Book Description

This book is written by Harold. His fulltime occupation is dog. He lives with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe and their sons Toby and Pete. Also sharing the home are a cat named Chester and a rabbit named Bunnicula. It is because of Bunnicula that Harold turned to writing. Someone had to tell the full story of what happened in the Monroe household after the rabbit arrived.

Was Bunnicula really a vampire? Only Bunnicula knows for sure. But the story of Chester's suspicions and their consequences makes uproarious reading.

Since its first appearance in 1979, Bunnicula has been a hit with kids and their parents everywhere, selling over 8 million copies and winning numerous awards. ... Read more

Reviews (75)

bunnicula
I read the book Bunnicula. It's about a dog named Harold
and a cat named Chester. And of course a rabbit named
Bunnicula.(not your ordinary cuddley rabbit.)
It all started when harold and chester's owners came
home from a dracula movie.And the owners didn't come
home by themselves. They came with a box with a rabbit
in it.They put the rabbit in a cage. They had some
trouble nameing the rabbit. But they finally found
the name of bunnicula. Probably because of the fact
that they found bunnicula at a dracula movie.
And they sure picked the right name for him. Chester
began to notice that the black spot on Bunnicula looked
like a cape. Chester stayed awake to see what bunnicula
did at night.(I would of though a rabbit would sleep
at night.) Chester noticed that the sly rabbit wasn't
in his cage. He heard a noise in the kitchen. The door
of the kitchen opened. And guess who was hopping happily
out of the kitchen.(That was a sentance from the book.)
The next morning all of the veggitables were white.
On the third time Bunnicula went out for his midnight snack
Chester was prepared. He was trying to starve Bunnicula.
Harold yelled at Chester. Bunnicula looked sick.A few
days later Harold took Bunnicula out of his cage and
lead him to the kitchen. I can't tell the ending because
this is an online review. I recommend this book if you
like bunny vampires.

Still one of my favorites!
My old copy of "Bunnicula" is old and brittle from being read so many times as a kid, and is still a nostalgic favorite. This book is the first of many about the Monroes, an average family with not-so-average pets. First off there is Harold, the "author" of the book, who is an older mutt and is very gentle and somewhat dimwitted. Next there is Chester, a cat who is partial to reading at night (especially Edgar Allan Poe) and therefore has developed an overactive imagination. At first its just the two of them until the Monroes come home from seeing "Dracula" at the movie theater- who have brought home an abandoned bunny rabbit with them! This bunny is very unusual, with black "cape" markings in its fur, sleeps during the day, and drains all the vegetables in the house of their juice and color! Only Chester suspects Bunnicula is a vampire and sets out in a quest to expose the bunny. This is a great book for little kids as well as older ones, and also good for reading out loud to a kid because its not too long either. The sequels which are essential to this book are "Howliday Inn," "The Celery Stalks at Midnight," and "Nighty Nightmare." Those were some of the first to follow up on "Bunnicula" and therefore the best. This should be given to every child who loves a laugh as well as a thrill at the same time. Enjoy!

We loved this book.
Bunnicula is a very good book because it is funny. In this book a cat can read, a dog can write and a bunny sucks juice out of vegetables. Read this book and you will find out how to get rid of vampires, even bunny vampires.
Kids won't like this mystery; they'll love it! If you like animals, you will love this book.
So, if you want to find out more, read the book Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe.

My summary and thoughts of Bunnicula !
Bunnicula was a great book. If I was you I` d read it because it is funny ,scary and, weird. But you will probably like it too! Here` s what I like about it. My favorite character is Bunnicula! My favorite part is when Chester is wearing Mr. Monroe` s shaving towel on his back acting like a vampire .Bunnicula was a really good book!

