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Bunnicula #6
Bunnicula Strikes Again!
Bunnicula, the vampire bunny, and his friends Harold, Chester, and Howie race against time to stop the wrecker's ball from demolishing Bunnicula's most favorite theater. Reprint.
116 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 1995
78 people are currently reading
1422 people want to read
About the author
James Howe
218 books460 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 5, 2018
fulfilling my vow to read all the sequels i never knew existed to books i loved when i was little.
"Do rabbits cry?" I asked Chester
awwwwww
so, because i know you are all awaiting the answer to the question of whether or not bunnicula deigns to make an appearance in the sixth book of the series that pays his bills, after calling out sick to the past howevermany, yeah, he does.
does he in fact "strike again?" hard to say. chester, of course, would have you believe "He's a spinach sucker! The bane of broccoli! A bad rabbit with bad habits!" out there "... attacking artichokes, sucking squash, biting broccoli, sinking his fangs into fennel - "
but who knows what that little bunny's reeeeaalllly up to once the sun goes down?
actually, i'll tell you, because it's such a weird story. as you know, because you are a bunnicula fan, even when that little vamp-bunny's around, he doesn't actually talk. chester, harold, howie, all the dogs and cats and birds at the kennel - lots of talking. bunnicula? not a peep. ever. as a result, his motivations have always been assumed, usually by the paranoid and high-strung chester - a highly unreliable judge of character, because cats are too smart for their own good. is how i'm choosing to interpret harold's remark:
...my dog's brain, which is to a cat's brain what a corridor is to a labyrinth, could not begin to sort it all out.
so! in this book, everyone's noticed that bunnicula's been a little listless of late, after an uncharacteristically frisky/upbeat couple of weeks.
(speaking of frisky, are we ever going to find out more about that girl-bunny bunnicula reportedly knocked up at the end of Nighty-Nightmare? because there's only one book left in this series and there's been no mention of these bunny-pups in the last two books).
to condense it for you - chester has determined that bunnicula was cheerful because he saw and heard all the preparations for mother's day going on in the monroe household and thought this meant his own mother (who [presumably] left him in a box of dirt at the movie theater YEARS ago) was coming to visit and was excited about it. and then when she didn't come, he got sad. and then escaped to return to the movie theater in which he was found to meet up with her there. which was about to be demolished, a fact that all the other animals knew except bunnicula, even though the first part of this assumption relies upon bunnicula knowing what's going on in the monroe household enough to be aware of holidays. but somehow not aware of the monroe's picket-sign-carrying participation in the "save the theater" rallies that have been going on for a long time:
"Your mother and I have put months into fighting this demolition, Pete, you know that."
pete knows, but somehow bunnicula doesn't, because as wildly speculative as chester's theory is, it turns out to be accurate and bunnicula's about to hop into DANGER unaware.
and here's as good a place as any to pause in my tearing-down the logic of a middle-grade book to point out that in this book, james howe gets a little meta (and maybe a smidge defensive) about something that's been bugging me during this reading/rereading journey:
after reminding us that toby gets to stay up as late as he wants to read on friday nights (which i thought was the best ritual/reward ever when i was a kid) and how he always shares his stockpile o' treats with harold:
THAT PRE-INCEPTION INCEPTION WOULD HAVE BLOWN MY MIND AS A KID SO IT'S A GOOD THING I AM GROWN.
it's still not a great idea to give dogs chocolate, fictional or otherwise, but howe sneaks in a different PSA to make up for it, interrupting chester's account of bunnicula's nighttime feeding frenzy:
anyway, it's another fun adventure story - better than Nighty-Nightmare, which so far has been the low point in the series. this one comes with a game-changing development at the end and i guess we'll see how that all pans out in book 7, the last of the regular series before it spins off into the "tales from the house of bunnicula" series, which i do not recognize as canon and probably will not attempt unless i'm told by one of youse that it is worth it.
i leave you with one picture:
one quote:
Chester had roused himself from his night's slumber and was in the middle of doing that stretch cats do where they extend their front paws out on the floor in front of them as if they're praying and raise their rear ends up high like they're waiting for the whole world to notice and say, "Hey, that's some nice tush you got there."
and one warning:
do not read this book if you do not want to have the final sherlock holmes book spoiled for you.
come to my blog!
