Bunnicula

[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. W.L.S. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine