The Fright Before Christmas Ready-to-Read Level 3

It's Christmas Eve and something is stirring...Howie the dachshund puppy jumps in fear every time he hears about the big, jolly man in the bright red suit who will be coming down the chimney. Harold the dog and Chester the cat can't understand why anyone would be scared of Santa -- especially when there are Christmas ghosts to worry about.Late that night, the animals hear strange noises coming from the basement. Who is causing the spooky sounds? Is it a ghost? Is it Santa? Or is Bunnicula the vampire bunny going to turn this very merry Christmas into a very scary Christmas?

James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula, coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits, published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com.

Jeff Mack has written and illustrated a long list of award-winning picture books, chapter books, and early readers, including the Clueless McGee series; the Mr. Monkey series; Good News, Bad News; Hush Little Polar Bear; Duck in the Fridge; and Look!. He lives, works, and sometimes monkeys around in Western Massachusetts. Visit him at JeffMack.com.