Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
Vlad wears black to fit in with his friends, but there is another reason as well. Vlad has a secret, something of which he is ashamed. “Vlad had rosy, pink cheeks! They made him look different from everyone else – so horribly alive!” He decides to use his love of fashion to design clothes to hide his pink cheeks. His clothes may be fabulous, but hiding who he truly is makes Vlad feel alone. Then Vlad learns he is not the only one with a secret. With the help of Shelley, his best friend, Vlad discovers a world of color and the confidence to be himself.
This is the third picture book in the “World of Gustavo” series. As many of us have discovered at one time or another, hiding our true selves proves both exhausting and impossible. This story has a resounding message of self-acceptance and celebrating differences. The characters are expressive and there are plenty of background details to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed finding Gustavo and Leila from previous books. This works nice as a read aloud for a spooky/autumnal theme, but honestly the message endures in any season.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in October 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Vlad the Fabulous Vampire
Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
Candlewick Press
40 pages
Release Date: September 12, 2023
ISBN: 9781536233322
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
