I chose this as a read-aloud for my kids, ages 8 and 11. We all loved it, and I found myself wanting to continue the series- as in, I'd want to continue with it by myself even if my kids didn't want to continue it as a read-aloud (which they do). Lemony Snicket has THE BEST sense of humor, and his writing style is perfection. We're all looking forward to diving into book 2!