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Horace & Bunwinkle #1
Horace & Bunwinkle
An anxious Boston Terrier and an exuberant potbellied pig team up to solve crimes in their barnyard.
Horace Homer Higgins III despises dirt. And the outdoors. And ducks. But when his person, Eleanor, moves to a farm called the Homestead, the anxious Boston Terrier is forced to adapt. As if that isn’t enough to strain his nerves, Ellie adopts a perpetually cheerful potbellied pig named Bunwinkle to be his baby sister.
Bunwinkle is delighted to be on the farm despite the stuffy demeanor of her new canine brother. She’s sure she’ll crack his shell eventually—no one can resist her cuteness for long—especially once they bond over watching a TV pet-tective show.
When the duo discovers that neighborhood animals have been disappearing, they decide to use their new detective skills to team up to solve this barnyard mystery. Is it a mountain lion? Or their suspiciously shot-loving veterinarians?
Only one thing seems certain: if they don’t figure it out soon, one of them might be next!
Horace Homer Higgins III despises dirt. And the outdoors. And ducks. But when his person, Eleanor, moves to a farm called the Homestead, the anxious Boston Terrier is forced to adapt. As if that isn’t enough to strain his nerves, Ellie adopts a perpetually cheerful potbellied pig named Bunwinkle to be his baby sister.
Bunwinkle is delighted to be on the farm despite the stuffy demeanor of her new canine brother. She’s sure she’ll crack his shell eventually—no one can resist her cuteness for long—especially once they bond over watching a TV pet-tective show.
When the duo discovers that neighborhood animals have been disappearing, they decide to use their new detective skills to team up to solve this barnyard mystery. Is it a mountain lion? Or their suspiciously shot-loving veterinarians?
Only one thing seems certain: if they don’t figure it out soon, one of them might be next!
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 8, 2020
The cover for this new series about a Boston Terrier and a potbellied pig is pitch perfect. I could not resist and found this to be the satisfying start to a new mystery series for middle graders. Horace and Bunwinkle get off to a bit of a rocky start with their friendship, but they soon learn to appreciate each other and the diversity each one brings to the partnership. They collaborate with the other farm animals, work past a few red herrings, and find success. Looking forward to more H & B books in the future.
Thank you to Balzer & Bray and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Balzer & Bray and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
This is one of the cutest debut novels I have read this year! I absolutely adored the premise of this story and the characters. Ellie is the owner of Horace, a slightly grumpy and anxiety filled Boston Terrier. When she moves herself and Horace out to a farm and adopts the adorable Bunwinkle, a piglet with a heart on her nose, chaos and mystery ensue!
I absolutely adored the playful and sweet relationship between Horace and Bunwinkle. This is a perfect example of a friendship where opposites attract.
This book is perfect for reluctant readers as it is just plain fun! I recommend for ages 7 - 9 (late 1st grade to early 4th grade), for anyone who loves a mystery or fun animal story!
I absolutely adored the playful and sweet relationship between Horace and Bunwinkle. This is a perfect example of a friendship where opposites attract.
This book is perfect for reluctant readers as it is just plain fun! I recommend for ages 7 - 9 (late 1st grade to early 4th grade), for anyone who loves a mystery or fun animal story!
June 14, 2021
An anxious Boston Terrier and his exuberant potbellied pig sister team up to solve crimes in their new barnyard homestead.
June 15, 2021
My 5 year old and my 8 year old absolutely adored this book about a mystery solving pig and dog duo. They acted out parts from it when I wasn't reading, and immediately after I finished reading the book aloud, they said, "When does the next book come out?!?!"
I personally also thought the book was brilliant. Great humor and heart.
I personally also thought the book was brilliant. Great humor and heart.
July 18, 2020
A young MG mystery series that is sure to be a hit with kids. A Boston Terrier and a potbellied pig are unlikely siblings trying to solve the case of missing neighborhood animals. I loved the humor and the art in this cute story. #BookPosse @SwitzerPj @BalzerandBray @HarperStacks
July 17, 2020
Being a Boston Terrier mom for 14 years, before my little one passed away in October 2019, I found this spot on representing Boston Terriers. I felt like I was reading about my Maggie, from the licking to the aversion of being dirty.
I am excited about this potential series and plan on buying the hard copy of this book when it releases in September. It is perfect for young animal lovers in your life. I cannot wait to share this with my littles when school resumes.
