Howliday Inn

Bunnicula #2

by James Howe, Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator)

When their family goes on vacation, Chester the cat and Harold the dog go to stay at Chateau Bow-Wow, where--with the other residents--they become involved in various mysteries and intrigues

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Animals, Middle Grade, Humor

195 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

James Howe has written more than eighty books in the thirty-plus years he's been writing for young readers. It sometimes confuses people that the author of the humorous Bunnicula series also wrote the dark young adult novel, The Watcher, or such beginning reader series as Pinky and Rex and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winning Houndsley and Catina and its sequels. But from the beginning of his career (which came about somewhat by accident after asking himself what kind of vampire a rabbit might make), he has been most interested in letting his imagination take him in whatever direction it cared to. So far, his imagination has led him to picture books, such as I Wish I Were a Butterfly and Brontorina (about a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina), mysteries, poetry (in the upcoming Addie on the Inside), and fiction that deals with issues that matter deeply to him. He is especially proud of The Misfits, which inspired national No Name-Calling Week (www.nonamecallingweek.org) and its sequel Totally Joe. He does not know where his imagination will take him in the next thirty-plus years, but he is looking forward to finding out.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Sean Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still my favorite in the series. What a ridiculous supporting cast (I mean that in a good way). And, for once, shenanigans going down that aren’t just figments of Chester’s overactive imagination (I mean, except for the part about the werewolves, though notwithstanding their status as boring, old ordinary dachshunds, I bet Heather and Howard could kick Fenrir Greyback’s ass).

Next up: stalking the celery in the witching hour once more.

[Suhailah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was a mess: A sequel to Bunnicula surprisingly featuring no Bunnicula! 🚫🐇🩸

Overall Rating: ☆☆

♡Annual Traditional Buddy Read with my hubby♡

My Husband’s Rating Response: “You mean you want me to rate the 2nd Bunnicula book that didn’t even star Bunnicula! It was a snoozefest!”

Well, everyone it looks like I’ve lost my Bunnicula partner for the rest of the series! 😬

To be honest, we both struggled to finish this book and quickly lost interest. At first, it gave me Disney’s Homeward Bound vibes with a spooky touch, so I thought it would be cute and fun. At least, it prompted my husband and I to watch Homeward Bound together for the first time! ♡

But there turned out to be too many characters to keep up with (especially taking breaks in between reading the chapters like we do), and the story was bland. I get that the author was going for some cutesy murder mystery, but there was a moment I realized - oh this is a children’s book - when a few casual misogynistic jokes came out in relation to a woman getting murdered by her husband! Too dated for my liking! Now I’m not a sensitive reader, a supporter of banning books, or an easily offended person by no means, but it just felt off in the setting of a children’s book.

Things that may keep me reading the series:
• Chester continues to be hilarious which really held up this book.
• The ending ended up introducing a cute new character I’d like to know more about.
• I seen possible mention of Bunnicula in the 3rd book!

It’s looking like I’ll attempt to continue the series alone next Spooky Season! 🐾🐾🐾

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victor Garber does a wonderful job of voicing the many characters in this whodunnit mystery. Howard the dog and Chester the cat are as lovable as in Bunnicula, but the story was long and wordy, so my kids seemed to lose interest toward the end. 2.5 stars

[Shainlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read some of these when I was little and I loved them. My mom got them for me at a book fair. I loved the ones with the puns in the title. I’d like to get them just to have. I think Bunnicula is just classic and neat looking and fun. He was a cute way to get your vampire fix.
She knew I liked spooky stories but she did not get me the first book in the series which was Bunnicula. Even When I was little he was a bit scary for a furry critter but it was only the red of his eyes. ;)

