The Grim Grotto

1. Tissue package

Travel-size package of tissues distributed at a publishing industry event in September 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. Bandanna

Black bandanna printed with the Lemony Snicket seal and “Don’t Be Scared. Be Prepared. The Grim Grotto September 21, 2004”. Distributed to bookstore customers on release day.

5. Unfortunate Event Kit

The (distributed to bookstore customer) items 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.

6. Shelf Talker

Shelf talker that reads, “Read Something Else”

7. Count Olaf Talking Standee

Four-foot cutout illustration of Olaf from The Blank Book cover. 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]