"Do rabbits cry?" I asked Chester
awwwwww
so, because i know you are all awaiting the answer to the question of whether or not bunnicula deigns to make an appearance in the sixth book of the series that pays his bills, after calling out sick to the past howevermany, yeah, he does.
does he in fact "strike again?" hard to say. chester, of course, would have you believe "He's a spinach sucker! The bane of broccoli! A bad rabbit with bad habits!" out there "... attacking artichokes, sucking squash, biting broccoli, sinking his fangs into fennel - "
but who knows what that little bunny's reeeeaalllly up to once the sun goes down?
actually, i'll tell you, because it's such a weird story. as you know, because you are a bunnicula fan, even when that little vamp-bunny's around, he doesn't actually talk. chester, harold, howie, all the dogs and cats and birds at the kennel - lots of talking. bunnicula? not a peep. ever. as a result, his motivations have always been assumed, usually by the paranoid and high-strung chester - a highly unreliable judge of character, because cats are too smart for their own good. is how i'm choosing to interpret harold's remark:
...my dog's brain, which is to a cat's brain what a corridor is to a labyrinth, could not begin to sort it all out.
so! in this book, everyone's noticed that bunnicula's been a little listless of late, after an uncharacteristically frisky/upbeat couple of weeks.
(speaking of frisky, are we ever going to find out more about that girl-bunny bunnicula reportedly knocked up at the end of Nighty-Nightmare? because there's only one book left in this series and there's been no mention of these bunny-pups in the last two books).
to condense it for you - chester has determined that bunnicula was cheerful because he saw and heard all the preparations for mother's day going on in the monroe household and thought this meant his own mother (who [presumably] left him in a box of dirt at the movie theater YEARS ago) was coming to visit and was excited about it. and then when she didn't come, he got sad. and then escaped to return to the movie theater in which he was found to meet up with her there. which was about to be demolished, a fact that all the other animals knew except bunnicula, even though the first part of this assumption relies upon bunnicula knowing what's going on in the monroe household enough to be aware of holidays. but somehow not aware of the monroe's picket-sign-carrying participation in the "save the theater" rallies that have been going on for a long time:
"Your mother and I have put months into fighting this demolition, Pete, you know that."
pete knows, but somehow bunnicula doesn't, because as wildly speculative as chester's theory is, it turns out to be accurate and bunnicula's about to hop into DANGER unaware.
and here's as good a place as any to pause in my tearing-down the logic of a middle-grade book to point out that in this book, james howe gets a little meta (and maybe a smidge defensive) about something that's been bugging me during this reading/rereading journey:
after reminding us that toby gets to stay up as late as he wants to read on friday nights (which i thought was the best ritual/reward ever when i was a kid) and how he always shares his stockpile o' treats with harold:
He knows how much I love chocolate, and so he’s always sure to have at least one chocolaty delight ready and waiting for me. (Some of my readers have written expressing their concern about the potentially detrimental effects of chocolate on dogs, to which I can only say that while it is true some dogs have been known to become ill from eating chocolate, others have not. Luckily, I fall into the latter category. Also, I hasten to remind my readers that I, like the books I have written, am a work of fiction.)
THAT PRE-INCEPTION INCEPTION WOULD HAVE BLOWN MY MIND AS A KID SO IT'S A GOOD THING I AM GROWN.
it's still not a great idea to give dogs chocolate, fictional or otherwise, but howe sneaks in a different PSA to make up for it, interrupting chester's account of bunnicula's nighttime feeding frenzy:
"By the time I entered the kitchen, he was gone. He had left his victims behind, though, carelessly scattered about the floor like so much litter on a public beach."
"Uncle Harold," Howie said, "when you write a book abut this, will you find a way to remind your readers that they should never litter?"
"I definitely will," I promised.
anyway, it's another fun adventure story - better than Nighty-Nightmare, which so far has been the low point in the series. this one comes with a game-changing development at the end and i guess we'll see how that all pans out in book 7, the last of the regular series before it spins off into the "tales from the house of bunnicula" series, which i do not recognize as canon and probably will not attempt unless i'm told by one of youse that it is worth it.
i leave you with one picture:
one quote:
Chester had roused himself from his night's slumber and was in the middle of doing that stretch cats do where they extend their front paws out on the floor in front of them as if they're praying and raise their rear ends up high like they're waiting for the whole world to notice and say, "Hey, that's some nice tush you got there."
and one warning:
do not read this book if you do not want to have the final sherlock holmes book spoiled for you.
come to my blog!