I loved this series!
When I was a kid, I loved this series. These books have everything - humor, talking animals, mystery, a vampire rabbit... what more could you want? I just found out there are two books in the series I never read. Even though I am in my mid 20's, I still want to get those and read them. Bunnicula is great for kids of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

This critically acclaimed book has been thoroughly updated and reillustrated with all-new photographs. "An excellent book for introducing the kindergarten experience."--Booklist. "For all those normal fears and questions, this book has the answers, and gets them right."--Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good way to prepare pre-K kids
We got this book from the library, read it every night, renewed it once and finally bought it. It has helped our son start getting ready for kindergarten because it describes what he'll be doing there. There are lots of photos and text descriptions of things from using the bathroom (whenever you need to) to fire drills and making new friends. We told the principal at his school about it, and he bought a copy, too. ... Read more

Book Description

Sticks and stones
may break our bones,
but names
will break our spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Five Stars from this ol' Misfit :)
This book is wonderful. It's a very fast read; I finished it in just a couple hours. Yet those few hours were amazing, as I was transported into the long-forgotten world of middle school, and enjoyed a few moments of laughter, some tears, and a truly warm feeling in my heart. Honestly, I don't think your time will be wasted if you pick up this amazing work.

The narrator of this story is Bobby, a 12-year old who describes himself rather bluntly: "A boy like me is fat." His story centers around some major events in the 7th-grade year for him and his three best friends: Addie, who's tall and smart; Joe, who's a little "too creative"; and Skeezie, who resembles the greasers of old. None of them are popular, and all of them have been given numerous nick-names by their fellow classmates.

When student council elections are announced, Addie is determined to start... This book just gives me hope that new generations will do better than ours, and not have to face the cruel truth of Bobby's slogan: "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit."

If you have time, and don't mind strolling down memory lane a few decades ago, I think you'll enjoy it. For younger generations, slow down a bit and just see where this takes you. Hopefully, you'll feel the same way.

Mrs. Comforts review
The book The Misfits by James Howe was a great young adult book. the books basic plot was about a school election one group running, the misfits, are the main characters. One is a rebel, the others are chubby, to smart and gay. They are all best friends and decide to run to support the other misfits in the school. The book has a satisfying surprise ending. Besides the book being funny it has a bit of puppy love and drama.

I would recommend this book for girls and boys in the jr. high. This book had a good theme which was, stick up for yourself and names don't matter they are just something to be called by. I would recommend this book. Though this book is fun to read it is not very changing and does not use high vocabulary.

Over all I think this book was great. James Howe did a great job making the characters act like seventh graders. The problems made me reminisce of the seventh grade. I highly recommend this book for a quick and easy read.

The Misfits
Fatso, Dough Boy, Spaz, Roly-Poly...Fairy, Queer, Mutant, Tinkerbell...Greaser, Dummy, Freak, Scuz...Beanpole,
Big Mouth, Godzilla, Einstein...

As four twelve-year-olds go through Middle School, you remember how much you just wanted to get through the seventh grade. Bobby Goodspeed, Joe Bunch, Skeezie Tookis, and Addie Carle were the same way, but it was harder than it looked. Going through the hallways of Paintbrush Falls Middle School getting called names was just a regular day for them. They each thought that they didn't belong; they were the outcasts, the weirdoes, and the ones who wanted to flee from their godforsaken hometown and forget about their pasts. So each one found each other, forming the Gang of Five, even though there were only four of them to keep people on their toes. The Misfits was a very intriguing book that I would suggest to anyone who would attempt to read it. You are drawn in and enthralled by the plot of four "misfits" trying to fit into their middle school and create a new political group, the No-Name Party. The new group would help the students in middle school get along better and relieve pressure on the ones who get called the worst names. They have each gone through a troubling childhood, getting called names from Nerdette to Twinkletoes and from Blubber to Hooligan. From the beginning of their story to the end, you get attached to Bobby, a "fluffy" boy who thinks he is fat that works selling ties, Joe, the one who is a little too feminine and who only paints his pinky, Skeezie, a boy that never washes himself and chews with his mouth open, and Addie, the tall smart one that gets on almost everyone's nerves. No matter what they look like or how they act, you listen to their realistic problems, like boyfriends and girlfriends, not getting the rights each and every seventh grader deserves, and their peers, flinching at every nickname they are called. James Howe keeps you on your toes and on the edge of your seat with every conflict with Ms Wyman, and her tearing your liver out, and each vote that would make the No-Name Party the winning one, no matter what the definition of "winning" you have. I would recommend this book to anyone who would learn that making friends is more fun than name-calling. I really enjoyed this book, and I think that it would benefit everyone who read it, whether a bully, popular student, or a "misfit." I give this book five stars for it's colorful, yet understandable plot that brought a smile to my face and a twinge in my heart. With every new character and personality, you understand how each Misfit was torn down inside with a name that would stick to them for the rest of their lives, because as their slogan says, "sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit."

