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Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery (by James Howe)

common sense media says

Farcical, highly readable vampire rabbit tale.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book is about a vampire rabbit, but the horror aspect of the plot is mild. The sketchy illustrations are incidental, and a wacky story sprinkled with goofy one-liners will captivate kids from the great title to the last page.

Violence: One silly scene where the cat attempts to dispatch Bunnicula by pounding a steak (get it?) into his heart.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about bunnies going bad. Why is it funny instead of scary? Can you think of other creatures that would make terrible zombies or closet monsters or boogie men?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Is the bunny hutch harboring a vampire? The Monroes' pets are on patrol for the answer. Farcical and highly readable, this book wins its audience with silly situations, an amiable flirtation with daring subject matter, and eccentric behavior dropped into a conventional setting.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Thousands of young readers have given this book their approval, and they're sure to be joined by thousands more -- with good reason. In fact, kids with even a smidgeon of attraction to horror will gobble this book up. And for over 20 years, they already have. One typical older fan remembers the book vividly: "It's funny, creative, and just silly enough not to be stupid. The animals are well characterized, too, in the way they talk. It's a great book."

The lighthearted inspiration that led Deborah and James Howe to almost daydream this book into reality shines through its pages, charming and amusing the reader. The intelligent Chester and his down-to-earth chum, Harold, go their separate ways over the dangers the fanged bunny brings into their home. But their differences are resolved in the end, with the vampire mystery lingering just enough to support … a sequel. (Several of them!)

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Alan Daniel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: January 1, 1979
Number of pages: 148
Paperback price: $4.99
This review was written by S. K. List
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

EeveeFizz
kid, 11 years old
9
 
for tweens
awsome book!
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Tending Bloom
adult
 
Very funny
I laughed out loud. Harold is the funniest canine around. Chester is a hoot too. I was concerned about this being about vampires but it really is a dog and cat and rabbit story. Very well written and easy to read. I think all 3rd and 4th graders should read it. White veggies.....what a hoot.
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cooke
adult
 
My kids love this book
The characters are quite funny. Chester the cat can be quite sarcastic to Harold, but you can tell by reading this that they both love each other, The sarcasm is somewhat corny, but is just enough for my 8 year old to think is hilarious. For Christmas, my son got another "Harold and Chester" caper called "Howliday Inn". We really enjoy them.
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Monkey Lover
teen, 16 years old
 
I think any age could read this book and still enjoy it!!!
This book was so amazingly good I had all my friends read it!!!
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Orilana
parent of 11 year old
8
 
This book was cute and funny. The story is told by perspective of the two other family pets which is comical in it of itself. It is a good start off point for children who want to begin reading horror/ suspense without being scary.
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Chocolate milk
adult
 
Great book
Best kids vampire book ever but your kid will need a dictionary when reading the book.
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ahcim3
parent of 18 year old
4
 
great for all ages
an oh so very good plot mixed with a quirky gift of humor made the book not only funny, but engrossing as well. 4 and a half stars!!
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