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hope these books never end. My little friend, Jessica was always a reader, but this series has really got her READING! I don't think she has turned the television on since she started with the firs book. Not that I have anything against television...just saying. We've set a time that she can read to me, and I am thoroughly enjoying these cute little characters and that Jessica is asking, "Can I go ahead and read the next chapter?" You know when a book begins with a dog named Harold scratching on the door to leave a manuscript in plastic...then stays long enough to have a doughnut and hot chocolate, that you are in for a hilarious adventure. With this in mind, we begin the hair-raising and laughter filled journey of Harold and his cat friend, Chester, at the Chateau Bow-Wow. There's not much horror in this one, it goes straight to the "mystery". Chester and Harold both take turns at being detectives trying to figure out what happened to the missing pets. Chester makes a lot of wild accusations that were mostly all wrong, in the first book. but in this one he seems to be more on top of the game with his detective work, though he does still make a few wild accusations, claiming he knew what was going on the whole time at the end. Was Chester just saying he knew, or did he actually know? It is kind of left up to the reader to decide. Jessica has her own ideas but she's not sharing them with me yet.

[K.T. Katzmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Empire Strikes Back of the Bunnicula series, and the only kid's book I've read with a Scarlet Letter reference.

If Garfield mixed with a little Buffy, it'd be the Bunnicula series. Thinking house pets investigate generally nonthreatening events that seem supernatural. I loved these a s a kid, even naming a plush Benji I had "Harold" after the Dr. Watson-like canine viewpoint character. The books were generally free of real conflict and stakes but fun for a tyke.

Then there's this one.

Doughty but slightly slow Harold and paranoid housecat Chester are dumped at a kennel while their master's vacation. What happens to Bunnicula, the vampire bunny? As in most of these books, he's written out early on to avoid dominating the book. Our two heroes become embroiled in a classic Agatha Christie-style murder mystery.

Yeah, that's right. Murder. The eccentric cast one by one disappear off-screen. As Harold and Chester are informed of their vanishings and deaths, they quickly realize they have to solve the case to survive.

Seriously, this is a book when our heroes contemplate if a bulldog would poison a poodle to keep an illicit paramour.

Howliday Inn has a surprising amount of tension, stakes, and menace for a kid's book about talking animals. I was stunned at the plot twist that happens about halfway through and wondered if I'd misremembered the events of the entire series. I also think it's a generally fair mystery, and I was quite amused to see here the seeds of what I considered a proper mystery tale. The embryo of my book Murder With Monsters started here. It's telling that I recalled so much of this and blanked on the later books in the series.

With its length and font, it’s basically an entertaining short story. I only wish Howe had continued to write animals mysteries this engaging and dark.

There's only one quibble I have with this series. Mr. Howe, how many dogs did you kill by convincing children that their canines loved chocolate?

Headcanon: Harold is a descendant of Snuff from A Night in the Lonesome October.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every year, my daughter’s elementary school assigns a book for all students to read together with their families. This year, we were assigned Bunnicula. The story was mildly interesting, so when I found that there was a whole series, I downloaded the audio collection for bedtime listening.

The second book-Howliday Inn- was an uncomfortable listen. It seems not to have aged well. Male animal characters discuss “women problems,” not in terms of particular women, but referring to women in general. The tone in some passages was very “women...am I right?” Following generalizations about women, a character nonchalantly talks about murdering his wife, basically because she’s a nuisance. A poodle character (female) is very stereotypical. I am not a prude, or a fan of censorship, but my daughter is in first grade, and she does not need to hear characters articulate misogynistic worldviews. Aside from this particular sensitivity i have about not want to expose a young child to casual misogyny, the book was boring, and the best character, Bunnicula, did not appear.

I’m not sure who this book is for.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of the series. Chester, who has clearly read far too much Poe and Agatha Christie, smells a mystery the minute they get to Chateau Bow-Wow, while Harold is more concerned with the dynamics of the new animals they meet. There are toy poodles vying for the affection of a bulldog, and a cat who his even more insane than Chester. I think my kids were even more invested in this one than the first one.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic! Had to do a spooky season re-read 🖤

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 Stars!