Pork Chop, Lardo, Fluff, Geek...Girl, Wimp, Josephine, Nerd...Slimeball, Grease ball, Dork...Show-off, Know-it-all, Nerdette

The Misfits unabridged audio book
Want your middle-schoolers to listen with rapt attention? This audio version of THE MISFITS by Full Cast Audio is fabulous. The characters, read by talented young actors, leap to audio life from page one until the very end. There is even an interview with the author. My students are completely absorbed!

What I thought of my book.
I liked this book and I enjoyed reading it, eventhough some of the characters were younger than me and I can't relate to them as much. I liked this book because it shows how true friends help each other out and how to have good communication. It also teaches you that teasing others is not fun at all and it can be hurtfull to people. It hurts wether you are joking or playing around. You can also learn that you can make friends easily by not even trying but most importantly not to forget the ones you already have.

I didn't like the way the author ended the book it didn't end as I thought. What I did like is that it tells you what happened to the characters over the years and who they became. The introduction caught my eye because the main character describes his friends and personalities in one chapter.

The story elements I thought were the most vivid were the author described each characters personality, feelings, image, and what they said or acted. You can almost see and comprehend the characters. Another element I liked was the characters conflicts. Their conflicts they each have are realistic ones such as with teachers, family, frinds, e.t.c. They have problems that make you appreciate the things you have. ... Read more

Book Description

"Move over, Dracula!" could the bunny really be a vampire? The Monroes found him in a movie theater while Dracula was playing. Now all their vegetables are turning white! Chester, the Monroes' cat, sets out to save the world from the vampire bunny. Harold the dog tries to stop Chester before it's too late! And the rest, as they say, is history.

In the twenty-five years since the publication of Deborah and James Howe's Bunnicula, the book and its five sequels have become contemporary classics. Now the first three books are available in this handsome boxed set for the series's millions of fans. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

WOW!
As a teacher, I can not tell you enough how fabulous this book is! It not only has beautiful illustrations it also has a beautiful message! I use this whenever I teach my butterfly unit, and this is always the kids favorite book that I read! Buy it - you will not regret it!

I Wish...
This is the story of a little cricket who comes to realize his true beauty after being helped by a wise old spider. The little cricket lives in Swampswallow Pond where most of the other crickets are happy spending their days fiddling. This little cricket is not happy. He has been told by the frog at the edge of the pond that he is ugly. He envies all the other creatures that live in Swampswallow Pond. The cricket questions several of the creatures about his beauty, but it isn't until he comes upon the wise old spider that he is able to find his own beauty. Follow Up: Ask students what they think about the story. Students will brainstorm ideas about wishes. Students can write about their own wishes and dreams.Make a class book. Students will write about some things they like about themselves. Draw a different student's name each day and have everyone write the student a letter telling them what they like about that person. Perform this story as a reader's theater.

Wonderful and inspiring!!
I am a senior in high school, and our English teacher shared this story with us, and had us to look for a deeper meaning. It is wonderful and inspiring. I want a copy so I can share it with my children one of these days.

It was an inspiration !
My son has 6 years old and he is starting to learn the best knowledge in life : to read. Every week he brings a book from his school's library and it is a very special moment for us when we sit together and I read for him. I really enjoy it but this last week was more than special because this book had an important message and it was an inspiration for both of us. ... Read more

Book Description

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?

One thing's for sure: Harold isn't going to let anything bad happen to his long-eared pal -- even if it means leaving the comfort of his home, losing his best friend, and risking his own life. And if he fails -- could this be the end of Bunnicula?

