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Book Review of Bunnicula-in-a-Box: Bunnicula, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, Howliday Inn

Bunnicula-in-a-Box: Bunnicula, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, Howliday Inn
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Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

YES! I loved Bunnicula as a kid! I read them over and over in grade school. It's good to read them again, and know that they're still just as good now.


BUNNICULA by Deborah & James Howe

Harold is the family dog, as well as the "author" of the stories. He lives in a comfortable home with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, their two sons, and Chester the cat. One night, the Monroe family goes to the movies, and brings back a little surprise. It's a rabbit that one of the Monroe boys found on his seat. Well, actually, he nearly sat on it. After much debate they decide to name him Bunnicula, since the movie they were seeing was Dracula. Howard finds him slightly boring; all he does is sleep. Chester, however, has a bad feeling about the little bunny. Especially once Chester realizes that Bunnicula is only awake during the day, and it appears that he may have fangs. When weird things start happening to the vegetables, Chester decides to take action.

HOWLIDAY INN by James Howe

When the Monroe's go on vacation, Harold and Chester are sent to board at Chateau Bow Wow. The other animals are more than a little odd, and the staff is even weirder. The first night they are kept awake by a strange howling noise. Chester is convinced that it's werewolves, and that something very bad is happening. Harold brushes it off as Chester being paranoid as usual. Until animals start disappearing, and Chester is one of them. Now Harold has to figure out what's going on all by himself. Chester's life may depend on it.

THE CELERY STALKS AT MIDNIGHT by James Howe

Back at home with the Monroe's, Harold, Chester, Bunnicula, and Howie, the family's newest addition, are settling back into life as usual. But odd things are happening to the vegetables again. When Bunnicula goes missing, the other animals know they have to take action. Harold wants to save Bunnicula from whatever fate may await him in the outside world. Chester wants to save the vegetables from being sucked dry, and has visions of a world full of zombie vegetables. Howie, well, he's along for the adventure, just like us.


Did I mention already how much I love these books?! I'm so happy they've been re-released, in a set no less, so that a new generation of kids can discover them. Apparently there are four more books in the series, and four in a BUNNICULA AND FRIENDS series. I can't wait to get a look at them!