From the Publisher
The message of celebrating differences is solid. . . The prose allows the charming, expressive cartoon art free rein in creating a world with a Halloween goth look. Affirming. . . strengthened by a lovable aesthetic.
—Kirkus Reviews
Drago (Gustavo, the Shy Ghost, rev. 9/20; Leila, the Perfect Witch, rev. 9/22) presents another offbeat, sympathetic, supernatural character overcoming insecurities. . . . the text is lighthearted, and the detail-filled mixed-media illustrations display energy-and style.
—The Horn Book
Drago mixes cartoon and folk-art style illustrations influenced by her Mexican heritage to expand the World of Gustavo series with a young vampire and his fashion prowess. Mixed-media techniques add textures and shapes to the elaborate clothing and accessories while brighter colors contrast neutral backgrounds, especially emphasizing the pink shade rosa mexicano (Mexican pink) in Vlad’s cheeks to convey his feelings. . . . Fans of Drago’s books will also find charming character cameos from her previous works in this new addition celebrating how 'it’s better to love what makes us unique!'
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Drago’s illustrations are full of fun details and muted shades with touches of color (pinks, of course), making this picture book a fabulous new addition to bookshelves this Halloween and beyond. You also don’t want to miss Drago’s Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leila, the Perfect Witch.
—Amazon Book Review
Delightful in every way and sending a strong message of being true to yourself, ‘Vlad the Fabulous Vampire’ is uplifting and loads of fun.
—The Reading Eagle
Audiofile Magazine
With even pacing and great enthusiasm, Blake captures Vlad’s tumultuous feelings as he uses his fashion skills to mask his secret [...] Dramatic music tying nicely to the Halloween theme accompanies the narration. Listeners looking for a cute monster story will enjoy cheering Vlad on as he builds self-confidence.
OCTOBER 2023 - AudioFile
Marisa Blake tells the story of Vlad, a vampire who covers up his rosy cheeks for fear of not being accepted by the other vampires, who revel in their pallor. With even pacing and great enthusiasm, Blake captures Vlad's tumultuous feelings as he uses his fashion skills to mask his secret. Ultimately, with the support of a friend, he finds self-acceptance. Dramatic music tying nicely to the Halloween theme accompanies the narration. Listeners looking for a cute monster story will enjoy cheering Vlad on as he builds self-confidence. M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-06-21
A vampire struggles with a secret insecurity.
Vladislav Varnaby Roland Dragul is proud of his gothic vampire heritage and displays it through his sophisticated black fashions. He has a secret, though: Behind his tall-collared capes, he hides rosy pink cheeks most unbecoming for the undead. As a fashionista, he’s able to lean into his hobby to disguise his insecurity but is uncomfortable concealing his truth. Just when he’s ready to lead a life of seclusion, his best friend and fellow vampire, Shelley, has a mishap that reveals a shockingly bright physical trait of her own, prompting Vlad to confess his secret. With a newly strengthened friendship, the two venture out of the Dark Woods for Shelley to share another secret. The muted palette transforms as they enter a vibrant town populated by paranormal people who embrace colors (including several people in huge Dia de los Muertos sugar skull costumes). The message of celebrating differences is solid, if heavy-handed; that the text is spare keeps the didacticism from weighing down the story too much. The prose allows the charming, expressive cartoon art free rein in creating a world with a Halloween goth look. Vlad has pale blue skin and a child-friendly, Nosferatu-style look. Shelley has pale green skin. Other background characters run the gamut in skin color. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An affirming, if somewhat moralizing tale of self-acceptance strengthened by a lovable aesthetic. (Picture book. 4-8)
