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The Bad Beginning

by Lemony Snicket   |  Ages 9+
$3.90
Compare to estimated retail price: S$14.32  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

The Bad Beginning
The Bad Beginning

Darkly humorous tale of misfortune and wits.

If you appreciate a good story with a twist of dark humor, "The Bad Beginning" could be a delightful paradox for you. It brilliantly blends misery with wit, immersing readers into the tragically enchanting world of the Baudelaire orphans. The charm lies in its ability to make you smirk amidst the gloom, engaging you through its clever narration and a compelling mix of adventure and intellect.

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2001)
  • Nene Award (2003)
  • Silberner Lufti (2000)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

The Bad Beginning

by Lemony Snicket   |  Ages 9+
$3.90
Compare to estimated retail price: S$14.32  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

Find out more about our process here.

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ISBN: 9781405266062
Authors: Lemony Snicket
Publisher: Egmont
Date of Publication: 2012-01-01
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: Childrens Classics, Young Readers, Chapter Books
Related Topics: Fantasy, Humor, Adventure, Mystery
Goodreads rating: 4.02
(rated by 566781 readers)

Description

The Bad Beginning is the first book in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. It follows the Baudelaire orphans—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—as they navigate a string of misfortunes after their parents' death and attempt to outwit their cruel guardian, Count Olaf.
 

Darkly humorous tale of misfortune and wits.

If you appreciate a good story with a twist of dark humor, "The Bad Beginning" could be a delightful paradox for you. It brilliantly blends misery with wit, immersing readers into the tragically enchanting world of the Baudelaire orphans. The charm lies in its ability to make you smirk amidst the gloom, engaging you through its clever narration and a compelling mix of adventure and intellect.

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2001)
  • Nene Award (2003)
  • Silberner Lufti (2000)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Chapter Books For Young Readers

Shop all
The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin!
Ages 8-11
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin!

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$11.90

This is the kind of book kids race through because it feels fast, funny, and just a little outrageous. The goofy bad-guys-trying-to-be-good setup is already a winner, but this one adds bigger reveals and that exciting feeling that the story world is changing. If you like graphic-style humor, playful suspense, and characters who are ridiculous but strangely lovable, this is a really fun pick.
Smoke & Mirrors
Ages 11+
Barry Jonsberg | Allen And Unwin

Smoke & Mirrors

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$11.90

If you're someone who revels in stories where the line between reality and illusion blurs, "Smoke & Mirrors" will intrigue you. Barry Jonsberg masterfully crafts a tale that weaves the surreal into the very fabric of everyday life, creating an experience that speaks to both the heart and the imagination. It's a book that challenges perceptions while delivering a deeply poignant narrative on family and self-discovery.
The Bad Guys in Look Who's Talking (The Bad Guys #18)
Ages 8-12
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Bad Guys in Look Who's Talking (The Bad Guys #18)

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$9.90

34% off est. retail
This one feels extra fun because the series flips everything on its head and lets a big personality take over the story. Kids who love fast jokes, comic-style illustrations, and silly, high-energy adventures will probably tear through it. It’s the kind of book that makes reading feel playful, especially if they like mischievous characters trying very hard to be heroes.
The Serpent and the Beast
Ages 8-12
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Serpent and the Beast

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$11.90

This is a great pick for kids who love fast, funny books with loads of energy and cartoons on every page. The Bad Guys are at their best when everything gets bigger, weirder, and more dramatic, and this one leans right into that multiverse madness. It feels like the kind of book young readers race through in one sitting and then hand to a friend saying, you have to read this.
Horse His Boy
Ages 9-12
Pauline Baynes, C.S. Lewis  | Collier Books/macmillan Publishing Company, Inc.

Horse His Boy

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$3.90

79% off est. retail
This book is a captivating adventure that transports you to the enchanting world of Narnia. Join a young boy and his loyal horse as they embark on a thrilling journey filled with magic, bravery, and unforgettable characters. With its rich storytelling and timeless themes, Horse His Boy will leave you inspired and believing in the power of friendship and destiny. Get ready to be swept away into a fantastical realm where anything is possible.
No Brainer
Just Arrived
Ages 9-12
Jeff Kinney | Puffin

No Brainer

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$11.90

If laughter and relatable school experiences are what you're after, "No Brainer" - the 18th installment of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series by Jeff Kinney - won't disappoint. Greg Heffley's adventures are infused with enough humor and middle school drama to keep both young readers and adults entertained. Plus, the unique blend of text and cartoons makes it an engaging read that you'll find hard to put down.
The New Windmill Book of Classic Short Stories
Ages 13+
Jane Browne, Christine Hall, Mike Hamlin  | Heinemann New Windmills

The New Windmill Book of Classic Short Stories

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 3.38

$6.90

Diving into classic literature can be daunting, but 'The New Windmill Book of Classic Short Stories' makes it accessible. Each story within this collection has been selected for its enduring appeal and literary significance, making it ideal for someone looking to expand their knowledge of classic literature in digestible bites. These stories have shaped the contours of narrative fiction, and their influence still resonates today. By reading them, you'll be connecting with some of the foundational voices of modern storytelling.
The Hidden Oracle
Ages 13+
Rick Riordan | Penguin

The Hidden Oracle

$7.90 $5.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$7.90 $5.90 25% off

67% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the idea of ancient deities clashing with the modern world, Riordan's "The Hidden Oracle" might just be your next page-turner. Imagine the all-powerful Apollo, accustomed to omnipotence, now navigating the chaos of New York City as a mere mortal teen. Riordan's signature humor, paired with a journey of self-discovery and ancient myth in a contemporary setting, offers a fresh take on Greek mythology that's compelling, humorous, and adventurous.
Big Shot
Just Arrived
Ages 10-12
Jeff Kinney | Puffin Books

