 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery
- By James Howe
- Genre: Horror
Common Sense Media says
Farcical, highly readable vampire rabbit tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
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.
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?
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!)
What families can talk about
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?
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Kid, 12 years old
April 2, 2010
AGE
for tweens
awsome book!
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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
Great book
Best kids vampire book ever but your kid will need a dictionary when reading the book.
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AGE
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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AGE
Great to read out loud
I read this to my 5 year old. She really loved it. There were quite a few jokes that went over her head, but she understood it and we have kept reading the series.
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| Author: | James Howe |
| Illustrator: | Alan Daniel |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1979 |
| Number of pages: | 148 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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