Vlad the Drac

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the responsibilities of caring for others or struggling with a 'high-maintenance' presence in the family, like a demanding new pet or sibling. It is a humorous and heart-centered story about Paul and Judy, who discover a tiny, vegetarian vampire named Vlad during a trip to Romania and decide to smuggle him home to England. While the concept sounds spooky, the story is actually a charming exploration of empathy and belonging. Vlad is fussy and eccentric, but through the chaos of hiding him and meeting his specific needs, the siblings learn to prioritize the comfort of someone smaller and more vulnerable than themselves. It is a perfect lighthearted choice for children aged 7 to 10 who enjoy fish out of water comedies with a touch of the supernatural.