to corrupt my cousin with lovely writing like this (if you knew his par...more
Really, it's an adorable story. Off-beat, but that's how Lemony Snicket writes. I love the ramblings, the sweet and adorable style (albeit a bit eccentric mostly). But giving it to my two-year-old cousin? Not a bright move.
I do however plan to purchase this for my own little ones one day. While I'd hate to corrupt my cousin with lovely writing like this (if you knew his par...more
I forgot to review this one at Christmas, but today my son reminded me that he, "just loves that book", and I remembered to post a review. Funny quote first: "Miracles can happen, even to those who are small, flammable, and dressed all in black." Lemony Snicket has fun with the Christmas lump of coal idea by giving it life and personality. The lump of coal even gets to experience Christmas miracles. Best of all, there's a nice message that the miracles and blessings in our...more
Someone said their 3-month-old loves the illustrations in this book so we'll see what Hope thinks.
Hilarious!
"Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you'd see..."
"'Do you have any use for me?' asked the lump of coal. 'I'm an artist at heart, but I'm very helpful when cooking meat.'
Santa Claus sighed. 'Well,' he said, 'my stepson is a very disobedient boy named Jasper. ...more
Hilarious!
"Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you'd see..."
"'Do you have any use for me?' asked the lump of coal. 'I'm an artist at heart, but I'm very helpful when cooking meat.'
Santa Claus sighed. 'Well,' he said, 'my stepson is a very disobedient boy named Jasper. ...more
Abigail
rated it
Recommends it for:
Anyone Looking for Humorous Holiday Tales / Lemony Snicket Fans
Recommended to Abigail by:
Robin & Chandra
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 b...more
This is my favorite Christmas book. It has a great redefinition of miracles (having good friends, getting to spend your day doing things you like to do, etc.) and points out how to find miracles in your everyday life. Not really something you'd except from Lemony Snicket, but definitely not too syrupy like other Christmas stories.
Also, I love how the drug-store Santa gets fired for making comments about a customer's medications (don't worry kiddies! Everyone knows the real Santa is...more
Also, I love how the drug-store Santa gets fired for making comments about a customer's medications (don't worry kiddies! Everyone knows the real Santa is...more
A pessimistic lump of coal makes his way in the winter season with dreams that cannot be realized. However, by a strange coincidence he is able to achieve his dream of becoming an artist and being useful for a good BBQ. The story is what you would expect from the uber-creative Snicket, full of sarcasm and subtle wit that an adult can enjoy alongside a child reader. The illustrations are as good as the story. There's something strangely adorable about a grumpy lump of coal in a stocking.
Lemony Snicket has written another little square book that is a companion (in size and spirit) to The Latke Who Wouldn't Stop Screaming. A lump of coal - miraculously with the ability to walk, talk, think, and read - seeks to fulfill his destiny during the Christmas season. The story has the sort of repetition that kids will like, but parents will enjoy the sweet-tart tone and Brett Helquist's great illustrations of the lumpy, grumpy-looking lump in his 3-piece suit.
Sadly for me this book didn't live up to the first sentence, which is magnificent- The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles. Yes it is heartwarming and all at the end but I really couldn't push past the notion that the lump of coal, looked quite a bit like Mr Hanky dressed in a tux.
I was super excited for this book, and true to his style, Lemony Snicket serves up a story only Lemony Snicket could write. However, I'm not sure this book is appropriate for young children. The language used and humor intended is a bit hard for some younger children, so this book may surprise people who intend to buy it for very young children. But I enjoyed the cute little story and the humor I can only describe as that of Lemony Snicket, so all in all, I liked the book.
I have to admit that I quit "A Series of Unfortunate Events" halfway through the series and I totally didn't get "The Latke Who Wouldn't Stop Screaming" so I had real reservations about this one. But I was pleasantly surprised as it was much more coherent than my memory of "The Latke Who Wouldn't Stop Screaming." Probably best for older kids, this book contains all of Snicket's trademark trappings and a surprisingly hopeful and beautiful message at the end.
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.
Anne-Marie
rated it
Recommends it for:
Everyone! If you don't celebrate Christmas, it's still hilarious.
Recommended to Anne-Marie by:
my mommy :D
This is my favorite Christmas story of all time!!! It's all about a small little lump of coal that leaves the his packaging to become a charcoal artist. He's continually rejected, and then he is discovered by "Santa." "Santa" tells us that he's not really Santa but a guy at the nearby department store selling coupons. Still, he takes the lump of coal and gives it to his nephew, who has been a bad boy that year. :)
Relyn
rated it
Recommends it for:
adults who like the tongue in cheek approach
Recommended to Relyn by:
I love Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist
I love this book. It's a children's book written for adults. I love it! It's my idea of a perfect Christmas book. The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles. Ahhhhh... How can you not love a book that begins like that?
What a clever little book that's actually about the essence of the artist! Unfurled in that crazy writing style of Lemony Snicket (and the artwork of Brett Helquist!) we find ourselves listening to the story of this well dressed little lump of coal. He is searching and searching and longing and longing to be found and wanted. He wants a miracle and he gets his miracle in a sort of bizarre sort of way.
This book was really funny... my favorite line from it is, "Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them, you'll find more than you ever imagined possible." Total Lemony Snicket all the way through... But you'll only understand why it's so weirdly funny (or is it humorously weird?) if you've read other Lemony Snicket books... Officially one of my favorite picture books.... :D
Not a bad book. I think the humor is way over most kids' heads. I would guess maybe 8-11 would get it. Twelve and over, sure. And while I can't deny the humor, it just doesn't get to me like it does so many others. Maybe because I'm not expecting it in a children's book. Or maybe because I'm not quite sure where the story is going. Oh well. I really liked the ending--especially the last page.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
What is it with Lemony Snicket that captivates me? His writing is so weird I just read and wonder what in the world he is trying to convey. Does he have some hidden deep meaning to everything he writes? Or is he just being plain silly? Is he trying to teach me something? I still have no idea, but his books facinate me for some reason. This book was way over my four year olds head, but I loved it.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Lemony Snicket is the pen name of American novelist Daniel Handler. Snicket is the author of several children's books, serving as the narrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events (his best-known work) and appearing as a character within the series. Because of this, the name Lemony Snicket may refer to both a fictional character and a real person. This article deals primarily with the character.
...more
More about Lemony Snicket...
...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you'd see.”
—
98 people liked it
“The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles. Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you'd see, and this holiday story features any number of miracles, depending on your point of view.”
—
60 people liked it
More quotes…
