About the Author

Lemony Snicket had an unusual education, which may or may not explain his ability to evade capture. He is the author of the 13 volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, several picture books including The Dark, and the books collectively titled All The Wrong Questions.

Tim Curry has portrayed many memorable characters, most notably the role of the scientist in the Broadway and film versions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Arthur in the Broadway production of SPAMalot.

Reviews

In the ninth title in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Carnivorous Carnival, the Baudelaire siblings are falsely accused of murder. On the run from Count Olaf (the real killer), the three disguise themselves in Madame Lulu's House of Freaks; Violet and Klaus masquerade as the two-headed Beverly/Elliot; Sunny poses as Chabo the Wolf Baby. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Gr 5-8-Lemony Snicket has outdone himself in tantalizing foulness in this ninth offering in the series (HarperCollins, 2002), narrated by Tim Curry. In their quest to discover if one of their parents has survived a tragic fire, the Baudelaire orphans are driven literally (hidden in the trunk of a car) and figuratively to the hinterlands, a barren landscape, where only the Caligari Carnival exists. Unable to hide in these surroundings from their archenemy, Count Olaf, who covets their fortune, Violet and Klaus disguise themselves as the Two Headed Person, and tiny Sunny is transformed into Chabo the Wolf Baby, to apply for jobs at the Carnival. They are hired by the owner, Olaf's former girlfriend, for the House of Freaks. The siblings try to uncover the answers to their questions while living with Colette, a contortionist, Hugo, a hunchback, and Kevin, who is convinced that being ambidextrous is freakish. Of course, things don't go well for the children, and they are almost thrown to underfed, vicious lions. Tim Curry's narration is extremely creative. Listeners will especially appreciate Count Olaf's fiendishly evil voice, Madame Lulu's fake Hungarian accent, and the Count's present girlfriend's trendy drawl. This audiobook will be a favorite with middle school fans of Lemony Snicket, and a good choice for school and public libraries.-Carol Y. Barker, Wheelerville School, Caroga Lake, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.