MEMENTO MONSTRUM

Dracula regales his grandchildren with tales from his youth.

At the ripe old age of 589, the famed Count Vlad Dracula has survived wars, natural disasters, and even his archnemesis Van Helsing’s many assassination attempts. But when Vlad’s wife and daughter go off for a “spa break” in Paris, the elder vampire is left with his most challenging task yet: two days of babysitting his three grandchildren. As the two youngest vampire children play in the library, they come across photos from Vlad’s past. Begging to learn the stories behind the photos, the children hear about some larger-than-life characters: Yeti, who aspires to be a prima ballerina; a pet fish that grows to become an Olympic swimmer; an invisible secret agent; and a werewolf drummer who was almost a member of The Beatles (this is pre-Ringo). This German import offers a fresh, fractured-fairy-tale–esque take on Dracula lore with some stereotype-defying surprises. Vlad’s first-person narration easily switches between past and present, with recollections differentiated by red type. Though entertaining, the book veers toward formula with the children’s constant interruptions and Van Helsing’s many appearances throughout. Rauers’ inviting full-color illustrations feature cartoon vampires that are more batlike than human. Vlad’s red eyes and dribble of blood, along with moody colors, add just the right touch of creepiness.

Giggles more likely than shivers in this over-the-top tale.