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The Lump of Coal
Last updated Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Author: Lemony Snicket
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 9780061574283
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2025
Synopsis:
From Booklist:
"It's December again, and our hero, a lump of coal with an identity crisis (inexplicably wearing a tuxedo) is off in search of a miracle that will give meaning to his life. He tries an art gallery; perhaps he could smudge himself across a canvas masterpiece. No go. He tries a Korean barbecue; maybe he can fuel the fire that roasts eggplant and warms holiday hearts. Nope. At last, a drug-store Santa claims him as the perfect addition to his disobedient stepson's stocking, and the coal lump finds his place in the world.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is your favorite Holiday snack or treat?
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What is favorite thing about the holiday season?
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Do you have a favorite holiday song? Can you hum or sing it?
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If you could help Santa with one job, what would it be?
Vocabulary:
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Coal- a black rock that can burned for heat (carbon)
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Artist- a person who makes art, drawings, or paintings.
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Dream-something you really want to do or become someday.
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Believe- to think that something is true or possible.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What does the lump of coal want to do?
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Who does the lump of coal meet first?
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Where does Sanat Claus take the lump of coal?
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Do you think the lump of coal will get what it wishes for? Why?
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Why is it important to believe in yourself?
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| Craft ideas: |
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1) Easy: Draw a lump of coal. What is your lump of coal’s name? What dream does the lump of
coal have? What makes your lump of coal special?
Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencils if you have any, perhaps googly eyes, and scissors. Plastic stencils are in the art kits at some of the schools.
2) Easy: Draw a Holiday version of a lump of coal: Draw your lump of coal with a holiday theme. You
can add a Santa hat, candy cane arms, snowflake, or holiday tree background.
Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencils if you have any, perhaps googly eyes, and scissors. Plastic stencils are in the art kits at some of the schools.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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