Don't miss any of the adventures of Harold, Chester, Howie, and the vampire bunny, Bunnicula! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bunnicula Strikes Again
Do you like adventure books? Do you like animals? I know I do and I know that's why I loved the book "Bunnicula Strikes Again", and I bet you will too! This book is about a cat named Chester and two dogs named Harold and Howie on a mission to find Bunnicula's (the so called vampire rabbit's) mom. They think he's a vampire because Chester says that he sucks the juice out of vegetables. Will they find Bunnicula's mother? Will they stop all vampire rabbits? You just have to read the book and find out!

You *have* to like this book
Oh come on. It's BUNNICULA! I don't care what anyone else says - these books are great, including this one. Know what? Even though it's been a long time since I was a kid, I still love these books, including this one. As a matter of fact, I think anyone who loves vampires and vampire fiction should read this book and the others - because these are all good, quick, and alltogether very FUN reads that you don't have to take seriously. And sometimes, a good quick fun read just hits the spot.

And it has to be said - Bunnicula is the most loveable vampire ever. Lestat and Dracula WISH they were this cuddly!

i luv bunnicula
i have nearly read all the bunnicula books (except the 'the house of bunnicula' ones. I liked this one because it had a happy ending. i like bunnicula books because they are those kind of books that you can't put down. you wonder what would happen next. i can not wait until more books come!!!

Joe (Class SS)
This book was about Chester trying to destroy Bunnicula, a rabbit. The dogs in the story are Howie and Howard. Chester thinks Bunnicula is a vampire because of his fangs, and because he extracts juice out of vegetables. Chester drinks Bunnicula's carrot juice to starve Bunnicula. Howie and Howard go to find Bunnicula. Bunnicula is gone without a trace. Howard spots a newspaper that says Dracula is playing at the movie theatre. This is the same theatre where Bunnicula was found by The Monroe family. Little did Bunnicula know, the newspaper was a few days old. Today the movie theatre is getting torn down. Howard and Howie try to find Bunnicula, but they find Chester. Chester saves Bunnicula from the demolition. Still Chester thinks Bunnicula is a vampire. The End

Bunnicula Brings back the old-style stories again!
I was rather pleased with this publication because the story line appealed more to the older Bunnicula stories. The spine tingling events surrounding Bunnicula's mother and *gasp* a trip to the vet all add up to a worth-while read. You'll enjoy some of the old friends that Harold , Howie, and Chester run into along the way. I did buy this book at a higher price at a book store and thought it was well worth it.... If you liked the other stories, you will love the conclusion to the Bunnicula series *as it seems to hint that it is* ... Read more

Book Description

Dear possible reader of this book,

I want to be a writer, just like my uncle Harold, who wrote a bunch of books about our friend Bunnicula. So I wrote this story. And boy! Did I ever get into trouble! My friend Delilah stopped speaking to me because I put her in my book. Uncle Harold stopped speaking to me because I didn't put him in my book. A writer's life isn't easy!

But back to my story: It's about how a talented and lovable (not to mention smart) wirehaired dachshund puppy named Howie saves the world from a disgusting, evil menace named...oops, that would give away the story. But trust me, this menace is disgusting and evil, all right!!!

Your friend, Howie ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is the best book ever!
Would you ever like to visit Asteroid # 6 in space? Tales of the House of Bunnicula Mind Swappers from Asteroid # 6 by James Howe is a good book to read. A dog gets it's mind switched with a squirrel from asteroid #6! Delilah the dog gets sent to asteroid #6 in space. I like this book because it has a lot of cool characters in it and it is really funny. The moral is you should always help your friends when they are in danger. Read more to find out about Tales of the house of Bunnicula mind swappers from Asteroid # 6!

You have to see this review!
Would you ever want to go under a bed to get a potion? Well, It Came From
Beneath the Bed by James Howe is full of mystery. This story is about a dog who wants
to become a writer just like his uncle. Delilah helps Howe save the world from a large
stuffed-animal bear from eating the city. I liked this book a lot. It was good because it was funny and interesting. I don't really have a favorite part because the whole book is
good. Read more to find out.

