NIGHTY-NIGHTMARE

by James Howe ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

Howe's latest mock-Gothic horror tale, peopled with the most likable cast of pets this side of those 101 Dalmatians, is a welcome addition to comic writing for the age group; his puns and wisecracks will make this a particularly successful choice for reading aloud. Harold, Chester, and Howie, beloved pets of the Monroe family, are taken along on an overnight camping trip. The crew meets a couple of men and their dog, who seem to have sinister intentions. The dog leads the heroes on a nightlong romp in the woods, during which the resourceful cat, Chester, gives the novel's most satisfying bit of narrative: the story behind the birth of Bunnicula. In the morning, the animals are reunited with their humans, and the fears of midnight are proven to be largely imagined. One can't fault Howe for simplicity of plot because he is so successful at other effects. His characterization is witty, anthropomorphic enough to be engaging but suitably animal-like as well. The novel runs on humor; children who complain about the stultifying sobriety of so much of their reading will turn with great pleasure to Nighty-Nightmare, and they won't be disappointed.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S