I'm a Little Vampire

July 28, 2014
Fry recasts the nursery rhyme “I’m a Little Teapot” to feature a vampire toddler: “I’m a little vampire, short and stout./ If I don’t get candy, I might pout.” In warm, smudgy-textured illustrations, Rescek gives the vampire bright blue eyes, a wide smile (with tiny fangs), a purple hood, and red cape. He looks the picture of innocence, but this vampire isn’t afraid to shout or scare his way to getting more sweets—an attitude that’s just mischievous enough for Halloween. Simultaneously available: The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin. Ages 2–4.

A Halloween ditty that can be sung to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot." "I'm a little vampire, / short and stout. // If I don't get candy, / I might pout." The little monster, complete with purple cowl and pointy fangs protruding from his smile, also threatens to shout at or scare anyone who doesn't proffer candy during a trick-or-treating excursion. Parents may bristle at the "gimme-gimme" attitude this junior Dracula is modeling. Some of the lines fit into the classic song well, but a couple are more than a little bit forced. Rescek's vampires and monsters are cartoon-cute, romping in sunny colors across the mostly double-page spreads. With no shortage of Halloween board books available, toddler trick-or-treaters can skip this one. (Board book. 1-3) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.