Tag Archives: vampire fiction

Little Vampire

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by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg

Tony loves scary stories and horror films. So, he’s quick to recognize his new friend, Rudolph, is a vampire. He showed up at Tony’s window one night after Tony’s parents went out (which they seem to do nightly, leaving Tony alone). Rudolph visits Tony most nights, borrows his books and loans him his uncle’s cape so Tony can fly to the cemetery with him to visit his crypt. Soon, Rudolph’s sister, Anna, joins in the fun. Eventually, Tony’s parents become suspicious and as, for Tony to invite his new friends over for tea. He tries to fool his parents with a substitute and it didn’t go well. Anna, who has a crush on Tony, and Rudolph come to tea and try hard to appear human with mixed results. Tony’s parents shake their heads at his new friends and decide they don’t need to visit again any time soon.

This story is translated from the original German and is part of a six book series. While the premise is interesting, the story lags a bit and its macabre theme isn’t terribly humorous. Kids who enjoy horror fiction might find this book interesting, although it’s not really horror. And, readers that enjoy humorous stories might not like it either.

Lumber-Jackula

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written by Mat Hearty and illustrated by Sam Owen

Lumberjackula (or Jack, for short) is at a critical time of his life. He is aging out of of under-school and must decide whether to become a lumberjack like his mom and attend Mighty Log Lumberjack Prep or a vampire like his dad and attend Sorrow’s Gloom Vampire Academy. His parents are very supportive from the start and will be proud of his choice no matter what he does. Yet, Jack is feeling pressure, because he’s not sure he wants to go to either school and follow in his parents’ footsteps. Truthfully, his real passion is dance, which he sneaks of and does when he has the opportunity.

As he is visiting both schools and agonizing over his choices, a new friend enters his life. Plenty is a student at Tip Tap Twinkle Toes Dance Academy and stumbles upon Jack during one of his secret solo dances. She is so impressed that she makes him a map to the dance academy and invites him to come. He makes his way there (past some monsters and a very cool manatee that provides most excellent advice) to discover that dancing is what he is born to do. But, how can he? He as to follow in his parent’s footsteps, doesn’t he?

The rest of the story involves a lot of sneaking around, dancing and a climactic dance recital where Jack’s parents and grandparents discover his talents. They are, as we knew they would, very supportive and excited about Jack’s choices. The end of the story shows students from all three schools and the adults in Jacks’ life connecting through an after-school enrichment program, learning some wonderful skills like hip hop and axe-throwing.

This delightful graphic novel uses accessible text and varying panel configurations and illustrated with clean, boldly colored artwork. While the storyline is somewhat predictable (we readers knew all along that Jack’s parents were supportive and would be fine with his choice), it allows us to enjoy a gentle story of a child (vampire/lumberjack), who is struggling with his view of expectations versus his needs. It’s a lesson on finding your way and being who you really are, not who you think the people around you want you to be. Follow your dreams – be a dancer, a vampire, or a lumberjack. it’s your life and your choice! Highly recommended.