Howard and Chester are at it again. The humans have rudely decided to take a vacation without their four-legged family members! Therefore, this time Howard and Chester's adventure takes place at Chateau BowWow, which they quickly learn would more appropriately be called Howliday Inn. Hilarious shenanigans ensue!

Onto the third and final book of this adorable Bunnicula series!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard and Chester are so cute and mysterious, and I cannot wait to read their next adventure! I rate “Howliday Inn” 3.5 stars.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Not quite as engaging as Bunnicula but charming nonetheless.

[Katherine Loyacano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howliday Inn by James Howe is the second book in the charming Bunnicula series. In this adventure, the Monroe family is going on vacation for the week, so Bunnicula is sent to stay with a neighbor while Harold and Chester have reservations at Chateau Bow Wow. Harold and Chester are not happy about this arrangement, especially Chester who suspects something frightful is afoot. His overactive imagination has him convinced there are werewolves on the premises, and they are responsible for some of the four-legged guests disappearing from Chateau Bow Wow. Of course, Harold is the voice of reason, and the two of them decide to investigate which leads to more high jinks.

What a fun read! Howliday Inn not only includes the dynamic duo, Harold and Chester, but it also adds a slew of amusing and unusual supporting characters who make this installment engaging and entertaining. In addition to amazing characters, there is witty dialogue, a mystery, and lots of mayhem. Like Bunnicula, friendship is an important element of the story which extends to teamwork and the willingness to trust others. Courage and perseverance also make an appearance in the story as Harold and Chester must proceed with their investigations despite the scary situation they are facing at Chateau Bow Wow.

James Howe created a terrific tale of adventure intertwined with suspense and humor. Lynn Munsinger does a fantastic job capturing the action and expressions of the characters in the illustrations that appear throughout the novel. Victor Garber narrates the audiobook which I thought was wonderfully entertaining. Some readers might be bummed out that Bunnicula was not included in this adventure. I was a little surprised, but since I love Harold and Chester so much, I was fine that Bunnicula sat this one out. I was also surprised that by the end of the book, the Monroe family adds another addition to their household which entices me even more to continue with this series.

[Mariah Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made lesson plans for this book and I'm selling them on Teacherspayteachers if you are interested.

Chapter Comprehension Questions: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...

Chapter Vocabulary: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...

Vocabulary Homework: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...


"The Monroes have gone on vacation, leaving Harold and Chester at Chateau Bow-Wow -- not exactly a four-star hotel. On the animals' very first night there, the silence is pierced by a peculiar wake-up call -- an unearthly howl that makes Chester observe that the place should be called Howliday Inn.
But the mysterious cries in the night (Chester is convinced there are werewolves afoot) are just the beginning of the frightening goings-on. Soon animals start disappearing, and there are whispers of murder. Is checkout time at Chateau Bow-Wow going to come earlier than Harold and Chester anticipated?"

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the second book in the Bunnicula series, this book doesn't really include the famous bunny that was introduced to readers within the first book. Instead it explores the antics of that crazy literary cat Chester and his faithful yet long-suffering pooch-friend Harold as they board with each other at the Chateau Bow-Wow while their family is off on their own vacation.

The book doesn't have as much comedy for the reader while at times it does seem to drag on even though the other characters add their own crazy touch to spice up the events. As such there will be some new friends that young readers will enjoy getting to know while older readers may end up thinking they came upon the animal version of Clue although the murder weapon and rooms aren't as deeply elaborated on or provided.

The writing is simple to read and will be good for young readers who are branching out to chapter books while at the same time still enjoying the pace of a smaller book. And at the same time there are sweet simple illustrations of memorable events to break-up the words.

All in all it was an okay read but one that I wouldn't have suggested as a needed follow-up read for young or older readers who are fans of Bunnicula, Chester, Harold or the Monroes.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by James and Deborah Howe, read by Victor Garber. I was at the gym working out while listening and I kept laughing, ha!

