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  • Published: 29 August 2023
  • ISBN: 9780593480854
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $16.99

Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game





Before Mr. Lemoncello became everyone's favorite game maker, he was a kid who liked to roll the dice. . . .

Discover the origins of what James Patterson calls "the coolest library in the world" in this PREQUEL to the New York Times bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

THE PREQUEL TO THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH MORE THAN TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD!

Discover the origins of what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world.” Follow along and solve the clues in this interactive adventure to reveal how Mr. Lemoncello became everyone’s favorite game maker! From the co-author of Murdle Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose

“An ‘awesometastic’ lead-in.”—Booklist, starred review

Go back to the start and meet thirteen-year-old, puzzle-obsessed Luigi Lemoncello!

Luigi has a knack for games and puzzles. But sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against him. Until a carnival arrives in town and Luigi gets the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to work for the world-famous Professor Marvelmous, a dazzling, banana-hat-wearing barker who puts the show in showman! When the carnival closes, Professor Marvelmous leaves behind a mysterious puzzle box along with a clue. A clue that will lead Luigi and his friends on a fantastical treasure hunt to a prize beyond anything they could imagine—if they can find it!

Can Luigi crack the codes and unlock the box’s secrets? Will there be puzzles? Of course! Balloons? You bet! Will it be fun? Hello! It’s a Lemon-cello! BONUS! Can you solve the hidden puzzle inside?!

The Lemoncello books are laugh-out-loud, puzzle-packed must-reads for classrooms and homes across America. Look for the whole series!
Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game (the prequel)
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (also available as a graphic novel)
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (also coming soon as a graphic novel)
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game
Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket
Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale

  • Published: 29 August 2023
  • ISBN: 9780593480854
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $16.99

About the author

Chris Grabenstein

Chris Grabenstein is an award-winning author of books for children and adults, a playwright, screenwriter, and former advertising executive and improvisational comedian.

Winner of two Anthony and four Agatha Awards, he is also the co-author with James Patterson of The #1 New York Times bestseller I FUNNY.

A former writer for Jim Henson's Muppets and past president of the New York Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, Chris co-wrote the screenplay for the CBS-TV movie, The Christmas Gift, starring John Denver.

He lives in New York City with his wife, three cats, and a rescue dog named Fred, who starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Broadway. You can visit Chris (and Fred) at www.ChrisGrabenstein.com

Also by Chris Grabenstein

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Praise for Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game

Here's what people are saying about the Mr. Lemoncello books!
"Lots of action and quirky humor."The Washington Post

* "A worthy successor to . . . Willy Wonka."Booklist, starred review

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