The holiday season is upon us, and for those who enjoy giving the gift of books, we'll be recommending a few 2017 releases from local authors. First up: a book for the young kids in your life.

San Francisco author Daniel Handler is better known to many readers as Lemony Snicket, the pseudonym he adopted for his bestselling children's series, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Though that series' conclusion arrived in 2006, it's become both a film starring Jim Carrey and a Netflix series, adding to its popularity. And both Snicket and Handler have released a number of other books, including another Snicket-centric series, "All the Wrong Questions."

The latest book from the local author's alter ego, Goldfish Ghost, is a children's book in collaboration with Handler's wife, illustrator Lisa Brown. It's intended for children aged 3-6, or a first or second grade reading level. Here's a plot summary: 

"Goldfish Ghost was born on the surface of the water in the bowl on a dresser in a boy’s room. The boy’s room was pleasant and familiar, but Goldfish Ghost wanted company, so he set out to find a friend.

He floats over the neighborhood, past the pier, and let the breeze carry him into town where he discovers that not many people pay attention to goldfish ghosts. Off he floats, searching for the perfect home and the perfect friend, and then he hears a voice. . .

Bestselling author Lemony Snicket and illustrator Lisa Brown brings us a fresh and funny take on what happens after your favorite goldfish crosses over to the other side."

The book has earned acclaim from reviewers. "Can a book about death and the afterlife be refreshing and funny? In the hands of Snicket and Brown, indeed it can," wrote School Library Journal in a starred review. "This oddball offering should find a welcome home in any picture book collection."

It also received positive notices from Amazon customers, who rated it an average of four stars with 12 reviews. "As a parent of three children, and owner and past owner of countless pets owned by these children, I found this story to be oddly charming and so so appropriate for opening up discussions about the loss of a pet," wrote reviewer Kate Olson, who gave it four stars. "It is a very quirky book and is very 'Lemony Snicket-ish' in its darker subject matter."

Interested in purchasing Goldfish Ghost this holiday season? Get it here >>