Author biography – Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket is the nom de plume of writer Daniel Handler (born in 1970). Snicket also appears as a character in some of his books and Handler clearly enjoys blurring the lines between his fictional character and his author persona, as his witty little bio illustrates:

 

“Lemony Snicket was born before you were and is likely to die before you as well. He was born in a small town where the inhabitants were suspicious and prone to riot. He grew up near the sea and currently lives beneath it. Until recently, he was living somewhere else.” (Amazon Biography page)

 

Lemony Snicket’s quirky style makes him very appealing to Key Stage 3 students and his latest offering, published this June, Shouldn’t You be in School?, is a great read for those looking for a witty story in the crime genre. It is the third installment of his new crime series entitled All the Wrong Questions which follows on from the fantastically popular Series of Unfortunate Events. The first book in this new series, Who Could That Be at This Hour?, was released in October 2012.

 

Snicket’s books are a quick read and have proved very popular with adults as well as children. Because of this, they are great books for parents to share with their children. The dark humour appeals to younger readers without ever becoming inappropriate.

They are also beautiful looking little books, so those students that relish the tactile appeal of his other publications won’t be disappointed.

Lemony Snicket is renowned for his unusual approach to fame. His tweets are rather wonderful:

 

If you asked everyone in the world what was most important, you would have a very long day.

 

If you don’t read anything today – never mind.

 

If someone tells you you’re not listening, suggest that they say something interesting.

 

A windy afternoon is nature’s way of reminding us to read indoors.

 

Demanding ice cream is rude. Asking for a guided tour of someone’s freezer is charming.

 

The dullest chapter in your life is the part another reader has been waiting for.

 

A day without a book is dull; a book without a day is very spooky.