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Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979

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Book Brief

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Deborah Howe, James Howe

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1979
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban Home • 1970s

Publication Year

1979

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe and James Howe follows the Monroe family, whose pets, Harold the dog and Chester the cat, investigate a mysterious bunny named Bunnicula, thought to be a vampire. Suspense and humor unfold as Chester grows increasingly obsessed with protecting the household, while Harold navigates maintaining peace and understanding Bunnicula's true nature.

Mysterious

Humorous

Playful

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Deborah and James Howe’s Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery delights readers with its humor and charming characters, particularly appealing to young audiences. The blend of mystery with light horror elements is engaging, though some find the storyline predictable. Overall, it's a whimsically entertaining read suitable for kids and families.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery?

Fans of quirky, lighthearted mysteries with a touch of the supernatural will enjoy Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery. Ideal for young readers who appreciate the humor and whimsy of Charlotte's Web and the playful suspense of The Mouse and the Motorcycle, it offers a delightful blend of charm and intrigue.

Character List

Harold

A dog who serves as the main perspective character, Harold is friendly, motivated by food, and has strong relationships with the family and other pets.

A well-read cat with a vivid imagination, Chester often interprets situations through the lens of the mystery and horror books he devours.

A small, silent rabbit with peculiar habits, Bunnicula's true nature is left to the observer’s interpretation based on his actions.

The youngest Monroe sibling who is kind and playful, Toby shares his late-night snacks with Harold and shows affection toward the family pets.

The older Monroe brother who often argues with his younger sibling and is not as affectionate toward Harold, occasionally causing tension.

An English professor who adores his family and pets, Mr. Monroe maintains a loving household with his wife.

The mother of the family who acts as a peacemaker, resolving conflicts and ensuring the well-being of both her children and their pets.

Fun Facts

The book Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery was first published in 1979 and marked the beginning of the Bunnicula series, which has become a beloved classic among children's literature.

Deborah Howe, co-author of Bunnicula, sadly passed away before the book's publication, and her husband James Howe continued to write the succeeding books in the series.

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The novel has inspired several adaptations, including an animated television series that aired on Cartoon Network and Boomerang from 2016 to 2018.

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Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban Home • 1970s

Publication Year

1979

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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