July 12, 2020
In honor of Howie’s affinity for terrible puns, I was going to say this book is more fun than you can shake a stick at (because, you know, dogs chase sticks).
But, you know what? That’s a really stupid expression. What does it even mean? Like, I can shake a stick at a hell of a lot of fun. More than most people, probably. I’m really good. So, if I say that, we’re talking about a LOT of fun. Someone else, with less vigorous arm-shaking action? Maybe they can only shake a stick at a little bit of fun. And what if you don’t know what fun looks like, or live in a desert? How are you supposed to shake a stick at it? It’s absurd.
So, instead, we’ll just say this was a solid addition to the Bunnicula canon.
But, you know what? That’s a really stupid expression. What does it even mean? Like, I can shake a stick at a hell of a lot of fun. More than most people, probably. I’m really good. So, if I say that, we’re talking about a LOT of fun. Someone else, with less vigorous arm-shaking action? Maybe they can only shake a stick at a little bit of fun. And what if you don’t know what fun looks like, or live in a desert? How are you supposed to shake a stick at it? It’s absurd.
So, instead, we’ll just say this was a solid addition to the Bunnicula canon.
March 15, 2019
A cute story that would be perfect as a read aloud. But, there are some outdated things about rabbits! First, rabbits should not be in cages! Second, carrots are meant to be snacks, not their main diet. Beyond that I loved the characters and I'm glad to say that my own Bunnicula is definitely not a vampire.
January 11, 2016
Guys, I love the Bunnicula books. I remember that I had listened to them on long car trips when I was younger, and then found both this and the first book at a used book sale and decided that I definitely needed to re-read them.
And I find that I love them just as much as I did then.
Besides, who wouldn't want a rabbit named Bunnicula?
And I find that I love them just as much as I did then.
Besides, who wouldn't want a rabbit named Bunnicula?
June 13, 2024
Bunnicula Strikes Again! by James Howe is the 6th installment in the popular Bunnicula series. In this bittersweet story, it seems white vegetables have turned up again in the Monroe kitchen, and Chester will not stand for it. Therefore, he makes a terrible decision, fueled by his wild imagination, that sends Bunnicula to the vet. Since the Monroes are distracted with a disheartening community issue, Chester has the freedom to continue carrying out his heartless plan. Harold puts his paw down and makes a decision that will impact the entire Monroe household and might cost him his friendship with Chester.
Wow! Despite having some lighthearted and humorous moments, this chapter in Bunnicula’s life is dark and downhearted. It has the saddest storylines in the series as well as a few frightening moments. I admit, I got teary-eyed a couple of times. Like Return to Howliday Inn, this story takes a serious turn. Friendships are tested, difficult decisions are made, righting wrongs are necessary while love and loss are explored. By the end of the story, Chester must come to terms with his acceptance issues concerning Bunnicula. Harold learns that doing what is right can be difficult. Thankfully, Howie, Felony, Miss Deameanor, and a little black-and-white critter provide some comic relief.
James Howe’s storytelling is super. Alan Daniel’s illustrations are incredible. Victor Garber’s audiobook narration is awesome. Readers will enjoy Bunnicula being front and center in this novel. The focus of the story is not only on Bunnicula and his experience with illness and heartbreak, but it also focuses on Chester’s relationship with Bunnicula. As much as I love Chester, I did not like the choices he made concerning Bunnicula. Chester’s overactive imagination causes him to lose himself and puts everyone he cares about in danger. Fortunately, he comes to his senses and all ends well. Thank goodness! I was sweating there for a moment because I was not prepared to part with any of these amazing characters. It is a tender-hearted tale with a satisfying ending.
Wow! Despite having some lighthearted and humorous moments, this chapter in Bunnicula’s life is dark and downhearted. It has the saddest storylines in the series as well as a few frightening moments. I admit, I got teary-eyed a couple of times. Like Return to Howliday Inn, this story takes a serious turn. Friendships are tested, difficult decisions are made, righting wrongs are necessary while love and loss are explored. By the end of the story, Chester must come to terms with his acceptance issues concerning Bunnicula. Harold learns that doing what is right can be difficult. Thankfully, Howie, Felony, Miss Deameanor, and a little black-and-white critter provide some comic relief.
