Nighty-Nightmare

James Howe (author)

Leslie Morrill (illustrations)

Macmillan Publishing, USA: 1987; 120pp

ISBN: 0689312075

Genres: adventure, animal

Harold, faithful family dog of the Monroe family, is at first rather unimpressed by the idea of an overnight camping trip. Camping means cockleburs (prickly things that stick to his coat), mosquitoes, ticks and things that go bump in the night. On the other hand, it also means s'mores - nice, chocolaty treats - and toasted marshmallows, things that taste awfully good before bed.

Howie, the other family dog, an enthusiastic and easily distracted young pup, thinks that camping is a grand new adventure. Chester, the cat, is decidedly against such goings on, however, and full of horror stories about things that have happened to innocent animals astray after dark in the woods.

And it seems that Chester's darkest fears might be confirmed when the Monroes and their pets meet a pair of strange men camping nearby. The men have a dog called, predictably, Dawg, who proceeds to lead Harold, Chester and Howie away from their family. Is he as friendly as he seems, or is there a more sinister purpose to his promises of ‘something worth seeing'?

Although somewhat old-fashioned in style, this simple animal adventure story, narrated by the old dog, Harold, will probably appeal to younger readers who like to imagine what goes on in the minds of the family pets. There are some absolutely dreadful, groan-worthy puns told mostly by the puppy and Chester's superior manner fits with the image of a ‘cat who walks alone'. The combination of family pets, mysterious noises, imagined threats and a camping adventure make this an approachable read alone novel, although it would also do well for shared reading. Chapters end on a suspenseful note that is guaranteed to keep the pages turning and younger readers will laugh at the way Harold's first concern is mostly for his stomach, as he is always aware of where his next meal is coming from.

Nighty-Nightmare is the fourth book in a series about the Monroe pets that started with Bunnicula, James Howe's first novel. Bunnicula received numerous awards as a favourite amongst children throughout the United States and Canada.

Other titles in the series: Howliday Inn; The Celery Stalks At Midnight

Same Author: Morgan's Zoo; A Night Without Stars; The Hospital Book; What Eric Knew; Stage Fright; Eat Your Poison, Dear