Biggest Koala Bear in the world!!
I enjoyed this book even though I did not read the other books in the series. Bunnicula is about a boy who wants to rule the world. He made a potion and spilt it on his stuffed Koala Bear named Pudgykins.The potion made Pudgykins grow really, really big. He was eating everything. After he ate one thing he grew one foot taller. At the end of the book they put him on a boat and brought him to to an Island where people dump trash. People were trying to figure out what to do with him. But they just left him on the Island. I like this book very much.

Learn Writing from a Dog....Fun way to teach kids
After taking many writing classes on "how to teach kids to write"...I stumbled across James Howe's new series, "Tales From the House of Bunnicula"...and I began to learn how to teach writing, from a dog. The whole time I was reading the book, lesson plans popped into my head... "I could use this to teach simile...or that would make a great lesson on 'cliffhangers', or when and how to use adjectives...and this part would show what 'literary license' means..... the book is full of laugh-out-loud humor. I can't wait to share these tales with my fourth grade students. Jame Howe's books are not only fun to read, but you soon realize that you can learn a lot from a dog...and from great authors. This is a Howling Success, I know I'll be using them in my classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

Dear possible reader of this book,

I wasn't sure I'd be able to write a book ever again after Canine Quarterly reviewed my series, Tales from the House of Bunnicula. They said I would never win the Newbony Award. Was I depressed! And I didn't even know what a Newbony was! Luckily Delilah's read a lot of Newbony books, so she helped me write this one. It's about a poor (but very cute) orphan dachshund puppy named Howie Monroe, who lives on the prairie and yearns for a chicken bone. (I know. Trust me.) Things really get exciting when Howie and his best friend, the smart and well-read Delilah, find a time machine and travel back to ancient Egypt where they uncover...the mystery of the Pharaoh's tomb!!!

Uncle Harold (who wrote a bunch of books about our friend Bunnicula) says he thinks Delilah and I learned a lot about working together. I'm just glad we're still speaking to each other, and I hope you like the story.

Your friend,
Howie ... Read more

Book Description

Dear possible reader of this book,

What's faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a pound of Gorgonzola cheese? It's Stinky Dog, the hero of my new book. By a stroke of fate (or is it destiny?) the lovable (not to mention cute) Howie Monroe is transformed into Stinky Dog, protector of the innocent. (Don't worry, he's still lovable.) (Not to mention cute.) The secret of Stinky Dog's power is Super Stench -- an odor so strong it can bend steel! (Am I good or what?) Joined by a smart-mouthed sidekick, a sparrow named Little D, Stinky Dog tries to save Center City from villainous, low-life, miserable, rotten, wicked, kindergarten-scissors-stealing gangs who roam the streets, knocking down little old ladies and running off with their handbags!

Your friend,

Howie ... Read more

Book Description

Hare today, Gone Tomorrow

Bunnicula is missing! Chester is convinced all the world's vegetables are in danger of being drained of their life juices and turned into zombies. Soon he has Harold and Howie running around sticking toothpicks through hearts of lettuce and any other veggie in sight. Of course, Chester has been known to be wrong before...but you can never be too careful when there's a vampire bunny at large! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A mysterious good book
The title of my book is The celery stalks at midnight.The book is about
three pets named Howie,Chester,and Harold.They are finding a rabbit
named Bunnicula.He is a rabbit that is a vampire and sucks the juices
out of living things.One night bunnicula escaped from his cage and went
out to suck juices out of vegetables.All three of them went to find him.They keep looking and looking.Finally they found him and took him
home to his family.The three of them went home and relaxed.I think the

book is great. Other people should like it too.It's a great book.

Bunnicula the vampire bunny is on the loose.
Bunnicula is a vampire bunny and he is on the loose. The Monroes, the family who owns Bunnicula, really don't have a clue about his escape. Bunnicula's pals Harold, Chester, and Howie are there to track him down in order to stop disaster. Chester has a theory that if Bunnicula bites the vegetables in everyone's garden they will turn into vampire vegetables and then attack the town. The message to the readers relays that ones mind can jump to many conclusions from the simple to the bazaar. Chester's idea of what may happen is defiantly leaning towards the bazaar. I like Celery Stalks at Midnight because the author told the story using animals which creates a hilarious picture in my mind.I recommend this book to all ages because of the animals and the mysterious happenings.

