One of the great testaments to an artist's skill is his range. Case in point: Daniel Handler, who occasionally writes as Lemony Snicket, presents with artist Maira Kalman their new book Why We Broke Up (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). Since the Young Readers series covers ages 0-16, everyone in the family can appreciate this story of two people poring over a box of mundane objects that represent milestones in their ruined relationship. While some kids relish the pain they experience after a break-up — and become more interesting and storied people — it's always helpful to frame that pain in its proper perspective. So what's in the box? A movie ticket, a cookbook, a comb, bottle caps and a toy truck, among other things — all of which, like the clues in Clue, serve to explain why the relationship ended, struck down as surely as Colonel Mustard felled by the lead pipe in the ballroom. Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; Mon., Jan. 30, 7 p.m.; free, book is $19.99. (626) 449-5320, vromansbookstore.com.

Mon., Jan. 30, 7 p.m., 2012

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