FRANKIE D, VEGAN VAMPIRE

A young vampire experiences unique challenges after he and his family relocate from Transylvania to the U.S.

Though Frankie’s extended family disapproves of the move, his parents want their children to grow up in a land “where the sun is generous with its rays.” So they shorten their last name (Draculore) to D, Frankie gets his fangs filed down at the orthodontist’s, and they attempt to hide their vampire superpowers. But how will they manage their thirst for human blood? Eating a healthy vegan diet will eliminate their need to bite people, though it’s not quite clear how avocados and lentils are satisfying replacements for blood. Still, chances to inadvertently reveal their secret identities abound, from Frankie’s parents’ awkward introductions to the death-defying gymnastics of his 3-year-old twin brothers, Thunder and Bolt. Thankfully, good-natured Frankie quickly makes friends, but not everyone is so nice. Will Frankie be able to control his super-strength and keep his identity hidden when confronted with the school bully? Readers new to chapter books will appreciate the simple sentence structure, likable protagonist, and straightforward plot but may not understand all the subtle humor and communication foibles. Digitally rendered black-and-white illustrations and lists break up the short chapters. The main characters are illustrated with gray-tinged skin, while names and images of other classmates imply racial diversity.

For kids hungry for a wholesome vampire story without the gore.