Buy it because of Bunnicula, keep it because of Garber
Bunnicula is one of those great series of books that treats kids intelligently and therefore is fun for kids-at-heart adults too.

I love Victor Garber's interpretation of each character's voice. Quite versatile at changing up intonations and pitch, he seemlessly moves between teenage boys, goofy Howie and the more prim and proper Chester. I cracked up everytime Garber said 'Uncle HAHrold' in Howie's voice. VG also delivers the straight narrative parts in a nice rhythm that reflects the author's amusing sequences of puns with colorful imagery.

Great Book!
I loved the book and if your thinking about buying it go for it.However if you haven't read Bunnicula and Howliday Inn your really missing out on some great books and you should get those too!

The Best Bunnicula Book!
This is the best Bunnicula book written. I have read the whole series and this is the best! ... Read more

Book Description

Something strange is going on at the Dew Drop Inn.

The hand-lettered wooden sign dangles from a broken, rusty chain; the lawn is overgrown; the paint is peeling; the whole place looks forlorn and abandoned. But one of the boarded-up windows of the old inn has been forced open, and Sebastian and his friends decide to investigate.

What will they find?

Nervously, they follow the flickering beam of Sebastian's flashlight to the only open doorway. They huddle together as the light bounces eerily off objects in the room. Then it catches something...

There's a body on the bed!

But by the time the terrified sleuths bring the police back to see their horrifying discovery, the body is gone! A dead body can't disappear -- or can it? ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Mystery of Dew Drop Dead
I think that Dew Drop Dead by James Howe is a fantastic book. It was very mysterious and suspenseful. In this book Sebastain, a young boy, and his friends decide to investigate an abandoned inn. They find a dead body in a second floor bedroom. When the group finds the police and comes back to the inn, the body is gone! Can a dead body disappear? The story takes was you on an adventure to find the truth behind the disappearing body. The adventure is so suspenseful that you never know what is going to happen next. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book, not knowing what to expect when I turned the page. Dew Drop Dead is on my top ten list and I recommended it to everyone who enjoys mysteries.

Dew Drop Dead
This is an 11 yr old reader.I read this book and it caught my attention after the first chapter.I likes it so much I finished is less then a week.I must say out of all of the mystery books I have read this one is the best.I mean once u start readin it is to hard to put back down!

Dew Drop Dead
I really liked this book because it was a mystery novel and those are my favorite! I also felt so much suspense all the way from beginning to end it was like the coolest book! The novel was a fiction one and I really like those because they tell a little bit of truth and the rest is mostly make bileve. The best part in this book was when the boy and his friends went inside the broken down, old restaurant and went to look around. They finally got the guts to go upstairs to see inside the bedrooms and then found the body! That was the most suspenseful part and my favorite. The two story elements that were most vivid to me were the scenery and the plot. Scenery was one because it told a lot of detail where they were and what they were doing, it got a really good mental picture in my head. The plot was also very specific in that it gave me great detail on the steps on who did it (the person who broke in) and what happend to him.

It Gets You Thinking!
This is one of my favorite mystery books. Right away I found it difficult to put down the book. The plot was the most exciting and grabbed my attention. It kept me thinking trying to solve the mystery even when I was not reading the story. I was interested and involved throughout the book. It was very descriptive so that I could picture everything. I plan on reading more stories written by James Howe.

good but aliitle boring
its a good book but the suspence does not build quickly anough its a ok book i dont think the plot is realistic anough and i dont like it how corrie is always kinda the perfect one and she is also the only girl wiitch annoys me alot i tink that the hole thing with rebeca and davids father is stupid because the point is not there is not them its adead body and i think that is stupid for this kind of book ... Read more

Book Description

If you want to know the truth...
Sometimes I'm not sure who I am anymore."

