1. Tissue package
Travel-size package of tissues distributed at BookExpo America (BEA) in June 2004. Package reads, “There is plenty to cry about. The Grim Grotto is coming September 21, 2004.”
2. Bookmark
Round, yellow-and-black, clip-on bookmark. Lemony Snicket seal is printed on one side; other side reads, “Don’t get lost in The Grim Grotto”. Distributed to bookstore customers on release day.
3. Flashlight
Red flashlight (single AA battery size). The on/off switch is printed with, “The Grim Grotto is Dark”. Distributed to bookstore customers on release day.
4. Unfortunate Event Kit
The bookmark and flashlight listed above were sent to booksellers as part of an Unfortunate Event Kit for The Grim Grotto. The box also contained a booklet of "Reproducible Activities": puzzles and games for booksellers to photocopy and distribute to customers on release day.
5. Bandana
Black bandana printed with the Lemony Snicket seal and “Don’t Be Scared. Be Prepared. The Grim Grotto September 21, 2004”. Distributed prior to the book's publication.
6. Shelf Talker
Shelf talker that reads, “Read Something Else”. Used to showcase the new release on bookstore shelves.
7. Count Olaf Talking Standee
Four-foot cutout illustration of Olaf from The Blank Book cover. Distributed to bookstores to use as advertisement. Olaf holds a wipe-off message board for bookstores to announce release events. Motion sensor triggers sound effect with four phrases:
“Where did you get that book?”
“Not only am I intelligent, but I'm also very smart.”
“Poor Baudelaires. You might as well give up.”
[evil laughter]
No promotional items.