EDDIE AND THE VEGETARIAN VAMPIRE

A young orphan in World War II–era Boston befriends a surprisingly genial vampire in Desmond’s debut middle-grade comedy.

Eddie is perfectly fine with being sent to a cell in the basement of the orphanage where he lives. It’s meant to be a punishment, but he sees it as a nice break from chores. He even has a friend down there: Barty, a bat who eats peanuts that Eddie smuggles down there for him. The 12-year-old boy is shocked, however, when Barty transforms into a vampire named Count Bloodless. The soft-spoken creature of the night fortunately hates the idea of drinking blood, and Eddie’s willing to help him find vegetarian foods, even though he wonders if the count, who has an unfamiliar accent, might be a German spy. Eddie keeps his new fanged pal a secret from everyone at the orphanage, with the notable exceptions of his benevolent history teacher, Sister Kate (who doesn’t believe him), and his charming best pal, Mugsy. But a few of the friends belong to the Order of the Fang—a group that’s dead-set on destroying all vampires. Eddie and Mugsy must keep Count Bloodless safe and, for good measure, well fed. Humor abounds in Desmond’s tale; for example, Eddie, who carries and routinely reads a dictionary, often uses “big words,” except for ones starting with e(since a bully ripped those pages out). The book features abundant nostalgia, as well, including comparisons of Count Bloodless to Bela Lugosi’s depiction of Dracula, and a reference to someone “launching into the jitterbug” at a dance. The endearingly nerdy Eddie’s individual relationships with Mugsy, the count, and Sister Kate are delightful and rewarding, and heartfelt moments take precedence over those that showcase supernatural abilities. For instance, Eddie learns that his parents, whom he doesn’t remember, are alive and vows to reunite with them; meanwhile, potential adoptive caregivers all but ignore the hopeful Mugsy.

A diverting horror comedy that makes way for an absorbing coming-of-age story.