Thirteen. It's an age of wonder...or dread. The best year of your life...or maybe the worst ever. You've just become an official teenager, even though you're not quite sure you feel like one, but you're no longer a kid, either. Here, from fourteen different points of view, are stories about that wonderful, terrible time. The big bar mitzvah that goes suddenly, wildly, hilariously out of control. A first kiss -- and a realization about one's sexual orientation. A crush on a girl that ends up putting the boy who likes her in the hospital. A pair of sneakers that a kid has to have, no matter what. Written by some of today's finest writers for young adults, these stories -- by turns funny and sad, wrenching and moving -- truly capture the agony and ecstasy of being thirteen. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Why Thirteen is Great!!
This is an awesome book that describes exquisitly what it is like to be thirteen. Every thirteen year old can probably relate to some small part of one of the stories (at least). When I read it, I knew some of the authors who had collaborated to write the short stories in this neat book, but I also did not know a few of the other authors. It was nice to read the works of familiar authors and at the same time be introduced to a variety of new ones!
Another wonderful aspect of this book are the essays at the end of each story that explain how the fictional tale is based on an experiance the author had at the age of thirteen!
"Thirteen" has a great store of emotion, too. Not just sad, happy, angry, but utterly miserable, ecstatic, irrate, hilarious. All the emotions that you experiance as a teen.
The writing styles are also great! Many stories are written in the first person, some are written in the third person, and one story is even written in the second person!
"Thirteen" is a totaly great book to read!

The agony, the ecstasy, and everything in between
"13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen" is an engrossing, and often quite accurate, collection of short stories centering on different thirteen-year-olds. Although some stories focus less on actually being thirteen than they do on simply revolving around a 13-year-old character, it doesn't matter - it's still a wholly entertaining read. A few stories of note:

"What's The Worst That Could Happen" by Bruce Coville - a funny but mostly painful tale of embarrassment that is bound to make the reader squirm at least once or twice.

"Squid Girl" by Todd Strasser - a fascinating (and very funny) story about a girl who meets a boy while on vacation, told from an idiosyncratic second-person point of view.

"Noodle Soup for Nincompoops" by Ellen Wittlinger - the story of a shy sideline-sitter who is able to express herself for the first time in the kooky guise of an anonymous advice columnist for her school paper.

Other popular authors whose pieces are included in this compendium include Meg Cabot ("The Princess Diaries," "All-American Girl," etc.), Ann M. Martin ("The Baby-Sitters Club" series, etc.), and James Howe ("Bunnicula," etc.) who also served as editor for this collection. I personally think this book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages - those who have already been thirteen, those who are not thirteen yet, and those who are thirteen right now.

Being 13 aint no fun!
Being 13 aint no fun no one thinks your growed up yet. No one treats you like a teen. You might as well still be 12 leastwise thats how it is for me. I thought this book told it like it is. I liked it.

A Must for Middle-School kids (and those who know them)
This is a fine collection of stories that most 13 year olds would find enjoyable. All are contemporary realistic fiction, save the last (see below), and there is one poem. The first story, Bruce Coville's "What's the Worst that Could Happen" is very funny and worth the purchase price alone. That the protagonists are all teens fits the reading proclivities of many adolescents.

There are several stories that deal with teen romance/crushes, but always in appropriate and respectfull ways, and there is usually some other theme going on (friendship can be difficult, family isn't always what you want, etc.) A couple of the pieces have Gay-possitive elements.

The final story, Ann M. Martin and Laura Goodwin's "Tina the Teen Fairy" would be an excellent read-aloud for the first week of middle school, as it follows a fairy who must convince a girl that turning 13 is important. As a 7/8 grade teacher, I've already used a few of these pieces in class. ... Read more

Book Description

Who pushed Eric down the stairs?

Right before he moved away, Sebastian Barth's friend Eric had an unfortunate accident.Now he's sending Sebastian mysterious notes hinting it wasn't an accident at all.

Was it the ghost in the cemetery?

Was Eric's accident linked to the ghost that' haunting the cemetary?

Sebastian doesn't really believe in ghosts, but he's seen the shadowy figure in black and heard her moan and cries.

What did Eric know?

