Module 2-Classic Chapter Book

Howe, J. (1983). The Celery Stalks at Midnight.
New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

A cat named Chester, a dog named Harold, and a puppy named Howie star in this sequel to Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery and Howliday Inn.  The family pets to the Monroe family find Bunnicula (a rabbit) missing from its cage.  Concerned that the rabbit is a vegetarian vampire, the other animals set out to find Bunnicula to protect the Monroe family, but it may be too late.

My Impression:

This a cute book written from the perspective of the three family pets.  I had some difficulty following the storyline to begin with because I had not read one of the previous books of the series.  Howe helps make connections to past events with his references to past occurrences throughout the story.  I would like to go back and read the previous books in the series.  This is a great series for children 8-12 who are animal lovers.  They will enjoy the conversations and events the animals find themselves caught up in.

Reviews:

The Celery Stalks at Midnight

School Library Journal

Gr. 4-6

When readers hear about dead beets, killer parsnips ;and homicidal heads of lettuce lurking in the neighborhood, they won't think it's a vegetable war--they'll know that Bunnicula, the vampire(?) rabbit has returned. And, according to Chester the cat, Bunnicula's vegetable minious are dangerous, constantly looking for fresh blood to drain.  As everyone knows, a vampire can be destroyed by driving a stake through its hear, so, in order to put a stop to Chester's constant nagging and fear, unconvinced Harold goes along with Chester's idea of spearing the white vegetables with toothpicks in order to save home and family from the poser of this dastardly rabbit.  The amusing and skillful black-and-white sketches capture the animals' antics and expressions of alternating doubt, skepticism, disgust ant worry in this clever tale abounding with puns, wild chases and slapstick humor.  Bunnicula (Atheneum, 1979) fans will be delighted to rejoin cynical Chester, Howie, and dachshund puppy and canine narrator Harold, who, at the end, becomes apprehensive for even he admits he hears the thump thump thump of an artichoke heart.--Trev Jones, "School Library Journal"

Jones, T. (1983). The Celery Stalks at Midnight [Book]. School Library Journal, 30(1), 124.

Suggested Library Use:
The Celery Stalks at Midnight could be used as a books in an author study of James Howe focusing on his writing style and use of personification throughout his books.