Be prepared to laugh with your littles while reading this beautifully written book. Perfect for readalongs.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I am excited about this potential series and plan on buying the hard copy of this book when it releases in September. It is perfect for young animal lovers in your life. I cannot wait to share this with my littles when school resumes.
Be prepared to laugh with your littles while reading this beautifully written book. Perfect for readalongs.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
July 16, 2020
Absolutely loved, loved, loved this book and so will everyone who is fortunate enough to read it. If you like a little laughter along with your books, as well as she’d a tear or two, you have got to read this one. Read it on the porch, a rocking chair, or out in a barn. This is one sweet tale (or is it tail?) that your life will never be the same after reading.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 27, 2020
Horace and Bunwinkle is one of my FAVORITE books that I read. I liked Horace the best because he is Smart,Strong,and really think he’s nice Bunwinkle is silly and cute I think my friends should read it too!
September 21, 2020
It’s an adorable tale of a uptight Boston Terrier, and a very positive pig solving mysteries together. I was laughing and continually guessing who was the pet thief!! It was super fun and I highly recommend. We can’t wait to read the next in the series!
May 18, 2022
We liked this book, it made us both laugh. The chapters are long, though, especially at bedtime with a very chatty little girl who likes to ask questions about everything and wants to know the why for everything. My favorite part was when the horses thought Bunwinkle’s name was Butt Wrinkle.
Eliana’s review: “I like this book. Bunwinkle is my favorite she’s funny. I like that they’re going to save the pets. But the story says she has blue eyes and the picture she has brown eyes. “
Eliana’s review: “I like this book. Bunwinkle is my favorite she’s funny. I like that they’re going to save the pets. But the story says she has blue eyes and the picture she has brown eyes. “
April 10, 2023
I read this story to preview it for our school library before it goes on a shelf. Cute little story about two animals being pet-tectives.
August 25, 2020
Great read for all ages. Kids will love it for sure, but so did I!
September 17, 2022
This was a read-aloud for my kindergartener (5 yrs).
Horace comes in as a fully-fledged character, his prickly personality immediately won us over and we were giggling at his haughtiness at moving to the country and then- gasp- acquiring a baby sister PIG.
I absolutely LOVE Boston Terriers. So just having Horace as one of the main characters was a delight. His characterizations were so authentic.
The beginning half is strong, funny (we laughed out loud many times, overcome by giggles). Bunwinkle is a delight. Each character has a distinct voice and it truly makes a wonderful read-aloud.
Around chapter 8, the mystery is at its most mysterious. Unfortunately for me, my child canNOT handle a mystery. Especially before bedtime when we were reading. Honestly, I didn’t realize this was a mystery until we were too far in… otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have read this one yet. Even just reading certain words can make her anxious (for example, the word “creepy” is used often to describe certain characters).
I had to censor random pages of the book, especially in regards to two horses, one of which is highly superstitious (this is written for laughs but if you have a highly sensitive child, be forewarned).
All that to say, I highly enjoyed this book. Sadly, I am going to have to give a brief synopsis of the last few chapters and then read the last wrap-up chapter out loud.
The mystery part was fun. As a parent, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the conclusion of whodunnit.
Side note:
Great fun. Recommend as a read aloud but maybe for older kids, especially if they are sensitive.
Horace comes in as a fully-fledged character, his prickly personality immediately won us over and we were giggling at his haughtiness at moving to the country and then- gasp- acquiring a baby sister PIG.
I absolutely LOVE Boston Terriers. So just having Horace as one of the main characters was a delight. His characterizations were so authentic.
The beginning half is strong, funny (we laughed out loud many times, overcome by giggles). Bunwinkle is a delight. Each character has a distinct voice and it truly makes a wonderful read-aloud.
Around chapter 8, the mystery is at its most mysterious. Unfortunately for me, my child canNOT handle a mystery. Especially before bedtime when we were reading. Honestly, I didn’t realize this was a mystery until we were too far in… otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have read this one yet. Even just reading certain words can make her anxious (for example, the word “creepy” is used often to describe certain characters).
I had to censor random pages of the book, especially in regards to two horses, one of which is highly superstitious (this is written for laughs but if you have a highly sensitive child, be forewarned).
All that to say, I highly enjoyed this book. Sadly, I am going to have to give a brief synopsis of the last few chapters and then read the last wrap-up chapter out loud.
The mystery part was fun. As a parent, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the conclusion of whodunnit.
Side note:
Great fun. Recommend as a read aloud but maybe for older kids, especially if they are sensitive.
