Nighty-Nightmare
by James Howe
Simon and Schuster 1987
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- imagination vs. reality
- bravery
- loyalty
- mystery and suspense
- storytelling
- humor
About this book
Harold the dog returns with Chester the cat and pup Howie for another hare-raising adventure tied to the mysterious Bunnicula. A spooky night out and some overactive imaginations turn ordinary happenings into a comical, slightly creepy caper. Told with witty wordplay and gentle suspense, it’s perfect for kids who like laughs with their chills. Fans of the Bunnicula series will enjoy the familiar characters, fast pace, and funny frights.
Setting: the Monroe family home and a spooky nighttime camping trip in the woods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nighty-Nightmare right for my child?
Yes — Nighty-Nightmare is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, imagination vs. reality, bravery.
How long does it take to read Nighty-Nightmare?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Nighty-Nightmare takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Nighty-Nightmare have an AR quiz?
Yes — Nighty-Nightmare has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Nighty-Nightmare?
Nighty-Nightmare has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.