Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel Andrew Donkin, James Howe – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel Andrew Donkin, James Howe

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

83%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A vampire bunny who drains vegetables? This graphic novel makes the classic chapter book actually fun to read again.

Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel Andrew Donkin, James Howe

book

2022

83%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A vampire bunny who drains vegetables? This graphic novel makes the classic chapter book actually fun to read again.

4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what a good adaptation should do: take a beloved but slightly dusty classic and make it irresistible to modern kids. The original Bunnicula chapter book is charming but let's be real—most 2025 kids aren't picking it up. This graphic novel version? They'll actually read it.

The story is silly, safe, and genuinely funny. A vampire rabbit who drains vegetables is peak absurd humor for elementary schoolers, and the illustrations add personality that makes Harold and Chester feel like real characters. The mystery structure keeps pages turning, and the graphic novel format makes it accessible for kids who struggle with dense text.

It's not going to change anyone's life, but it's solidly entertaining and builds reading skills without feeling like homework. The 4.8 Amazon rating and enthusiastic parent reviews back this up—kids are actually enjoying it. For reluctant readers or graphic novel fans, this is an easy win.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, especially kids who love graphic novels or need a reading confidence boost. The humor and mystery work for the full elementary-to-middle-school range. Younger kids (5-6) can enjoy it read aloud, but might miss some of the jokes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Emotionally healthy story centered on friendship between pets, with gentle humor and cooperation. Harold the dog and Chester the cat work together to solve a mystery. The 'vampire' premise is played for laughs rather than scares—vegetables getting drained white is silly, not scary. Models problem-solving and loyalty without being preachy.

Imaginative

Clever premise that takes a classic monster trope and makes it absurd—a vampire rabbit who drains vegetables. The graphic novel format adds visual storytelling that invites kids to notice details in the illustrations. The mystery structure encourages deductive thinking, and the animals-as-narrators perspective is creative. Not groundbreaking, but solidly imaginative.

Safe

Extremely safe. Common Sense Media confirms 'nothing too scary' with only 'cartoonish vampire (?) action.' The scariest thing here is white vegetables. No violence, no inappropriate content, no surprises that would catch parents off-guard. The vampire angle is comedic, not frightening. Perfect for independent reading without concerns.

Enriching

Solid entertainment value with some enrichment. Graphic novel format supports visual literacy and is great for reluctant readers. Mystery structure builds critical thinking and observation skills. The humor is clever enough to engage kids without talking down to them. Not deeply meaningful, but builds reading confidence and introduces classic middle-grade literature in an accessible format. The 4.8 Amazon rating and positive parent reviews confirm it delivers on entertainment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Graphic novel format breathes new life into a 40+ year old story—kids who'd never touch the chapter book will devour this
Perfect for reluctant readers: fast-paced, funny, visual storytelling that builds confidence
Mystery structure that's genuinely engaging without being dumbed down—kids love playing detective with Harold and Chester
The humor lands: a vampire rabbit draining vegetables white is absurd in the best way
Gateway to classic middle-grade lit without the 'this is good for you' vibe

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'vampire' angle is 100% comedic—if your kid gets spooked by the word alone, just clarify it's vegetables getting drained, not necks
Some kids might find the original story concept a bit dated (1979 sensibilities), but the graphic novel updates it enough to feel current
Independent readers 7+ will fly through this; younger kids might need it read aloud

Conversation Starters

"If you had a pet that acted weird like Bunnicula, what would you do to figure out what was going on?"
"Chester jumps to conclusions about Bunnicula being a vampire—have you ever thought something was true but then found out you were wrong?"
"Why do you think Harold (the dog) and Chester (the cat) react so differently to Bunnicula?"
"What would happen if Bunnicula drained all the vegetables in our house?"

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