If Sebastian and his friends can decode Eric's strange notes, maybe they can solve the mystery of the ghost.But before Sebastian discovers what Eric knew, he must face a modern day evil more dangerous than any ghost from the past.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Funny and sweet
This one is a charming picture book for preschoolers on up through maybe second grade. One day a new teacher arrives at school. Dramatic irony kicks in; the reader can instantly tell that the "teacher" is in fact a gorilla, but the book's gentle humor comes from the kids in the story going along with the situation. Accordingly, they learn how to swing from trees and make a mess with art supplies and clang pots and pans for music. Along comes this principal, who informs the class that "there has been a terrible mistake" and that the *real* new teacher is here at last, having been sent to the zoo by mistake! Everything is thus cleared up, but the kids miss their "favorite teacher" and visit him at the zoo. Wonderful.

The Day the Teacher Went Bananas
In this story it is about a new teacher which happens to be a gorilla. When all the kids got to school they were not sure on what to call their new teacher because he never gave them his name. All he did was grunt a lot. In the school it was time for arithmetic and he showed them how to count on their toes. They also learned a new way to write. In science class they went outside. For lunch they went back into the classroom and ate lunch. They new teacher ate sixteen bananas! The kids all decided to bring in bananas to eat for lunch the next day so they could be like their new teacher!
This book teaches that even if you are not the best teacher or your not suited for the job you can always teach someone somewhere something new.
The age level for this book is 3-8. I thought that this book was very good and I would recommend it for little kids.

Ha ha
Oh, this is really funny. Greatly understated humor and charming illustrations make this a winning children's book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I'm a storyteller, and this is always a big hit!
Horace, Morris, and Dolores are best friends, but as you probably surmised, of DIFFERENT GENDERS! Readers (and listeners) are so relieved when each character resists "society's pressure to conform to gender stereotypes" and follows his or her heart. In the process, their circle of friends grows even bigger! (I like that it's Dolores who makes the first stand!) Pay attention to amusing details in the illustrations!

Funky and Charming!
This book is one of those rare combinations of a sensitive and engaging story complemented by equally compelling illustrations. Walrod's illustrations jump out of book with funky perspectives and a masterful use of color and texture. She interprets this very good story about individuality and freindship in a way that balances an important message with a style that produces so many fun (and funny) things to look at that kids (and parents)will have a hard time putting it down ... Read more

Book Description

Pinky and Rex are looking forward to a camping adventure with their dads. They'll hike in the woods and roast marshmallows over a campfire. But a thunderstorm has come along to ruin all their plans. How can the best friends save their double-dad weekend? ... Read more

Book Description

Dear possible reader of this book,

My editor asked me to write a third book in my series, Tales from the House of Bunnicula. And did I have trouble getting started! I was afraid I used up all my ideas. But faster than a writer can say "What if?" I came up with a story! It's about a lovable and smart (not to mention cute) orphan wirehaired dachshund puppy named Howie, who has a mysterious pain in his leg and is mysteriously invited to attend the Dogwiz Academy for Canine Conjurers. Together, Howie and his best friend, the very, very, very smart Delilah, who speaks in a British accent in this book for some reason, discover they must fight a sinister foe...The-Evil-Force-Whose-Nam-C'not-Be-Spoke!!!

Your friend,

Howie ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Can't Get Enough of these Dachshund Tales!
I must admit that I bought this book for my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter solely because the main character is a dachshund. Both children could not put the book down and have asked me to buy MORE, MORE, MORE of these books. They contain exactly the right mix of scariness and humor for children this age. And I enjoy the stories too!

Tales From The House Of Bunnicula
I read Tales From The House Of Bunnicula
I thought it was a good book because it gets exciting at the end. I think a lot of other kids would read it. Kids and adults would like it. I think ages 8-30 mostly would like it. I recommend reading this book as soon as possible. ... Read more

Book Description

Rex's parents are adopting a baby, and Rex doesn't like the idea at all. Suppose her parents are so busy with the new baby they forget about her?

So she comes up with a plan. If she can be the perfect big sister, her parents will have to pay attention to her. The trouble is, being the perfect big sister is a lot of work, and it doesn't leave time for much else -- like her best friend, Pinky. ... Read more