Lemony Snicket’s 13 Words Review and One of a Kind Giveaway

International best-selling author Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events) and acclaimed artist Maira Kalman have teamed up to create a highly unique and visually beautiful book. 13 Words is an affordable and original holiday gift for kids.

Video Preview of 13 Words

My Take on 13 Words

13 Words is easily one of the most unique books I’ve ever read with my son. The book highlights 13 words – with absolutely nothing in common other than the fact that Snicket has crafted a story that introduces each word. The words include everything from common words in my son’s vocabulary (like Bird, Hat and Baby) and also includes words that he’s likely never heard such as Haberdashery and Mezzo-Suprano.

The basic story is that the Bird is Despondent (one of the 13 words), so the Dog buys the Bird a Hat to cheer him up. Of course, Lemony Snicket’s take on this simple story is anything but and involves a Haberdashery (hat store) owned by a Baby and ends with a Mezzo-Suprano (another word) singing a song to summarize the day’s events. Honestly, it’s all pretty random. I kind of expected the story to wrap up and have the words come together in some way. But, not so much. Nonetheless, it’s fun to read and beautiful to look at. My son is nearly four and I think he was a bit intimidated by some of the words at first, but has warmed up to the story after becoming more familiar with it.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… 13 Words is a children’s book probably unlike any other in your library. The illustrations are really beautiful and your child will learn some new vocab words for sure. (Um, I did, too. Who says Haberdashery?) The book is best suited for children at least 4 and through the early years of grade school.

Or Not to Buy… While my son enjoys this book, it’s not one he asks for. I think it’s a bit over his head since there’s no clear plot to follow, but it has grown on him as he’s become more familiar with it and the words.

Shop! 13 Words by Lemony Snicket is currently available in bookstores and online with a suggested retail price of $16.99.

Win! One of a Kind 13 Words Prize Package including the Book, original Maira Kalman Artwork and 13 Words Buttons!

Prize details: A limited edition (only 15 made), original Maira Kalman piece of artwork.  This signed, 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ piece is gauche on paper – similarly sized Kalman pieces start at $750.  The 13 buttons feature the 13 words and accompanying illustrations from the book.

How to Enter: Leave a comment telling me with whom you would like to read the book 13 Words.

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Giveaway ends December 17. Open to US mailing addresses.

Disclosure: Thanks to redbox for providing the giveaway prize.