Published by Walker Books, 2023.

Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire is a glorious picture book which has a really powerful message about self-acceptance and having the courage to be your authentic, true self.

As soon as you look at the front cover, with its neon pink contrasting against the black, you know you’re in for a treat with this book.

Vlad is a vampire with a secret: he’s got rosy pink cheeks. He tries to hide his face underneath elaborate clothing but the secrecy is making him sad. It’s only when his friend Shelley reveals that she has pink hair that Vlad gains the confidence to show the world who he really is. And, as a vampire with a passion for fashion, Vlad reveals his true colours in fabulous style!

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout and makes great use of colour and contrast. The author/illustrator was born and raised in Mexico and so there’s also lots of lovely Hispanic influences in the illustrations (I particularly love the Day of the Dead references).

Rating: 🩷🖤🩷🖤🩷

Suitable for children aged 3+

Thank you to Walker Books for sending me this book to review.