The Dark by Lemony SnicketMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Violet Says: 5 Stars
I love this book about Laszlo. Most of the time I just call it "Laszlo." The pictures are very dark but Laszlo looks nice and his house is pretty cool -- kind of like my house. When my Dad makes me pick out a "good night" book to read last, this is usually the one I pick.
Dad Says: 5 Stars
I generally don't like reading books that introduce fears to my children that they don't already have. Like, why do I want to read a book about "why vegetables aren't nasty" if my kids generally eat vegetables without fuss? Likewise, I was initially hesitant to read this book lest Violet be tipped off that some kids out there are afraid of the dark. But the story is told so elegantly that I don't think she even takes away any generalized fears. I think it could actually be a pretty scary book...but we don't read it in a scary way, and it goes over great. There's drama but not suspense. It's thrilling without being terrifying. I'm not super-familiar with the other works of Lemony Snicket, but The Dark is written in such a lovely, subtle, lyrical style that it sets the bar for how text in a children's book ought to be crafted. The art is simultaneously muted yet vibrant, dramatic while still remaining accessible. Really it's an absolute powerhouse home-run book.
We recommend it to everyone!
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