The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket's first non-"Unfortunate Events" project is an arch retelling of the story of the Gingerbread Man, translated into a Jewish holiday fable.

It has a bit too much text to really work as a picture book, but it's the wrong size for that in the first place -- so it's clear that this isn't a "real" picture book, for actual kids, but a faux picture book, for somewhat older people. (Given that it is written under the Snicket name, though, it's not exactly aimed at adults -- just smart-alec teenagers.) So what it really is is an impulse point-of-purchase item, just another one of those little books in racks by the cash register.

If you know the story of the Gingerbread Man -- and, if not, how is that hermit lifestyle working out for you? -- you'll know the plot: latke is born, latke runs, latke is eaten. There's some amusing Christmas vs. Hanukkah stuff as well, which is likely to particularly please those who are Jewish and get annoyed this time every year.

It's not wonderful, but it's pleasant enough, and has an attractive little package -- which is important for your cheap impulse-buy items. If you're a big Snicket fan, or take great pride in your Jewishness, you'll probably enjoy this.