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The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2)

(1999, Fiction - Adventure, Written by Lemony Snicket, Illustrated by Brett Helquist)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A clever, suspenseful mystery in series.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Uncle Olaf is a heartless wretch, and acts it.
  • Violence :

    Olaf is given to flashing his knife when he wants to get his way. Olaf comes perilously close to abducting the children to Peru. Feelings of despair and heartache are not skirted, nor are they dwelled upon.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2)

Parents need to know that figuring out what the hideous Uncle Olaf is up to, other than no good, will keep readers' interest roused. There will be plenty of nailbiting as the clock clicks down.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about bleak stories. Like the rest of the series, this book is dark, gloomy, and full of woe. What, then, makes it so appealing and enjoyable?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I Was There! (Read my Review)

    While reading the second installment of a series of unfortunate events, the imagery was so clear in my mind that i was there IN the reptile room, watching the second compelling chapter unfold...

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Skppable book in the Series.

    This is the only "iffy" book in the series. I really object to the two swearwords Count Olaf uses, but also the blatant use of God's name in vain. It happens three or four times throughout the book, which I can't explain because nowhere else in the series does it occur. I guess David Handler learned from it. Definitely could be skipped; not crucial to plot of series. Otherwise, classic Snicket.

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A great, suspenceful book.

    This book series is all about misfortune. No book in this series has a happy ending. You may not believe this from what I just told you, but these books are fun to read. Sexual Content: None Violence: A murder, characters in peril Language: d--m, h--- Social Behavior: Fine Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco: Wine in Olaf's room. You can tell by my content advisors that this book is not all that bad, and it isn't. I recommend this book for ages 9 and up. All of my reviews are in depth. You should find them helpful.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    another great book

    a really good book and one of the best ones written in the series! this is a cool addition but parents should know that count olaf drinks wine (but as usual the author gives this a negative veiw) there is a murder commited, and count olaf swears sometimes. but thats about it. its a wonderful book!

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love it!

    This is the sequel to "The Bad Beginning." I found it more interesting and harder to put down! There is violence as usual though. And Count Olaf chooses to swear a few times and he keeps wine in his room. Ages 9 and up.

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