Module 2: Bunnicula by James Howe

Summary

The Monroes have brought home a little bunny they found in a movie theater where they went to see the movie Dracula. They name him Bunnicula. Chester, the Monroe's cat, does not like Bunnicula because he suspects the bunny is a vampire. Strange things seem to be happening to the vegetables in the refrigerator at night and Chester thinks Bunnicula is responsible. Bunnicula also has many characteristics of a vampire. He has little fangs and only appears to be awake at night. The black marking on his back also appears to look like a cape. With the help of his friend, Harold, who is a dog, Chester discovers more about the strange little bunny.

Bibliographic Citation

Howe, D. (1979). Bunnicula. New York: Atheneum.

Impressions

Bunnicula was one of my favorite stories that I read when I was a child. One of the humorous parts of the story is that it is being told by Harold the dog. He instinctively wants to protect Bunnicula, but soon becomes convinced by Chester that there is more to Bunnicula than meets the eye. It is a tale of adventure and mystery, but provides humor at the same time.

Reviews

Harold X. (names are changed to protect the innocent) narrates this caper with all the dignity appropriate to one of his nature and background. By occupation he is a dog, but by preoccupation he’s a concerned participant in events that rock his usually stable professional family, who return from a Dracula movie with a baby rabbit found in a theater seat. The rabbit soon evinces strange traits, which Chester the cat believes to be of a vampirical nature. Vegetables are drained white each morning; Bunnicula seems able to escape from a locked cage; by the light of the moon, he appears to sport a pair of needy little fangs where a bunny’s buck teeth are supposed to be. Chester’s frantic efforts to protect the family through the use of garlic and other items backfire into a series of goofy episodes that will offer young readers the entertainment of mystery and spoof. A sure read-aloud and a nice follow-up for fans of Don and Joan Caufield’s Incredible Detectives.— Betsy Hearne

Reviewed May 15, 1979-Booklist

"Move over, Dracula! This mystery-comedy is sure to delight." - New York Times

Library Settings

This book could be placed in a book display for Halloween or for summer reading. Since there are many books in the Bunnicula series, they could highlighted in a book talk program.