James Howe’s storytelling is super. Alan Daniel’s illustrations are incredible. Victor Garber’s audiobook narration is awesome. Readers will enjoy Bunnicula being front and center in this novel. The focus of the story is not only on Bunnicula and his experience with illness and heartbreak, but it also focuses on Chester’s relationship with Bunnicula. As much as I love Chester, I did not like the choices he made concerning Bunnicula. Chester’s overactive imagination causes him to lose himself and puts everyone he cares about in danger. Fortunately, he comes to his senses and all ends well. Thank goodness! I was sweating there for a moment because I was not prepared to part with any of these amazing characters. It is a tender-hearted tale with a satisfying ending.
June 9, 2019
Really good part of the series. Glad Chester and Bunnicula warmed up to each other finally in the end. It only took them six books to do so. *crickets* Anywho, like I said. Really good. Not my fav of the series but still pretty good. Final verdict: fluffy, a little cringy at some points, 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Audiobook
August 5, 2018
This book was a little confusing and the plot is almost entirely speculation about Bunnicula missing his mother. In it, Chester spends most of his time trying to starve Bunnicula to death by drinking his carrot juice until at the end he suddenly redeems himself after all these books and becomes Bunniculas protector.
June 29, 2019
Bunnicula Strikes Again has a rather less silly and more bittersweet tone than the rest of the series, but it stays true to its predecessors in every way that it should. There are still enough funny moments to keep it on the lighter side, but the core of the plot is treated as much less tongue-in-cheek than it is in Howliday Inn and Nighty-Nightmare. There are even some fun appearances from previous side characters, my favorites being Felony and Miss Demeanor, who are eerily reminiscent of my own two troublemaking cats.
This is not among my absolute favorites of the Bunnicula saga, but it is quite a satisfying read, and strikes all the right notes for a dramatic finale.
This is not among my absolute favorites of the Bunnicula saga, but it is quite a satisfying read, and strikes all the right notes for a dramatic finale.
December 16, 2024
I read this series back in grade school. Now I have decided to revisit them since I I was blanking as to the stories. I am reading them out of order, but I think I will still be able to follow along. Howliday Inn was my favorite book in the series. It means even more to me now as I am the proud owner of a chiweenie!
January 28, 2024
From my 7 year old:
I liked how Chester licks Bunnicula for the first time in his life. This book is about how Chester gets along with Bunnicula. I was scared while I was reading the book.
A key detail of the book is Bunnicula misses his mom. This is a fiction book. It’s a bit scary and a bit funny.
Mom’s note: a little more suspenseful than the others in the series. Kiddo wanted to continue after each chapter to see what would happen next. The beginning of the story sets up the question of “what happens to the main characters of a story? Could they really be dispensable?”
I liked how Chester licks Bunnicula for the first time in his life. This book is about how Chester gets along with Bunnicula. I was scared while I was reading the book.
A key detail of the book is Bunnicula misses his mom. This is a fiction book. It’s a bit scary and a bit funny.
Mom’s note: a little more suspenseful than the others in the series. Kiddo wanted to continue after each chapter to see what would happen next. The beginning of the story sets up the question of “what happens to the main characters of a story? Could they really be dispensable?”
March 8, 2019
Another cute tale about the vampire bunny and his friends with their big imaginations.
November 2, 2021
Bunnicula misses his Mommy. Chester is convinced Bunnicula is on a veggie murder rampage. Animals friends from Howliday Inn return. Chester bonds with Bunnicula.
February 14, 2022
Very sweet and this one actually had Bunnicula in it 🖤
April 18, 2024
The Epitome of a cute palette cleanser.
Extremely enjoyable.
Extremely enjoyable.
December 21, 2025
Another fun Bunnicula adventure that really played around with my emotions and had some silly meta commentary on the Goosebumps books.
May 2, 2022
I love these characters so much!
May 27, 2020
Chester finally comes around on Bunnicula. While the plot of this one is more contrived than any of the others, the conclusion is very, very sweet.
November 23, 2021
Bunnicula Strikes Again, James Howe, 1999
My favorite quote: “Some of my readers have written expressing their concern about the potentially detrimental effects of chocolate on dogs, to which I can only say that while it is true some dogs have been known to become ill from eating chocolate, others have not. Luckily, I fall into the latter category. Also, I hasten to remind my readers that I, like the books I have written, am a work of fiction.”