September 9, 2020
HORACE AND BUNWINKLE made me want to live at the Homestead with this darling pair! Oh, to hear Horace bemoan the dirt of the barn and spout historic facts about New Englanders while vowing to protect his human at all costs. I’d love to watch Bunwinkle play her favorite games of Cleaned Up and I Dare You to Eat That. Author PJ Gardner has a gift for animal character voices and for humor. I laughed out loud several times at the clever jokes, witty animal banter, and wordplay.
It’s clear the author has done her research about both Boston Terriers and potbellied pigs, and she infused Horace and Bunwinkle with personalities that fit their breeds and will endear them to their readers. The story and setting are fun, and the writing is brilliant, as the author has managed to introduce many quirky characters, establish a rich setting, add a pleasant dose of humor, and write a mystery complete with red herrings young readers will love—all in under 200 pages. The younger middle grade reader will eagerly turn the pages to work out the mystery with Horace and his bubbly "little sister", and parents and teachers will enjoy the fun read-aloud potential.
I predict PJ Gardner and HORACE AND BUNWINKLE will have a large fan base of newer readers who will be excited for the next installment in this new series. The darling illustrations by David Mottram are the cherry on top of this crime-solving adventure about loyalty, teamwork, and love.
It’s clear the author has done her research about both Boston Terriers and potbellied pigs, and she infused Horace and Bunwinkle with personalities that fit their breeds and will endear them to their readers. The story and setting are fun, and the writing is brilliant, as the author has managed to introduce many quirky characters, establish a rich setting, add a pleasant dose of humor, and write a mystery complete with red herrings young readers will love—all in under 200 pages. The younger middle grade reader will eagerly turn the pages to work out the mystery with Horace and his bubbly "little sister", and parents and teachers will enjoy the fun read-aloud potential.
I predict PJ Gardner and HORACE AND BUNWINKLE will have a large fan base of newer readers who will be excited for the next installment in this new series. The darling illustrations by David Mottram are the cherry on top of this crime-solving adventure about loyalty, teamwork, and love.
October 10, 2023
First sentence: Horace Homer Higgins III was gravely ill. His head throbbed. His stomach ached. And his sniffer was clogged. This happened every time he rode in the car.
Premise/plot: Sometimes a cover can 'sell' a book. This cover just screams out read me, read me. The premise is simple: Horace, a Boston Terrier, teams up with a potbellied pig, Bunwinkle, to solve mysteries on the farm and surrounding neighborhood. Animals are going missing. Horace is new to the country and farm life. Bunwinkle is new to the family and the farm--having just been separated from her mother and siblings.
My thoughts: I liked it. I really found the cover appealing. I was excited to check this one out from the library. I was so convinced that I was going to love this series that I checked out all the books at once. I'm not sure I have any interest in reading more. It was entertaining enough, cute enough. But there wasn't much plot--at least in my opinion. Maybe others in the series would have more plot since the characters won't be new and needing to be established.
Premise/plot: Sometimes a cover can 'sell' a book. This cover just screams out read me, read me. The premise is simple: Horace, a Boston Terrier, teams up with a potbellied pig, Bunwinkle, to solve mysteries on the farm and surrounding neighborhood. Animals are going missing. Horace is new to the country and farm life. Bunwinkle is new to the family and the farm--having just been separated from her mother and siblings.
My thoughts: I liked it. I really found the cover appealing. I was excited to check this one out from the library. I was so convinced that I was going to love this series that I checked out all the books at once. I'm not sure I have any interest in reading more. It was entertaining enough, cute enough. But there wasn't much plot--at least in my opinion. Maybe others in the series would have more plot since the characters won't be new and needing to be established.
December 18, 2020
This book started strong with some laugh out loud moments for my son and me. In the middle and end there were fun moments, too, but not as many. The language was sophisticated yet understandable for my 2nd grader. I loved how the point of view of the pig and the dog comes across in the alternate chapters, even while the story is told in 3rd person. The mystery was intriguing and kept us going.
I have mixed feelings about the behavior of the twins with their kidnapping and keeping of animals. I thought that was disturbing and deranged. I felt uncomfortable with it. Ellie and the twins’ mom expressed the wrongness of it, but it still doesn’t sit well with me. Especially since one of the dogs, Blue Sparkles, seemed to enjoy it and maybe wanted to stay.
I’ll check out the sequel and see if there’s redemption for the twins. They are on the neighboring farm and are the only human children in the book so I expect they’ll make an appearance.