Big Shot

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.21

$11.90

Recommended for kids who love humorous sports stories. Greg Heffley, the main character, decides to retire from sports after a disastrous field day but reluctantly joins the basketball team. He unexpectedly makes the worst team, and their chances of winning even a single game look slim. However, anything can happen in sports. Readers can expect hilarious moments as they follow Greg's experiences, and they may also enjoy the book's illustrations.
Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal
Ages 9-12
Jeff Kinney | Puffin

Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

62% off est. retail
Imagine seeing your life through the eyes of your hilarious sidekick. That's what Rowley Jefferson offers—a fresh perspective on the middle-school dramas we all love from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Reading Rowley's take on his friendship with Greg Heffley adds a new layer of comedy and charm to the familiar tales, making it an ideal pick for a good laugh and a dash of nostalgia.

Chapter Books For Young Readers

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Young Readers

Shop all
Unravelled
Just Arrived
Ages 9-12
Shannon Messenger | Simon Schuster

Unravelled

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.23

$11.90

If you love witty, troubled heroes, this one feels especially personal because you’re inside Keefe’s head the whole time. It has that addictive fantasy-series momentum, but what really stands out is seeing the human world through his chaotic, emotional perspective. Fans will probably love how it deepens the wider story while finally giving one of the series’ most beloved characters the spotlight.
Smoke & Mirrors
Ages 11+
Barry Jonsberg | Allen And Unwin

Smoke & Mirrors

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$11.90

If you're someone who revels in stories where the line between reality and illusion blurs, "Smoke & Mirrors" will intrigue you. Barry Jonsberg masterfully crafts a tale that weaves the surreal into the very fabric of everyday life, creating an experience that speaks to both the heart and the imagination. It's a book that challenges perceptions while delivering a deeply poignant narrative on family and self-discovery.
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder
Just Arrived
Ages 8-12
Dav Pilkey | Graphix

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.55

$10.90

42% off est. retail
This is a great pick for kids who love fast, funny graphic novels packed with absurd jokes and nonstop action. The red-furred Dog Man twist makes the story feel extra silly, but there’s still a warm message underneath about loyalty, second chances, and doing the right thing. Petey’s reluctant return adds a fun bit of emotional depth that fans always seem to love.
The Bad Guys in Look Who's Talking (The Bad Guys #18)
Ages 8-12
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Bad Guys in Look Who's Talking (The Bad Guys #18)

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$9.90

34% off est. retail
This one feels extra fun because the series flips everything on its head and lets a big personality take over the story. Kids who love fast jokes, comic-style illustrations, and silly, high-energy adventures will probably tear through it. It’s the kind of book that makes reading feel playful, especially if they like mischievous characters trying very hard to be heroes.
Rise of the School for Good and Evil
Soman Chainani | Harpercollins Publishers

Rise of the School for Good and Evil

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$11.90

If you love magical schools and fairy tales with sharper edges, this is a really fun place to begin. It gives the world a richer, more dramatic backstory, with two brothers at the heart of a conflict that feels both mythic and personal. Readers who enjoy twists, loyalty tested under pressure, and big magical stakes will likely find it hard to put down.
The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President
Just Arrived
Ages 8-12
Amy June Bates, Doris Kearns Goodwin  | Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.48

$11.90

This feels like history made human, showing famous presidents first as kids with flaws, struggles, and big personalities. Doris Kearns Goodwin makes leadership feel less like myth and more like something shaped over time. It’s a great pick for curious readers who want inspiring true stories without losing the drama of real history.
The Serpent and the Beast
Ages 8-12
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Serpent and the Beast

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$11.90

This is a great pick for kids who love fast, funny books with loads of energy and cartoons on every page. The Bad Guys are at their best when everything gets bigger, weirder, and more dramatic, and this one leans right into that multiverse madness. It feels like the kind of book young readers race through in one sitting and then hand to a friend saying, you have to read this.
The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin!
Ages 8-11
Aaron Blabey | Scholastic Paperbacks

The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin!

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$11.90

This is the kind of book kids race through because it feels fast, funny, and just a little outrageous. The goofy bad-guys-trying-to-be-good setup is already a winner, but this one adds bigger reveals and that exciting feeling that the story world is changing. If you like graphic-style humor, playful suspense, and characters who are ridiculous but strangely lovable, this is a really fun pick.
No Brainer
Just Arrived
Ages 9-12
Jeff Kinney | Puffin

No Brainer

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$11.90

If laughter and relatable school experiences are what you're after, "No Brainer" - the 18th installment of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series by Jeff Kinney - won't disappoint. Greg Heffley's adventures are infused with enough humor and middle school drama to keep both young readers and adults entertained. Plus, the unique blend of text and cartoons makes it an engaging read that you'll find hard to put down.
Horse His Boy
Ages 9-12
Pauline Baynes, C.S. Lewis  | Collier Books/macmillan Publishing Company, Inc.

Horse His Boy

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$3.90

79% off est. retail
This book is a captivating adventure that transports you to the enchanting world of Narnia. Join a young boy and his loyal horse as they embark on a thrilling journey filled with magic, bravery, and unforgettable characters. With its rich storytelling and timeless themes, Horse His Boy will leave you inspired and believing in the power of friendship and destiny. Get ready to be swept away into a fantastical realm where anything is possible.

Young Readers

Shop all