Kids Weigh In The plot thickens: At 353 pages. Book 12 in A Series of Unfortunate Events is 'more difficult for children to lift-this is good news," quips the evil author. Seven fans report on how it stacks up.

"A little more unfortunate than the others, with a lot more excitement."—Alexander Irikura, 9

"I loved it. But I was boggled with the title until my mom told me what 'penultimate' meant." —Ethan Skelskie, 9

"All Lemony Snicket books are good because he's funny and human."—Katherine Lyons, 9

"It's exciting. But in the end, I'm afraid the children find themselves in Count Olaf's clutches." —Theo Munger, 9

"Count Olaf isn't as devious as he used to be."—Liam Duffy, 10

"The best book yet."—Zachary Lemonides, 9

"I had no trouble lifting it."—Ben Thaler, 13