The Little Vampire

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or is struggling to find their 'tribe' after a big life change. It is particularly resonant for children who have recently moved to a new place and feel the ache of loneliness or the fear that their unique interests make them 'weird.' The story follows Tony, a young boy obsessed with vampires who moves to a remote part of Scotland. He soon discovers that his fascinations are real when he meets Rudolph, a young vampire. Their secret friendship becomes a vehicle for exploring loyalty and courage as Tony helps Rudolph's family escape a relentless hunter. While the setting is spooky, the heart of the story is about empathy and the realization that 'monsters' are often just people with different needs and histories. It is a gentle, humorous entry into the horror genre that reinforces the value of standing up for those who are misunderstood.