Horace & Bunwinkle: The Perfect Family Read-Aloud

Horace and Bunwinkle is an adorable, new middle grade animal mystery series for young readers. Check out my review below.

Today is the book birthday for a really awesome young middle grade, Horace and Bunwinkle by PJ Gardner (with illustrations by David Mottram). I’m seriously so excited to talk about this book because I LOVED it!

Summary

The story follows Horace Homer Higgins III, an anxious Boston Terrier, and his new pig sister, Bunwinkle.

When Horace’s owner, Ellie, moves them to a new farm, Horace doesn’t like it one bit. He hates the dirt, the smell, and the ducks taking over the pond. Then Ellie adopts an exuberant potbellied pig–a pig that will live inside the house with the two of them–and Horace doesn’t know what to do with himself.

Bunwinkle loves her new home, and even though Horace is pretty uptight and standoffish, she knows they’ll be good friends. One day, the two pets decide to watch tv and stumble on a show about a pet-tective dog and pig duo. They’re hooked!

When suspicious things start happening around their town, Horace and Bunwinkle decide to pair up and solve the mystery.

Why I Loved It

PJ Gardner has an incredible knack for voice. The book is told through alternating points-of-view between Horace and Bunwinkle, and the voice for each is spot on. You know who’s talking right away, and even though the two characters are so different, you’re rooting for both. You can’t help but fall in love with them, right from the get-go!

It’s also hilarious. I laughed out loud multiple times–like full-on snort laughed! The humor is perfect for both kids and adults, which makes this book the perfect family read-aloud.

I loved the mystery element. It was fun and kept me guessing all the way through. Plus, the term pet-tective is seriously adorable! I mean, GENIUS!

The book had the perfect amount of heart and I loved watching Horace and Bunwinkle’s relationship blossom.

Horace and Bunwinkle

Overall, I gave this book 5 stars and I can’t wait to re-read it with my kids. I know this will be a hit for our whole family and we already can’t wait for book two!

You can grab your copy HERE.

What’s your favorite family read-aloud?

Britney is a wife and mom with a passion for helping other women see the good inside of them. She loves podcasts, polka dots, and dancing around the kitchen with her family.