Product Description

It all begins when the Monroes go to see the movie Dracula. At the theater, Toby finds something on his seat -- a baby rabbit, which he takes home and names Bunnicula. It proves to be an apt name, at least as far as Chester the cat is concerned. Well-read and observant, Chester soon decides that there is something odd about the newcomer. For one thing, he seems to have fangs. And the odd markings on his back took a bit like a cape. Furthermore, Bunnicula sleeps from sunup to sundown and is awake only at night.

Is Bunnicula really a vampire? Only Bunnicula knows for sure. But the story of Chester's suspicions and their consequences -- as told by his canine pal, Harold -- make uproarious reading.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1182951 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 112 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-6-It has been 20 years since Deborah and James Howe wrote Bunnicula (Atheneum, 1979), and what better way to celebrate than this new unabridged recording read by actor Victor Garber (Titanic, Sleepless in Seattle). Garber gives an educated dignity to Harold, the Monroe family dog. His voice inflections and accent changes to clearly define each character as he calmly relates the story. This is a straight reading of the text, without musical interruptions or sound effects. Each cassette side ends in silence with no direction to turn over or forward the tape. Harold relates the story of how the Monroes find a rabbit at a showing of Dracula. They bring the bunny home and name him Bunnicula. Chester, the cat, soon suspects that Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit and takes it upon himself to rid the house of the cursed bunny. With the reluctant help of Harold ,they torture the rabbit with garlic, and unsuccessfully attempt to pound a raw steak through Bunnicula's heart. In the end, it is up to Harold to save Bunnicula and calm the nerves of Chester. Bunnicula is a classic that shows no signs of becoming dated. The recording included a touching afterward by James Howe who relates how his late wife Deborah came to create this story, and to finish it despite her battle with cancer. A must for any library lacking in the bunny occult.
Todd Dunkelberg, Deschutes Public Library System, OR
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with BUNNICULA STRIKES AGAIN.]--When the Monroe family brings a bunny home one night, they have no idea what the effect will be. But when vegetables turn up drained of their juices and the bunny is observed to sleep all day and prowl outside his cage at night, Chester the cat becomes suspicious. How he attempts to prove his suspicions are correct makes for uproariously funny stories. In BUNNICULA, we meet the Monroe family and their pets for the first time. In BUNNICULA STRIKES AGAIN!, Bunnicula begins to act strangely, and Chester becomes convinced that he's planning to escape. Victor Garber is exceptional as he gives each character--canine, feline, or human--a distinct voice and identity. As his voice switches from that of the arrogant, know-it-all Chester; to exuberant, energetic Howie; to practical, caring Harold the dog, it's not hard to imagine the animals having conversations like this. The humor exists on several levels, from slapstick to literary, and Garber manages to make these audiobooks equally enjoyable for children and adults. W.L.S. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Ingram
Despite being scoffed at by Harold the dog, Chester the cat tries to warn his human family that their darling foundling baby bunny must be a vampire. Read by Lou Jacobi. Book available.