[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.
(Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robb Moreira summons a mythic tone for this original spinoff of the Aztec creation story. In Higuera's story, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl's lesser-known brother, Xolotl, recounts "what really happened." Xolo has a dog's head, paws, and, most importantly, a love of humankind. Moreira's declamatory tones suit the epic nature of the story but also sometimes flatten the nuances of Higuera's characterizations. Listeners who don't seek out the print edition to accompany the audiobook will miss illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson's strikingly stylized figures, colorfully lush design, and critical narrative detail that's often communicated only in the illustrations. Those who do read and listen will occasionally find themselves zooming past wordless sequences that demand close attention. Both otherworldly and sweet--and perhaps best enjoyed in print.
(Mythology. 7-10)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9798899735035
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ciaran Saward's zany delivery is perfect for a young audience that thrives on silly nonstop action and striking sound effects. Selfish, bullying Monkey is sent into space but soon crash-lands in a forest, which he decides to colonize. When genial Bunny realizes this, he gathers Pig and Weenie Squirrel--all humorously rendered--to save their peaceful home from the intruder. Seward incorporates instructional tidbits, for example, how bats navigate. The most fun are Skunk, Monkey's megalomaniac inventor, and French-accented Le Fox, who just wants to be left alone. Sound effects such as the snoring of a hibernating bear take listeners into the action. Audio enriches delightful wordplay, and older audiences will hear references to current events.
(Graphic fantasy. 6-10)Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781038029454
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
