Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid

Lemony Snicket. Harper Collins, 2007. ISBN-10: 0061240060

Plot Summary: There is no story to this book but it is described as containing "a bouquet of alarming but inescapable truths from the work of Lemony Snicket." Each page contains a quote from a book or from "unpublished papers or remarks he made at dinner.The book is divided into 13 chapters, each with a different focus. Chapters include: Home, Family, School, and A Life of Mystery.

Critical Evaluation: This book contains a mix of "wisdoms". Some are very age appropriate for the intended age group and some are likely a little too dry and will go over many heads. Overall, the book is amusing and is a good one to pick up and read for a few minutes and then put back down. Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will likely enjoy his dry style.

Reader's Annotation: This book contains pearls of Wisdom of Lemony Snicket. The Cover reads "Life is a turbulent journey fraught with confusion, heartbreak, and inconvenience. This book will not help."

About the Author: Lemony Snicket is also the author of the Series of Unfortunate Event Series.
Genre: Humor/Anecdotal
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: How do you look at life?
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, they could be advised to research author or read reviews of other works by Lemony Snicket.
Interest Level: 9-12 years old
Selection Process: This Book was featured in a library display.

The Encyclopedia of Immaturity, Volume 2

Klutz, 2009. ISBN: 978-1591746898

Plot Summary: This book contains everything anyone needs to know about being immature! Pranks, jokes, and childish "skills are all included in this book. Want to learn how to slide down a banister? Hypnotize a dog? Burp your name? Then this book is for you!

Critical Evaluation: This is the type of book that adults love to give to children as a gift. Tweens will undoubtedly enjoy flipping through it from time to time for a laugh but it is not really the type of book one sits down to read and enjoy.

Readers Annotation: Want to learn immature tricks? Want to horrify your parents and disgust your grandparents? Then this is the book for you!

About the Author: N/A
Genre: Humor/Toy Book
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None. If any present, they can be told to research the Klutz compnay or read reviews of book on Amazon.com.
Interest Level: Ages 8-13
Selection Process: Borrowed from a friend's son who recommended it.