Has Lemony Snicket been poisoned? A standalone novel for all ages -- a contemporary fable in the great tradition of The Little Prince and Sophie's World -- by one of the twenty-first century's most beloved authors. For more than twenty years, Lemony Snicket has been one of the most famous narrators in contemporary middle-grade fiction, leading millions of readers through a mysterious literary world of bewildering questions and unfortunate events. Now, with this latest book -- a love letter to readers and reading, and a meditation on the vagaries of real life -- longtime fans and new readers alike have an opportunity to experience Snicket's distinctive voice in a new way.
This true story -- as true as Lemony Snicket himself -- begins with a puzzling note under his door: You had poison for breakfast. Following a winding trail of clues to solve the mystery of his own demise, Snicket takes us on a thought-provoking tour of his predilections: the proper way to prepare an egg, a perplexing idea called tzimtzum, the sublime pleasure of swimming in open water, and much else.
Poison for Breakfast is a classic-in-the-making that -- in the great tradition of modern fables like The Little Prince and The Phantom Tollbooth -- will delight readers of all ages.
Industry Reviews
"This little book feels like opening a window to let in air and light.... Filled with curious information and powerful feelings.... Humorous, sad, meditative and rapturous." -- Imogen Russell Williams - The Guardian
"Lemony Snicket's Poison for Breakfast will certainly be a hit with his fans because the author's style is quite unique . . . . I enjoy the distinctive structure, odd tidbits, and repetition . . . . settle in for a fun read." -- Ronna Mandel - Goodreads
"A charismatic voyage into the topic of bewilderment, with detours reflecting on death. . . Watch out for the surprising conclusion! This just may be [Snicket's] finest hour." -- Jeanne Fredriksen - Booklist
"Full of Snicket's trademark clever whimsy... it is the sort of pleasant bewilderment that comes from letting your mind wander down unfamiliar paths... Steadfast fans of Lemony Snicket will surely be pleased with this new entry into his canon." -- Sarah Reid - School Library Journal
"We are all bewildered, Snicket says.... Despite this novel being written before COVID-19, this message resonates deeply in our present world. Feeling lost in a constant state. However, Snicket urges us to stay hopeful. For those of you who, like me, grew up reading A Series of Unfortunate Events, this is the perfect book for you.... A wild, philosophical ride." -- Abby Petree - The Young Folks
"Fans of Snicket's voice will adore the book.... A love letter to the concept and inherent power of literature.... Full of the classic wordplay, snark, and insight that long-time fans will be hoping for." -- Michael Cook - Geek Vibes Nation
"[Snicket] returns with a delightfully quirky philosophical novel... [H]e reminisces about, among other things... the craft of writing... [Visiting] a library... sets the stage for a surprising conclusion. Snicket laces the narrative with his trademark word definitions... This will delight fans of Snicket's singular storytelling." -- Publishers Weekly
"Daniel Handler has crafted a perfect gem of a true philosophical treatise hidden in a Snicket mystery. I loved every savory bit of it." -- Jon Scieszka