Notable characters: Harold, our canine narrator; Chester, his feline friend; Howie, their young dachshund companion; Bunnicula, the alleged vampire bunny
Most memorable scene: Chester and Bunnicula in the theater at the end. The younger me would have totally bawled. I know this because the grown-ass-man-me almost bawled. Not to worry, though … it does have a happy ending. But for a minute there, I was worried …
Greatest strengths: Its emotionality. Not gonna lie: it kinda got to me
Standout achievements: This series is every bit as good as a grown up as it was as a kid
Fun Facts: This book features return visits from Bob and Linda, as well as Felony and Misdemeanor from the previous book, Return to Howliday Inn
Other media: N/A
What it taught me: That apparently (according to the drawing on page 17 in which she’s scowling down the staircase at her a-hole children in what appears to be a fur coat), Mrs. Monroe looks like a mob-wife. I don’t know if she looked like a mob-wife all along and I just missed it, or if she had some work done or what. But yeah. She looks like a mob-wife now
How it inspired me: It actually DID take me back to childhood in a way — even though I didn’t read this one until I was an adult. But apparently, I still have an emotional connection with these characters. I love that
Additional thoughts: This is, oddly, the first book that gave me a real sense of Bunnicula. Even though this little vampire bunny is often at the center of the stories, he doesn’t actually make that many appearances — and when he does, he’s pretty static. Not so in this one. In this one, I finally fell in love with the little guy
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
My favorite quote: “Some of my readers have written expressing their concern about the potentially detrimental effects of chocolate on dogs, to which I can only say that while it is true some dogs have been known to become ill from eating chocolate, others have not. Luckily, I fall into the latter category. Also, I hasten to remind my readers that I, like the books I have written, am a work of fiction.”
Notable characters: Harold, our canine narrator; Chester, his feline friend; Howie, their young dachshund companion; Bunnicula, the alleged vampire bunny
Most memorable scene: Chester and Bunnicula in the theater at the end. The younger me would have totally bawled. I know this because the grown-ass-man-me almost bawled. Not to worry, though … it does have a happy ending. But for a minute there, I was worried …
Greatest strengths: Its emotionality. Not gonna lie: it kinda got to me
Standout achievements: This series is every bit as good as a grown up as it was as a kid
Fun Facts: This book features return visits from Bob and Linda, as well as Felony and Misdemeanor from the previous book, Return to Howliday Inn
Other media: N/A
What it taught me: That apparently (according to the drawing on page 17 in which she’s scowling down the staircase at her a-hole children in what appears to be a fur coat), Mrs. Monroe looks like a mob-wife. I don’t know if she looked like a mob-wife all along and I just missed it, or if she had some work done or what. But yeah. She looks like a mob-wife now
How it inspired me: It actually DID take me back to childhood in a way — even though I didn’t read this one until I was an adult. But apparently, I still have an emotional connection with these characters. I love that
Additional thoughts: This is, oddly, the first book that gave me a real sense of Bunnicula. Even though this little vampire bunny is often at the center of the stories, he doesn’t actually make that many appearances — and when he does, he’s pretty static. Not so in this one. In this one, I finally fell in love with the little guy
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
After the Monroe family found Bunnicula in the movie theater, and all of the frenzy that came along with him, when they brought him home and things died down, normal is how Harold would describe their home. But just like what happened in the Adventures of Sherlock, Harold soon finds out that anything is subject to change. And tons of changes come his way.
Bunnicula seems to have lost all of "the sparkle in his eyes" and his energy whenever Toby and Pete take him out of his cage to play. Although oblivious at first, Harold begins to worry that something is wrong with Bunnicula. Could he be sick?
Chester knows for certain that it has nothing to do with being sick; he is set on Bunnicula acting this way because he wants to cause trouble. Chester saw what Bunnicula had done before... sucking up all of the juices from the vegetables! Of course, Chester doesn't want Bunnicula to strike again, so his infamous plans are put into action.
On the side, the Monroe family is trying to save the movie theater, where they found Bunnicula, from being torn down, since it's a landmark in Centerville. Ironically, though, the last movie they will be playing is Dracula. Could this possibly have anything to do with why Bunnicula is acting weird?
It's up to Harold and Howie to crack the case, and to make sure Chester doesn't go too far -- or it just might be the end!
