Frankie D, Vegan Vampire by Sally Dutra and Brian Dutra, with illustrations by Tiffani Brown is set up as if The Addams Family were from today, a lot more modern (though their understanding of things still not the same as “normies”), plus were actual vampires. This is a fun and sweet book. The silly and clever retelling of a fitting in theme has been done before, but the humor this time around makes it fresh. The characters are maybe a bit of caricatures (there is a girl who always asks questions, the bully looks like a stereotypical bully), but still they are enjoyable to read about. However, if I have one issue with things, it is that the ending was a bit disappointing…. We have ourselves a cliffhanger and since this book is just out, who knows when book two will happen?
I read via an online reader copy, but I plan on getting a few copies for my local libraries. I am not sure of the final format, but it feels like the set up will be an early chapter reader, therefore for at least ages five to seven to be read to, and seven to young ten to read solo. Now, Dutra’s book might not become a classic, but it will be a favorite of your reader. Things have an over the top attitude, but are also grounded in relatable themes.
I am not sure how the finished illustrations will turn out, but the reader’s copy has them minimalist, black and white and highlighting some of the key points. I know I have seen Brown’s work before (though this seems to be their debut book), and that familiarity makes this short novel cozy.