[Perrilyn Pringle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another grand adventure for the boys in fur. Murder mayhem and intrigue.

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little kid's murder mystery story. Not as good as the first book of course, but enjoyable.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boys loved this. I remember reading it as a kid but had zero recollection of the plot, so I was pleasantly surprised!

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute mystery. Harold and Chester are taken to Chateau Bowwow while the family goes on vacation. It’s the first time for Harold but Chester knows all! During their visit they meet a whole troop of characters. Some friendly, some shy, some that disappear! Can Chester and Harold find out what happened in time?

[Andrea Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Raechel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt a little more mature than Bunnicula, but it's still a good kids book. Also, all the book references are fun for adults. I'm enjoying the series so far.

[Steph Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Bunnicula, even though Bunnicula wasn’t even in this one.
Hadn’t read this before. But it was very cute, a little “murder mystery” for kids. It gave off cozy rainy vibes and I really liked how the author told the story.

[Stephanie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, many years ago, the book that started my affection for amateur sleuth novels. I reread it this week out of nostalgia, thinking about books I loved that I'd like to share with my own child someday. I'm pleased to say this book absolutely a holds up over time. Still hits.

[Stimpson J. Kat esq... · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite one in the series I've had to have read it 50 or 60 times maybe more when they introduced Howie in the next one I was disappointed cause I thought he was annoying as hell i know he's a puppy but that's what I think when I read books with him it's I think also because when you read the first two he's not in those so you get used to it I think. It's funny how when you read this as a kid I dunno about anyone else but it felt like a long book and compared to the others it kinda is but not really. I've since read hundreds of books and this isn't at all considered a long one anymore.. a must read

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few series that I remember fondly from my childhood and is just as funny and enjoyable when I go back to it as an adult. This book doesn't have Bunnicula in it but Chester and Harold are more than capable of carrying the story on their own as they spend some time at an animal boarding house that Chester is convinced is infested with werewolves. Another really cute and fun story in this series, really glad I decided to reread them!

[Blake T · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Howe presented the setting of this book by saying there was a dog named Harold, and a cat named Chester. The pet owners included two boys (one loved each pet) and a mother and father. They decided to go on a road trip and could not take the pets with them so they boarded them at a kennel. Once there, the two pets quickly took a distaste to their new environment. There was a strange doctor who greeted them and a boy that seemed a little odd. Then when they got inside they came across several dogs and a cat named Lyle. During their first night they observed strange howling noises and Chester explained to Harold that those were the cries of werewolves. Is this the cry of werewolves or is there some other mysteries that have not been discovered? Read to find out. I personally loved the characters and the setting as well as the "scary mystery" theme. I believe the best character is Lyle because he is hilarious and very entertaining! This book kept me on the edge of my seat at all times! However, I did not like that it built unnecessary suspense. I would highly recommend this book to people who like mystery. You will like this book if you have read Bunnicula and The Compund because the books have a lot of adventure. I hope you have as much fun as I did when reading this book!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our girls loved Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery, and so we decided to read more of the books in this series. This story was a little more intense, and at one particularly dramatic point in the story, my husband asked what I reading to our girls and why was it so filled with talk of kidnapping and murder. But overall, it was a fun, and pretty harmless book to read aloud and we read over 100 pages in one sitting - the story was that engaging and drew us in so well! We will definitely read more in this series. Recommended for school-age children.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to BUNNICULA and I think it's even better. I never liked family background stuff much as a kid, I found it a little boring, so the single setting in this one - the cattery/kennels - was fantastic, almost like a prison story. I liked how all the players were different animals with their own characters.

I remember this one gave me loads of chills and yet I was always amused as well as enthralled. Scary but in a fun way.

[Robin]

I recall adoring this series as a child. One of my elementary school teachers read a few of them out loud to our class. Some reviewers said that kids had trouble keeping track of the characters, but I don't think anyone I knew had any trouble. I would recommend these books to parents as good audio books for car rides. Entertaining enough for everyone.