BUNNICULA STRIKES AGAIN! is a very entertaining sequel to the hit BUNNICULA. Once again, Harold writes and narrates the story, making the tale even more humorous. Fans of the first book will definitely want to sink their teeth into this one, especially if they want to know what Bunnicula and even Chester are up to now.
After the Monroe family found Bunnicula in the movie theater, and all of the frenzy that came along with him, when they brought him home and things died down, normal is how Harold would describe their home. But just like what happened in the Adventures of Sherlock, Harold soon finds out that anything is subject to change. And tons of changes come his way.
Bunnicula seems to have lost all of "the sparkle in his eyes" and his energy whenever Toby and Pete take him out of his cage to play. Although oblivious at first, Harold begins to worry that something is wrong with Bunnicula. Could he be sick?
Chester knows for certain that it has nothing to do with being sick; he is set on Bunnicula acting this way because he wants to cause trouble. Chester saw what Bunnicula had done before... sucking up all of the juices from the vegetables! Of course, Chester doesn't want Bunnicula to strike again, so his infamous plans are put into action.
On the side, the Monroe family is trying to save the movie theater, where they found Bunnicula, from being torn down, since it's a landmark in Centerville. Ironically, though, the last movie they will be playing is Dracula. Could this possibly have anything to do with why Bunnicula is acting weird?
It's up to Harold and Howie to crack the case, and to make sure Chester doesn't go too far -- or it just might be the end!
BUNNICULA STRIKES AGAIN! is a very entertaining sequel to the hit BUNNICULA. Once again, Harold writes and narrates the story, making the tale even more humorous. Fans of the first book will definitely want to sink their teeth into this one, especially if they want to know what Bunnicula and even Chester are up to now.
February 5, 2013
In the fifth installment of the Bunnicula series, Chester the cat once again believes that Bunnicula is a danger and must be dealt with. Yeah, sorry about ending the sentence with a preposition... Anyway, the old theater where Bunnicula was found is going to be torn down and Chester is convinced that Bunnicula is hiding out there, looking for his mother. As they chase down their hoppity friend, Chester, Harold and Howie run into some familiar faces from Chateau Bow-Wow. But they need to hurry and make sure Bunnicula is not in the theater before it is demolished!
Once again, Howe delivers an extremely intelligent and humorous story that will entertain both children and adults. While I don't expect adults to pick up this book for themselves, it is a wonderful book and series to read aloud with your children.
As with the others in the series, Howe does not talk down to his intended audience. On the contrary, he speaks to them as he would anyone else, sort of like the Monroes speak to their pets. Chester's passion for conspiracies, Harold's laid back demeanor and Howie's youthful excitement practically jump off the pages. And of course my favorite parts are Howie's puns. That just never gets old.
And as if reading the book isn't enough, both Chester and Howie enjoy reading books too. In all fairness, Harold also enjoys books... eating them, that is.
Bunnicula Strikes Again is another wonderful book in the Bunnicula series, all of which I highly recommend.
Once again, Howe delivers an extremely intelligent and humorous story that will entertain both children and adults. While I don't expect adults to pick up this book for themselves, it is a wonderful book and series to read aloud with your children.
As with the others in the series, Howe does not talk down to his intended audience. On the contrary, he speaks to them as he would anyone else, sort of like the Monroes speak to their pets. Chester's passion for conspiracies, Harold's laid back demeanor and Howie's youthful excitement practically jump off the pages. And of course my favorite parts are Howie's puns. That just never gets old.
And as if reading the book isn't enough, both Chester and Howie enjoy reading books too. In all fairness, Harold also enjoys books... eating them, that is.
Bunnicula Strikes Again is another wonderful book in the Bunnicula series, all of which I highly recommend.
February 7, 2017
This book was an even quicker read than Return to Howliday Inn, but it was a charming one. It's interesting to see how the family dynamics evolve from book to book, and how much everyone's lives, including the Editor's, change. There's a note of finality to the book, a looming knowledge that the end may indeed be near. Seeing how even the story being read to Harold in the beginning is "The Final Problem" you go in knowing disaster will happen before the end.
Chester is at it again. Bunnicula is getting ill, and doesn't seem to be getting better. Chester assures Harold and Howie that he's "taking care of it" and Harold has had enough. Chester may be his friend, but so is Bunnicula, and too long he's gone along with the various plans to destroy the vampire rabbit. It's time for him to stand up for what he knows is right - but at what cost?
