In this satisfying chapter book adaptation from the novel Bunnicula, two family pets suspect a rabbit found in a movie theater of being a vampire. How else to explain the white vegetables, drained of their juices? In spite of Chester the cat's garlic-wearing measures, an all-juice diet solves the problem. Colorful acrylic illustrations enliven the conflict.

For his 25th anniversary, Bunnicula is being ushered into one of the last children's literature formats he has yet to invade: the easy reader. Harold the dog narrates the story of Bunnicula's arrival at the Monroe house. The family discovers the bunny with the cape-shaped markings at a Dracula movie and white vegetables begin to turn up. Chester, the family's excitable cat, wigs out: he's sure the bunny will go after the animals and people once he's done with the veggies. Chester starves poor Bunnicula by barring his path to the kitchen with garlic, but Harold saves the day and Bunnicula. Mack's new, acrylic illustrations are more cartoonish, but Bunnicula and friends have never been more adorable. This is a good abridgement by Heather Henson, and it might lead readers to the rest of the series. It's to be hoped that Bunnicula will get all new adventures instead of more retreads to satisfy the promise of more to come. (Easy reader. 6-8)

Gr 1-3-Howe has adapted the original Bunnicula (S & S, 1979) for beginning chapter-book readers. All of the same characters are here: Mr. and Mrs. Monroe; their sons, Toby and Pete; their cat, Chester; their dog, Harold; and, of course, Bunnicula. Harold's first-person narration consists mainly of his interactions and conversations with Chester. The rabbit found by the family in a movie theater showing Dracula becomes the center of the family's attention. Chester believes that Bunnicula is a vampire and prevents him from eating in order to protect the Monroe family. Harold is convinced that the rabbit is harmless and counters the dog's attempts to weaken the animal. Using short sentence structure and simple language, Howe provides an intriguing plot for emerging readers. Mack's illustrations enhance the text through humorous and emotive depictions of the characters.-Karen Stuppi, Harmony Elementary School, Middletown, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.