Vlad the Drac

Vlad the Drac #1

by Ann Jungman

When the Stone family heads off on an Easter holiday to Romania, siblings Judy and Paul expect their vacation to be a real drag. Fortunately, they meet Vlad the Drac along the way, a pint-sized vampire who makes his home beneath a stone near Count Dracula's castle. A strict vegetarian with dreams of starring in horror films, Vlad charms the Stone children, who decide to smuggle him back to London. But once there, the seemingly innocent Vlad quickly becomes bored, and though he doesn't like meat, mischief is in his blood.

Genres: Childrens, Vampires, Comedy, Fiction, Fantasy

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Ann Jungman was born in London, of German Jewish refugees. She grew up in North London, had a very ordinary childhood and there were certainly no signs of interest in, or particular ability at, writing. After studying law at Exeter University, she read for the Bar at Gray’s Inn. To get some money while studying Ann did some supply teaching. This seemed much more fun and challenging than law, so she decided to train to become a primary school teacher. She says the best bit about this was reading books to children.

Ann began to invent her own stories; the children liked them and she was encouraged enough to write them down. After some years she got one published, ‘Fang the Fiery Dragon’. When a friend invited her to go on a weeks holiday to Romania she found herself in Vampire Land - Transylvania - and there ‘Vlad the Drac’ was born. Vlad has been a huge success and in all six books have been written, translated into many languages, and broadcast on radio and television.

Ann has also written about wolves, witches, trolls, dragons and Frank N Stein’s Monster. “Monsters are fun!” she says, “You can do what you like with them, reality doesn’t have to be taken into account. Anyway, all my monsters turn out to be nice really.” Ann’s books range from picture books to full length novels and cover an age range of three to thirteen. Recent books include the much praised ‘The Most Magnificent Mosque’, and a trilogy about World War II, ‘Resistance’, ‘Betrayal’ and ‘Siege’. Ann is currently writing a novel about the Australian Gold Rush, as well as running her publishing company Barn Owl Books. Barn Owl Books is an independent publishing company that re-releases out-of-print children's books, publishing 8 books a year.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nostalgic childhood reread!

[Corbyal Ashclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no funnier book series for children, guaranteed. You have to listen to the audio version with the Transylvanian accent as well, its brilliant for long car journeys. Vlad is one of the most imaginative characters I have read. Your kids will quote this book till they are in their thirties. They will phone each other just so they can do quotes in the accent. Judy and Paul find a cute little vampire with a massive ego. He is mischievous and manipulative and just really silly, and eats totally outrageous things. Brilliant!!! Oh and he plays football with a pea!!!!

[♥ Ashleigh ♥ Contrary to popular belief I'm not actually mad! · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this book when i was younger, about 10

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst bored on holiday in Romania, Paul and Judy happen to find a pint-sized vampire. Horrified that their parents would spot Vlad, they stow him away although he is already proving to be more than a handful. Vlad though is different to his ancestors. Instead of wanting to suck blood, he has a real penchant for soap and washing-up liquid. Anyone who says he likes vegetables (including the subheading on the book) clearly hasn't read it!
This book is fine for a beginner reader and whilst Vlad might irk the older reader, I suspect the younger would find his cheeky antics and behaviour wholly appealing for he is doing things that they would only dream of. First published in 1982 - and you can tell.

[Beth Monk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this when k was younger and loving it but alas I have got older, though I found it entertaining I didn't get as much enjoyment from it as before.

[Jacqueline Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourtie book as a child :-)

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun take on vampire stories. I love it as a child.

[Julie-Anne Borgias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Very funny, kept the family amused on long car journey.

[Jo Beale]

1982 - Dan? The vegetarian vampire :-)

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read! 🦇

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but I expected a lot more based on the description. Sigh.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of friendship which is full of humour. Paul and Judy are not enjoying their holiday to Romania until they find a baby vampire and bring him back to England. Vlad the Drac has a phobia of blood and therefore isn’t a very good vampire. He becomes good friends with Paul and Judy but often gets in trouble while they try and keep him a secret!

This chapter book would be a great read for year 3 or 4 child depending on ability but would also make a fun class read for year 2 / 3 as the story is simple yet effective. It would work well in PHSE as it explores family life and friendship, cross curricular links could be made with Geography, Literacy and Science.

[Kieran Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend you read this one if you have not already, Vlad the Drac is the all time favourite from my childhood.

I enjoyed listening to this one being read aloud in primary school I ended up buying a copy myself, well not my money shh, but yes! Go read all about little Vlad! You will not be disapointed I assure you now.

[Aust* · Rating 4 out of 5]

" 'I'm a baby vampire," said the little thing indignantly. "I'd thought you'd know that.' "

-----
OHHHHHH so adorable ><~*
A vegetarian vampire that sucks on soap :D


(Just one thing--the book needs more careful copy editing.)

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when I was about 10, and loved it.

[Melody Neely]

Charlie