I have mixed feelings about the behavior of the twins with their kidnapping and keeping of animals. I thought that was disturbing and deranged. I felt uncomfortable with it. Ellie and the twins’ mom expressed the wrongness of it, but it still doesn’t sit well with me. Especially since one of the dogs, Blue Sparkles, seemed to enjoy it and maybe wanted to stay.
I’ll check out the sequel and see if there’s redemption for the twins. They are on the neighboring farm and are the only human children in the book so I expect they’ll make an appearance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
If you’re looking for an adorable chapter book while homeschooling your kids this year, this might be a perfect fit! Horace and Bunwinkle is so cute and made me chuckle in several places.
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A slightly overconfident Boston Terrier with a penchant for New England history joins up Sherlock-and-Watson-style with a gregariously cheerful pig to solve the mystery of some missing farm animals. (I am really quite proud of that sentence! I squeezed everything in! 😁) It would make a perfect read-aloud—parents will enjoy the humor and historical references, and kids will love the mystery. Seriously such a cute book! Thanks @harperkids for the copy to review!
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I should mention that I am decidedly a respecter of pets and pet people, even though I’m not a pet person myself. That said, I completely enjoyed this animal perspective. So if you love dogs or cats, you’ll probably love it even more!
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A slightly overconfident Boston Terrier with a penchant for New England history joins up Sherlock-and-Watson-style with a gregariously cheerful pig to solve the mystery of some missing farm animals. (I am really quite proud of that sentence! I squeezed everything in! 😁) It would make a perfect read-aloud—parents will enjoy the humor and historical references, and kids will love the mystery. Seriously such a cute book! Thanks @harperkids for the copy to review!
.
I should mention that I am decidedly a respecter of pets and pet people, even though I’m not a pet person myself. That said, I completely enjoyed this animal perspective. So if you love dogs or cats, you’ll probably love it even more!
November 26, 2023
Horace Homer Higgins III, a Boston Terrier who finds inspiration in New England history, sees his life turned upside down when his human moves to a farm and adopts Bunwinkle, an energetic-but-naive young potbellied pig. The two gradually learn to accept each other’s differences and bond over a "pet-tective" TV series about a dog and pig duo. Before long, Horace & Bunwinkle set about solving a mystery involving missing animals.
This is a charming story for young middle-grade readers. Kids are likely to enjoy the interactions between the main characters and the cozy progression of a well-plotted story, and there are plenty of witty touches for parents who read along. Fans of Bunnicula will find a lot to love here.
This is a charming story for young middle-grade readers. Kids are likely to enjoy the interactions between the main characters and the cozy progression of a well-plotted story, and there are plenty of witty touches for parents who read along. Fans of Bunnicula will find a lot to love here.
November 20, 2021
RATING: 5/5⭐
REVIEW
This book was so charming and cute. I'm very biased because Boston Terriers are my favorite dogs, I have had four in my lifetime. Horace, the Boston Terrier, reminds me of our 14 year old Boston that just passed away in August. Bunwinkle, although she's a pig, reminds me of our 4 year old Boston. Both characters were so cute and had their own voices.
I really wish I had this book when I was a teacher because I really think my students would have loved it. I really think that this book is perfect for children. It has many funny, unique, and weird animal characters. It also has a great mystery aspect to it!
REVIEW
This book was so charming and cute. I'm very biased because Boston Terriers are my favorite dogs, I have had four in my lifetime. Horace, the Boston Terrier, reminds me of our 14 year old Boston that just passed away in August. Bunwinkle, although she's a pig, reminds me of our 4 year old Boston. Both characters were so cute and had their own voices.
I really wish I had this book when I was a teacher because I really think my students would have loved it. I really think that this book is perfect for children. It has many funny, unique, and weird animal characters. It also has a great mystery aspect to it!
June 12, 2022
Eh. Kids would probably like it, and I guess that's the important thing, but I didn't care for it. I read and enjoy kids books, so that's not the problem. And the writing is fine. But Horace acts nothing like a dog. To the point that I was wondering if the author had ever actually been around a dog. And while I can appreciate tying historical figures into the story, I'm baffled as to how a dog would know about them. Maybe if Ellie had been a history teacher or something, it could have worked. I also didn't care for the lingo the pig uses. I suppose it was intended to be relatable for kids, but just came off as dippy to me.
September 29, 2023
This little book does several things well:
It has a nicely resolved mystery in 225 pages - not easy to do.
It has several animal POVs without the plot getting clogged up with "what the world looks like from an animal" stuff. The animals can understand human speech just fine, and so we can move along.