This book continues the somewhat darker themes that were first established in Return to Howliday Inn. While there are still plenty of laughs, the subject matter does tend to be darker than what I expected, and the moral questions a bit more potent still. I enjoyed it immensely, though ultimately I wish it was longer. Just can't get enough of these characters.
Chester is at it again. Bunnicula is getting ill, and doesn't seem to be getting better. Chester assures Harold and Howie that he's "taking care of it" and Harold has had enough. Chester may be his friend, but so is Bunnicula, and too long he's gone along with the various plans to destroy the vampire rabbit. It's time for him to stand up for what he knows is right - but at what cost?
This book continues the somewhat darker themes that were first established in Return to Howliday Inn. While there are still plenty of laughs, the subject matter does tend to be darker than what I expected, and the moral questions a bit more potent still. I enjoyed it immensely, though ultimately I wish it was longer. Just can't get enough of these characters.
January 29, 2016
After multiple adventures concerning murdered guests, talking skeletons, and deadly celery, this book returns to what the Bunnicula series is all about: Chester's fear of living with a vampiric bunny. By this point, we all know that Bunnicula is harmless and Chester is off his rocker, but the stakes are higher when Chester begins trying to actually kill Bunnicula.
Finally, we get to see Harold stand up to Chester - a glorious moment six books in the making. It was getting to the point where Harold had to stop being complicit, and it was worth waiting for. The resolution of Chester and Bunnicula's conflict was sweet and heart-warming, leaving a very satisfying conclusion. This book isn't really creepy, since by this point we all know Bunnicula poses no threat, but it has the trademark humor that makes this series so good. The narrator even breaks te fourth wall occasionally, but this didn't bother me.
I'd read this as a kid, but having reread it now after reading all the books in sequence makes me appreciate it even more.
Finally, we get to see Harold stand up to Chester - a glorious moment six books in the making. It was getting to the point where Harold had to stop being complicit, and it was worth waiting for. The resolution of Chester and Bunnicula's conflict was sweet and heart-warming, leaving a very satisfying conclusion. This book isn't really creepy, since by this point we all know Bunnicula poses no threat, but it has the trademark humor that makes this series so good. The narrator even breaks te fourth wall occasionally, but this didn't bother me.
I'd read this as a kid, but having reread it now after reading all the books in sequence makes me appreciate it even more.
April 30, 2019
This was absolutely adorable! Despite being the sixth book in the series, this follows pretty directly off the events that took place all the way back in book one. There were a few appearances by some of the characters from Chateau Bow Wow from the last book and Bunnicula got more page time than he has gotten for several books as well. I was definitely on the edge of my seat towards the end, but the actual ending was just too cute. I am interested to see what happens in book 7 because this seems like a pretty good place to end the series for good.
Also I'm putting this under a cut because it's a big spoilery but this illustration made me go awwww
Also I'm putting this under a cut because it's a big spoilery but this illustration made me go awwww
May 19, 2025
Basic Plot: Bunnicula, the vampire bunny, and his friends Harold, Chester, and Howie race against time to stop the wrecker's ball from demolishing Bunnicula's most favorite theater.
I had the whole boxed set of these books when I was a kid, so I'm certain I read this. I don't remember much about it beyond the basics, probably because sequels never held as much interest to me as the original.
I had the whole boxed set of these books when I was a kid, so I'm certain I read this. I don't remember much about it beyond the basics, probably because sequels never held as much interest to me as the original.
November 9, 2015
These books are all adorable, and I've really enjoyed reading the whole series. I will say that this one was one of the weaker of the series, but still cute and the girls enjoyed it.
December 22, 2021
I remember reading this series as a kid and giggling throughout the book. I definitely do the same as an adult.
November 1, 2018
"It's happening again. The Monroes's kitchen is littered with the remains of vegetables, drained of all color. To Chester, it's obvious: Bunnicula, the vampire rabbit, is up to his old tricks.But Harold is more frightened for Bunnicula than of him. The poor bunny doesn't look too good. Is he sick? Or just unhappy? Or has Chester finally gone too far in his attempt to make the world safe for veggies?"
