The Reptile Room facts for kids

The Reptile Room is a book by Lemony Snicket (whose real name is Daniel Handler). It was published in 1999. This book is the second one in the popular series called A Series of Unfortunate Events. It tells the story of three children who sadly lose their parents. They are sent to live with their kind Uncle Montgomery. But a bad guy named Count Olaf is always trying to find them. He wants to take their family's large fortune.

The Story of The Reptile Room

Meeting Uncle Monty

After their parents' house burned down, the Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, are sent to live with a new guardian. Mr. Poe, a banker, takes them to the home of Montgomery Montgomery. Everyone calls him "Uncle Monty."

Uncle Monty is a very kind man. He is a famous herpetologist, which means he studies snakes and other reptiles. He makes the children feel welcome right away. Each child even gets their own bedroom.

Exploring the Reptile Room

Uncle Monty shows the children his amazing "Reptile Room." This special room is made of glass and is filled with many different kinds of snakes and reptiles. It's like a mini-zoo inside his house!

At one end of the Reptile Room, there is a large library. The children are very happy living with Uncle Monty. They enjoy learning about his reptiles and spending time in the library.

A New Assistant Arrives

Uncle Monty plans to take the children on an exciting trip to Peru in a few days. He tells them that his new assistant will be arriving soon. This new assistant is meant to replace his old one.

However, the new assistant, Stephano, is not who he seems. He is actually Count Olaf in disguise. Olaf has shaved off his eyebrows and covered his unique ankle tattoo to hide his identity. He is still trying to get the Baudelaire fortune.

Uncle Monty's Unfortunate End

Count Olaf, disguised as Stephano, causes Uncle Monty's death. He plans to take the children to Peru. There, he believes it will be easier to steal their money.

As Olaf drives the children to a ferry in his car, he crashes into Mr. Poe's car. The Baudelaires try to tell Mr. Poe that Stephano is really Count Olaf. But Mr. Poe does not believe them.

Uncovering the Truth

They all go back to Uncle Monty's house. They look at his body. There are two strange bite marks on his face. A doctor named "Lucafont" arrives. He says that Uncle Monty died from a snakebite.

However, Violet is suspicious. She manages to unlock Olaf's luggage. Inside, she finds evidence that Olaf caused Monty's death. He used a very dangerous poison from a Mambu du Mal snake. She tells Mr. Poe the truth. But Count Olaf, realizing he's been caught, quickly runs away.

See also

• In Spanish: La habitación de los reptiles para niños