Read this without the CD (the local library removed it)...Snicket is a genius, and I'm sure the CD might even push this to a 5-star rating.Recommended for all those who love Snicket's work, and/or anyone seeking to teach the pieces of the orchestra.UPDATE: After acquiring the CD, I've upgraded this from four to five stars....The Book/CD combo is a Masterpiece! Congratulations Lemony! (or is it "Mr. Snicket"?) I'm playing this piece with my orchestra now and it's so much fun. The personalities of the sections are all perfect. The interplay between the narration and the music is great, often hilarious (the menacing BWOMMM BWOMMMM every time the narrator says "DEAD")As for the score, the empty measures led to a lot of confusion. Composers should never write empty measures. This is probably why the one in the book had such a suspicious death ...
Great music, entertaining narration, lovely illustraion, witty and amazing!
—gammagua
Loved this! The art was beautiful and I loved the humor.
—chazejoy
My only regret was that I didn't read this as a child.
—scottdalby
