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13 Words
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13 Words (2010) (edit title/settings)

by Lemony Snicket (Author), Maira Kalman (Illustrator) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

Lemony Snicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal .

Summary edit see section history

Based on an unlucky number of key words and authored by someone who takes pleasure in unfortunate events, this volume conjures a sense of foreboding. "Word Number 1: Bird" introduces the central character, and the accompanying illustration pictures a royal-blue bird perched on a linen... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Based on an unlucky number of key words and authored by someone who takes pleasure in unfortunate events, this volume conjures a sense of foreboding. "Word Number 1: Bird" introduces the central character, and the accompanying illustration pictures a royal-blue bird perched on a linen tablecloth, in a yellow-and-pink dining room that might have been painted by Matisse. The bird's eye droops sadly, whereupon readers turn to "Word Number 2: Despondent" and "Word Number 3: Cake," an item that might alleviate a bird's ennui, at least temporarily. Despite ominous beginnings, the proceedings turn upbeat with the arrival of a chic "Word Number 4: Dog," who concocts witty diversions for the gloomy bird. Kalman's eccentric gouaches elevate the wintry mood; the dog, with his sly grin, resembles Kalman's Max, particularly when he tries on hats at "Word Number 9: Haberdashery." Sprinkled with additional vocab words like "spiffy" and featuring surreal landscapes in ice-cream hues, this word-association game recalls Kalman's solo productions. The conclusion, however, belongs to Snicket, because "the bird, to tell you the truth, is still a little despondent."

Characters edit see section history

  • Bird: The bird is despondent.
  • Dog: Dog is bird's friend. He is concerned about the fact that she is sad.
  • Goat: Goat drives dog around in a convertible.
  • Baby: Baby owns the haberdashery.
  • Mezzo-Soprano: The Mezzo-Soprano sums up the whole story in song.
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “"Both those hats have tons of panache," says the baby, putting them in boxes. "What does that mean, 'feathers'?" asks the dog.”

First Sentence edit see section history

Word number 1: Bird. The bird sits on the table.

Table of Contents edit see section history

1. Bird
2. Despondent
3. Cake
4. Dog
5. Busy
6. Convertible
7. Goat
8. Hat
9. Haberdashery
10. Scarlet
11. Baby
12. Panache
13. Mezzo-Soprano

Series & Lists edit see section history

This book is in Kirkus Reviews: 2010 Best Children's Books. (authoritative list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Lemony Snicket (Author)
  2. Maira Kalman (Illustrator)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: HarperCollins
Country: United States
Publication Date: October 5, 2010
ISBN: 0061664650
Page Count: 40

Classification edit see section history

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

A great way to teach new words to kids. But it is really for all ages

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