Bud Barkin, Private Eye (Tales from the House of Bunnicula) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Brett Helquist (Illustrator) "I was working late..." (more)
Key Phrases: Big Fish, Crusty Carmady, Delilah Gorbish (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Howie, the irrepressible dachshund, tries his hand-er, paw-at writing detective fiction. He imagines himself as Barkin, a hardboiled shamus with a nose for crime and an eye for the dames. The detective is working late when a beautiful blonde tumbles through the door of his office-"trouble with a capital T." Delilah claims she's being followed, and Barkin suspects Crusty Carmady, an old enemy who's just been sprung from Sing Sing. But, is Delilah on the run from Carmady-or in cahoots with him? The whodunit action alternates with selections from Howie's writing journal in which he ponders the craft of writing and the editorial suggestions of Uncle Harold (the sheepdog "author" of the "Bunnicula" stories). The narration is an affectionate parody of the gumshoe genre, filled with the kind of mock tough-guy similes that would make Mickey Spillane proud. ("She looked me over like I was a used car she was thinking of buying if the price was right.") Howie's journal observations provide an amusing demonstration of the creative process and the challenges of authorship. The last chapter is a bit frantic as Howie attempts to tie up all the plot threads at once-explaining any remaining inconsistencies as "red herrings." While this title has little relationship to the original "Bunnicula" stories, it should appeal to mystery fans who like their crime spiced with chuckles.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. Although Dachshund and aspiring writer Howie Monroe still hasn't won a Newbony Award, that doesn't stop him from trying to write a mystery. Unfortunately, the confident pooch finds the task harder than he expected. Creating doggie PI Bud Barkin, tough, handsome, and smart, is easy; after all, as Howie says, Bud's based on himself. The tricky part is writing a plot that makes sense. With input and encouragement from Uncle Harold, a professional writer, Howie manages to create something he likes--and, hardly pausing to bark, starts planning his next book. As with the previous Howie book, the dog's lively, first-person, handwritten journal, which details his writing dilemmas, alternates with his version of the classic, hardboiled detective story he creates. The story-within-a-story is both easy to read and funny, and its canine twist offers plenty of goofy plot developments, puns, and silly similes for an entertaining spoof. Kids will also come away with a simple, witty introduction to the elements of mystery writing. Illustrations not seen. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (April 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689869894
• ISBN-13: 978-0689869891
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #223,038 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps kids reading., December 2, 2007

By	J. Farsaci - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book, like other 'House of Bunnicula' books, keeps kids reading with an entertaining story. My son reads it over and over and laughs every time. He loves reading them out loud to us.

5.0 out of 5 stars gift for grandson, July 20, 2007

By	jeanine peterson (homewood, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

My grandson told me the book was excellent and said I always pick really good books.