Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire

By Author / Illustrator

Flavia Z. Drago

Genre

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529517132

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-09-2024

Synopsis

Join fabulous vampire Vlad as he learns to embrace his pink cheeks and and find his confidence! Vlad's passion is fashion. And just like every other vampire, Vlad dresses head to toe in the colour black. But unlike other vampires, Vlad has bright pink cheeks: cheeks that make him look, and feel, so different. Vlad tries to hide behind his clothes and his cape but, as it turns out, being yourself - truly yourself - is the most fabulous way to be.

An uplifting and charming celebration of our differences set in the same monster universe as the New York Times #1 bestseller, Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leila, the Perfect Witch.

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Reviews

Kelly

Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire is such a fun book to read and share and what perfect timing for Halloween! The cover immediately grabbed my attention: the vibrant, gothic illustrations in contrasting black and pink really stand out.

Vlad is a vampire, but no ordinary vampire. Vlad has a secret that he wants to share, but is scared to. With the help of his friend, he realises it is ok to be different and that there is maybe a little uniqueness in all of us if you look for it.

I really love how the author writes about being and feeling different in a relatable and sensitive way for children. As an educator, I would use this story to build emotional literacy with children. It should have a firm place in the wellbeing section of any bookshelf. The cover will entice all ages.

In school, I would use this in any classroom or an assembly from Year 3 all the way to Year 6 as it has something for everyone. Younger readers would also benefit from having the book read to them as the illustrations have a crayon-type feel and look to them and they will love exploring the images. The author has included vocabulary learning opportunities for younger readers with sophisticated, mysteriours and suspense thrilling words like 'lurking', 'inspiration' and 'paranormal'. Vlad the Fabulous Vampire would go nicely with PSHE lessons or part of exploring Halloween, and goes hand in hand with Tom Percival's book: Perfectly Norman.

Vlad the Fabulous Vampire covers themes of friendship, feelings and belonging. I absolutely love sharing books like this with children that they can relate to, helps them to build empathy and are fun to read. A great addition to the wellbeing section of the bookshelf.

Picture book / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher