3/4/12

12) Howliday Inn

Bibliography: Howe, James; Howliday Inn; Atheneum Books for Young Readers; New York; 1982; 195 pages; ISBN 978-0-689-30846-8.

Plot: Harold’s owners are going on vacation.  Since Harold gets car sick, he and his family’s cat, Chester, are going to stay at the Chateau Bow-Wow.  Chester is suspicious of the boarding house immediately.  The Chateau is currently housing some strange animals, including Howard and Heather, who howl all night long, Louise who can’t remember anyone’s name, Lyle is a cat who has completely lost his marbles, and a few others.  After the first night at the Chateau, Louise goes missing.  Chester sets out to find out what happened, but it is only a matter of time before he is missing also.  Harold must figure out the mystery alone, before all of the animals are gone.
Review:  This is a very interesting read.  Most readers will be more familiar with Howe’s Bunnicula series, which tells the story of a vampire bunny.  Harold and Chester are characters in the series, and readers looking for a new title will like to see a familiar face.  The mystery in this novel is definetly aimed at a younger audience.  Recommend this book to younger tweens or fans of the Bunnicula series.  The story is told in first person narrative from Harold’s point of view.  At times he can be preoccupied in his dinner or sleeping.  By the time he starts to work on the case of the disappearing animals, the story is almost over.  Chester is more of the sleuth in this story.

Genre: Mystery/Animal Story
Interest Level: age 8-12

Related Books: Bunnicula; Milo & Otis

Characters:
Harold is a dog and the narrator of this book.
Chester is a cat and is Harold’s housemate.  He is the sleuth of the story.
Jill is the girl left in charge to take care of the animals staying at Chateau Bow-Wow.
Harrison is a helper at the Chateau.
Howard and Heather are the wire-haired dachshunds.  Heather is pregnant.

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