Bunnicula - Deborah and James Howe

Summary:  Beware the hare!  Is he or isn't he a vampire?  Before it's too late, Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household -- a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits...and fangs! (Summary from book - Image from smallanimalchannel.com)

My Review: I hold this book (and the person who read it to me) responsible for my long standing discomfort with rabbits.  The mere suggestion of a vampire bunny scarred me for life.  Since I have no intention of ever owning one of the furry little nightmares, I am determined to scar my children as well, and thus rid myself of their constant harrassment. 

Although the initial language was a bit over their heads, my kids were hooked as soon as Bunnicula started to mysteriously disappear from his cage and the word "vampire" was batted around.  They were fascinated by the idea that these humanized house pets could get into mischief and solve mysteries when their owners weren't looking.  My favorite part of the story was Harold's "voice" and his banter with Chester, the entirely too intelligent cat.  I also loved my children's anxious expressions over the mysterious white vegetables and Chester's hilarious attempts to vanquish the vampire bunny. 

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised.  My childhood memories of this book are pretty much limited to fangs and fluffy-tailed terror, but things actually worked out rather well.  I guess I'll have to figure out another way to scar my children.  I think the book cover blown up and hung under the nightlight might do the trick.  I'll let you know.

My kids' thoughts:    If you could tell a kid anything about this book, what would it be?  (Kaisa) I would tell them it was a good book, but it's a little scary in the beginning, but it wasn't scary at the end!  My favorite part was when the bunny turned cute.
What did you think of the book? (Sophie) I want you to read it all over again! Did you think the book was scary?  Noooope.

My Rating:  4 Stars

Sum it up:  A cute, fluffy little story.