I’m a Zcary Vampire

In a yellow dress and a loafer-and-socks combo, a pale, redheaded girl with pigtails walks down the purple cobblestone streets of Transylvania. Suddenly accosted by a “BIG SHADOWY SHADOW!” she meets “a very tiny little vampire” with a very big problem: he’s going to fail his vampire test and, somewhat inexplicably, be sent to “banana peeler zchool” if he doesn’t “give zomeone zee zcare of zeir livez.” Taking charge, the girl decides to lend him a hand. Childlike digital illustrations evoke scribbly, chalk-textured art in fanciful colors: the little vampire has mint-hued hair and pink-outlined eyes. Those hoping the book will address how the little vampire is laughed at will be disappointed, but readers with a penchant for quirky underdog tales may enjoy. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)