Finally back to a book in the series about Bunnicula!! But OMG, another depressing story by Mr. Howe!! Chester is once again trying to KILL Bunnicula by starving him. As if that isn't bad enough, Bunnicula gets super depressed about family and almost dies. There is one chapter where Bunnicula is just laying there crying over something depressing and it's just like GEEZ... As if the stuff with Bunnicula isn't depressing enough, you have this side story about the old movie theater (the one Bunnicula was found at years ago), is scheduled to be torn down and the family tries to save it because they love it but it still gets torn down. It became this depressing metaphor about love and loss and how nothing is forever. Crap. That is flipping depressing, Mr. Howe! I wanted a fun little adventure about a vampire rabbit and you are making me think about stuff I don't want to think about. D: This book was so sad, I was wary about reading the next book in the series!
Once again the book is illustrated by Alan Daniel. This work is really good, but for some reason all the pictures are way too dark. In the last book, they were too light, now we have the opposite problem. Everything is extremely dark and blends together. I don't know if that was an issue with the way he colored the work or if it was a photocopier issue with the publisher or what? But, yeah... very dark artwork with a lot of the details just blending in. Sadface.
This book was sad. I don't like to be sad. I have enough sad thoughts running around in my head as it is. When I read, I don't want to be reminded of sad things. Yes, this book had a very sweet ending, that is true, but I don't like having to go through a minefield of sad in order to get to the happy ending! Seriously wasn't even sure if I was going to read the last book of the series....
Finally back to a book in the series about Bunnicula!! But OMG, another depressing story by Mr. Howe!! Chester is once again trying to KILL Bunnicula by starving him. As if that isn't bad enough, Bunnicula gets super depressed about family and almost dies. There is one chapter where Bunnicula is just laying there crying over something depressing and it's just like GEEZ... As if the stuff with Bunnicula isn't depressing enough, you have this side story about the old movie theater (the one Bunnicula was found at years ago), is scheduled to be torn down and the family tries to save it because they love it but it still gets torn down. It became this depressing metaphor about love and loss and how nothing is forever. Crap. That is flipping depressing, Mr. Howe! I wanted a fun little adventure about a vampire rabbit and you are making me think about stuff I don't want to think about. D: This book was so sad, I was wary about reading the next book in the series!
Once again the book is illustrated by Alan Daniel. This work is really good, but for some reason all the pictures are way too dark. In the last book, they were too light, now we have the opposite problem. Everything is extremely dark and blends together. I don't know if that was an issue with the way he colored the work or if it was a photocopier issue with the publisher or what? But, yeah... very dark artwork with a lot of the details just blending in. Sadface.
This book was sad. I don't like to be sad. I have enough sad thoughts running around in my head as it is. When I read, I don't want to be reminded of sad things. Yes, this book had a very sweet ending, that is true, but I don't like having to go through a minefield of sad in order to get to the happy ending! Seriously wasn't even sure if I was going to read the last book of the series....
April 26, 2022
So this is what it feels like to read a "Bunnicula" book for the first time, again! I'm glad I gave this a chance, since I did like it better than "Return to Howliday Inn." I also enjoyed several of Howe's little nods to the past books, such as:
"Now, for those of you who haven't read my first book...the idea of my singing a lullaby to my little furry friend in the language of his native land...may strike you as peculiar. For those of you who have read the book, the idea probably strikes you as just as peculiar, but at least you've been warned."
HA!
My final thought--I've been a fan of the "Bunnicula" series longer than I've been a dog owner, but I've been waiting for some sort of message regarding Harold's favorite treats, and I loved the way Howe addressed it:
"(Some of my readers have written expressing their concern about the potentially detrimental effects of chocolate on dogs, to which I can only say that while it is true some dogs have been known to become ill from eating chocolate, others have not. Luckily, I fall into the latter category. Also, I hasten to remind my readers that I, like the books I have written, am a work of fiction.)"
Nailed it.
"Now, for those of you who haven't read my first book...the idea of my singing a lullaby to my little furry friend in the language of his native land...may strike you as peculiar. For those of you who have read the book, the idea probably strikes you as just as peculiar, but at least you've been warned."
HA!
My final thought--I've been a fan of the "Bunnicula" series longer than I've been a dog owner, but I've been waiting for some sort of message regarding Harold's favorite treats, and I loved the way Howe addressed it:
"(Some of my readers have written expressing their concern about the potentially detrimental effects of chocolate on dogs, to which I can only say that while it is true some dogs have been known to become ill from eating chocolate, others have not. Luckily, I fall into the latter category. Also, I hasten to remind my readers that I, like the books I have written, am a work of fiction.)"
Nailed it.
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