Kevin the Vampire: A Most Mysterious Monster

Kevin the Vampire is perfect for readers who enjoyed classics such as the Worst Witch series or the Little Vampire. It tells the take of a travelling carnival family who all happen to be monsters- think Hotel Transylvania or the Addams Family and you're on the right track.

The story follows ten-year-old Kevin whose vampire skills are not great; he can't even transform into a bat, much to the disappointment of his family. When they arrive in a quiet town to put on a show they accidentally disturb an ancient monster who tries to destroy everything and everyone. Surely it can't be down to Kevin to save the day....can it?

This is a fun and undemanding book that points out there is good and bad in everyone and that even monsters deserve a chance to redeem themselves. Flavia Sorrentino's quirky illustrations and inclusion of 'Monster Fact File' pages bring the story to life for those reluctant junior readers. It won't win any awards but it's entertaining and a good first step novel for those children not ready for the more issue-based novels. A good birthday gift for the child you don't want to get a gift voucher for, or an excellent filler title for classroom bookshelves.

224 pages / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

When Kevin and his family get stuck in a strange town, they accidentally wake up something OLD and VERY HUNGRY. It's up to Kevin to save everyone - or else! The first in a brilliantly funny fantasy adventure series.

Many children will be able to identify with Susie who lives in 'the most boring town that ever existed'. Nothing ever happens in Lower Drudging, until Kevin and his family arrive. Kevin Aurelius is just like any other almost 11-year-old - well, nearly; he is an immortal, fangtastic vampire. Most families have been on a journey which has not gone to plan and Kevin's is no different. Whilst on their way to Monstrous City, their batnav has problems, leading to them getting stuck in Susie's home town of Lower Drudging. But Lower Drudging has a monstrous secret of its own. A secret that is old, very hungry and has just woken up! Can Kevin and his new best friend Susie save the town?  And will anyone believe that the monsters are not the bad guys?

Flavia Sorrentino's wonderfully detailed black and white illustrations add a huge amount of humour to the book and allow deeper connections with the characters. Kevin the Vampire: A Most Mysterious Monster is sure to be a hit with children aged 8+ who will identify with the characters. Children who are just starting to enjoy chapter books will love the font, use of bold text to add impact and the ratio of illustrations to words. This would be the perfect text to use for a guided reading study group, a book club, and individual reader or a class read. I look forward to reading more from Matt Brown.

224 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+