Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery is a children's novel by Deborah and James Howe, published in 1979. The story is set in the Monroe household and is narrated from the perspective of the family dog, Harold. The Monroes, who also have a cat named Chester, adopt a rabbit they find at a movie theatre during a screening of Dracula. They name the rabbit Bunnicula, and it soon becomes clear that Bunnicula is not an ordinary rabbit.
The plot of Bunnicula primarily revolves around the suspicion of Chester, who, influenced by his fondness for mystery and horror stories, becomes convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire. The white rabbit has fangs, odd sleeping habits, and a peculiar diet of vegetables, which are found drained of their color and juice. While Chester seeks ways to protect the family from what he believes to be a dangerous creature, Harold, the narrator, provides a more grounded and often humorous perspective on the unfolding events. This dynamic creates an engaging balance between suspense and comedy, keeping young readers hooked while simultaneously offering elements of humor.
Upon its release, Bunnicula was met with widespread positive reception and quickly gained popularity among young readers and educators alike. The novel won several awards, including the Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Nene awards. Critics praised the book for its clever mix of mystery and humor and its appeal to a wide age range of readers.
