Vampire Baby

By: Kelly Bennett
Illustrated by: Paul Meisel
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: July 2013
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4691-2
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: October 16, 2013

Move over Edward Cullen because this book has the cutest vampire around.

This will be a Halloween favorite! This enticing children’s book is beyond sweet and offers a whole different take on everyone’s favorite ‘dark ones.’ Yes, this is all about a baby who has just received her first fangs...if you will. Teething is not exactly a happy process - as any mom who has dealt with the pinches that come from their beloved child will tell you. But this tale is a truly funny look at an exhausting issue.

In this story, Tootie is her big brother’s happy little sister. She’s funny; she reaches out to him with her chubby little arms for great big hugs - basically he is her idol. However, one night, as darkness falls across the land, Tootie is graced with brand new fangs and the brother no longer likes his sister all that much. After all, she’s biting everything from his catcher’s mitt to his flesh. She also can’t sleep at night; which, of course, is the time vampires are always up and prowling.

As the brother becomes a little more wary of Tootie, he comes up with an idea to ‘place’ her with just the right family who has the same interesting characteristics Tootie now has. Of course, in the end, the brother has to choose between letting his new vampire sister go and standing up for Tootie because of the pure and utter love he has for her in his heart.

This is a GREAT Trick or Treat read for the kids, especially since Halloween is just a few short weeks away. But this story also offers a two-fold plot. Teething time is exhausting for parents - so this fun-loving, happy tale provides a little respite in order to see things from Tootie’s point of view.

Quill says: The author did a hysterical job and the illustrator deserves an A+ for bringing Tootie and gang to life! Happy Halloween!