The Nine Lives of Alexander Baddenfield
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3.0 • 1 Rating
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
"As Marciano is descended from Ludwig Bemelmans, so might Alexander Baddenfield be descended from Madeline's nemesis-turned-friend Pepito 'The Bad Hat.'"*
Alexander Baddenfield is a horrible boy—a really horrible boy—who is the last in a long line of lying, thieving scoundrels. One day, Alexander has an astonishing idea. Why not transplant the nine lives from his cat into himself? Suddenly, Alexander has lives to spare, and goes about using them up, attempting the most outrageous feats he can imagine. Only when his lives start running out, and he is left with only one just like everyone else, does he realize how reckless he has been.
With its wickedly funny story and equally clever illustrations, this is dark humor at its most delicious.
*Review from School LIbrary Journal
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"To say that the Baddenfield family had a checkered past is to insult innocent board games everywhere," writes Marciano (Madeline at the White House). That arch observation along with an opening graveside scene that makes it clear that bratty 12-year-old Alexander Baddenfield' s death is wholly unregretted may initially convince readers that they've found a book to plug the blackhearted hole once filled by Lemony Snicket. The tale, which concerns Alexander's attempt to thwart the family curse of early death by stealing a cat's nine lives, tips its hat both to A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Simpsons (the relationship between Alexander and his retainer, Winterbottom, instantly brings to mind the lopsided adoration of Smithers for Mr. Burns). There's devilish humor to be found watching Alexander waste life after life, but the story wears itself out with weak characterizations, forced jokes, and swipes at the evils of wealth. Blackall's Charles Addams vibe is a natural choice, but her intermittent illustrations are actually quite prim, even Alexander's nine death scenes. Ages 10 up.