The piglet is adorable, but not cloyingly sweet. The dog is snooty, but not annoying. The other animals fill in the rest of the cast nicely.
So, the journey to the mystery's conclusion moves right along. The conclusion is funny, too. A nice start to a series that I think kids will enjoy. And enough there to keep adult readers engaged, so good for a family read aloud.
It has a nicely resolved mystery in 225 pages - not easy to do.
It has several animal POVs without the plot getting clogged up with "what the world looks like from an animal" stuff. The animals can understand human speech just fine, and so we can move along.
The piglet is adorable, but not cloyingly sweet. The dog is snooty, but not annoying. The other animals fill in the rest of the cast nicely.
So, the journey to the mystery's conclusion moves right along. The conclusion is funny, too. A nice start to a series that I think kids will enjoy. And enough there to keep adult readers engaged, so good for a family read aloud.
June 11, 2020
My 10 year old son loved this book! He said it was fun to read and full of surprises. He loved the dialogue, and the cute animal characters. He is a big animal lover, so this book was right up his alley. It kept his attention from beginning to end, which not every book manages to do for him. I also read it aloud to my 7 year old, who loved it just as much. She asked me every day for Horace and Bunwinkle. I enjoyed reading it with her, and thought it was cute and well-written. I also loved the illustrations, which makes a difference for me as a reader.
December 25, 2020
As a Boston Terrier momma, I just had to read this one! This is such a cute tale of a Boston Terrier and piglet duo. Horace (the Boston) and Bunwinkle (the piglet) misinterpret what their owner says and what they hear on television. They jump to conclusions and get into a lot of trouble as they try to solve the mystery of the missing animals at the Homestead.
It is a great children's "mystery" as well as a lovable animal story. This would definitely be a great read aloud in an elementary classroom!
It is a great children's "mystery" as well as a lovable animal story. This would definitely be a great read aloud in an elementary classroom!
May 23, 2020
Loved this little book and can't wait to read the next. If my children were still young enough to appreciate this, I would enjoy reading it with them. I would have also enjoyed reading this to my students when I was a teacher. (It was the best time of the school day for teacher and students! ) Due to the story line I can definitely see where the book could be used to create teaching material for other academic areas of exploration. Well done PJ Gardener!
June 26, 2020
What a cute story of a crotchety pup, Horace and his optimistic pig “sister”, Bunwinkle. Horace not happy with the move from the studio apt to the country will all the other animals. How will he ever protect Eleanor? Bunwinkle so wants to bond with her pup brother and they do so over a television pet-tective show. Can they use what they learned from the television show to solve the mystery of missing neighborhood animals?
July 16, 2020
Absolutely loved, loved, loved this book and so will everyone who is fortunate enough to read it. If you like a little laughter along with your books, as well as she’d a tear or two, you have got to read this one. Read it on the porch, a rocking chair, or out in a barn. This is one sweet tale (or is it tail?) that your life will never be the same after reading.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 31, 2020
What a fun book! I got the recommendation from an Instagrammer I follow, and read it with my kids. You'll quickly fall in love with the quirky New England history-buff terrier and the quirky piglet who captures even the hardest hear. They make quite the pair, and this book will make you laugh out loud and keep you reading until the very end when they solve the mystery of the missing pets. This is a great read for kids, and fun for parents as well!
March 1, 2021
Fun story about a Boston Terrier and a pig who learn to exist together and then become friends and detectives together. Their owner moves Horace from the city to a farm and then springs a "new sister" on him. Bunwinkle is as excited and energetic as Horace is staid and dignified. Readers will enjoy the fun and adventures they share as they get used to the farm and solve the mystery of the missing animals.
Cute for mid-elementary readers.
Cute for mid-elementary readers.
March 22, 2021
I like that this book has a lot of animals in it. It is about a dog and a pig that are "siblings". Bunwinkle, the pig, is happy to have Horace as a "brother". Horace isn't sure about the situation. Then a mystery happens and they have to work together to solve it. They become "Pet-tectives" just like their favorite show. They become friends and give high-fives. I like that the animals talk to each other and understand each other. This is a good book. (review by Bailey, 4th grade)
May 7, 2020
Horace and Bunwinkle is a delight to read! I read this out loud to my 4 kids (ages 12-6) and all of them enjoyed the read! Ms. Gardner has created adorable characters that you find yourself loving and cheering for! In my opinion, Horace and Bunwinkle have stay power and I can’t wait to see where their next adventure will take them!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews