Frankie D, Vegan Vampire

by Sally Dutra, Tiffani Brown (Illustrator), Brian Dutra

A new early chapter book series starring a lovable vampire who's just trying to fit in. Frankie D and his family have just moved from Transylvania, looking for a fresh start. Where Frankie is from, the school day began at midnight and ended at dawn. Now in America, Frankie and his family must adjust their sleep schedule, train to be out in the sun, and strictly adhere to a vegan, zero-blood diet. Not only that, Frankie has to navigate school as the “new kid” and keep his vampire identity secret from other humans. A tall order for a deathly pale, fanged fourth-grader with a three-legged wolf as a pet! Brian and Sally Dutra's entertaining series offers a whole new take on what it means to be an outsider.

With so many playful twists on vampire tropes, a compelling plot (with a cliffhanger ending!) and loads of deadpan humor, this book is sure to have enormous appeal for early readers. Tiffani Brown's black-and-white illustrations on every spread bring just the right amount of vampire creepiness to the story, tempered by just the right amount of humor. Frankie's open nature and kindness toward others is endearing, and his difficulties trying to navigate a new life while still being true to himself will be relatable to all children. The story highlights important themes of friendship, family, dealing with bullies and adjusting to a new place. It also offers terrific character education lessons on adaptability, initiative and empathy.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Horror

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kids Can Press for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Frankie and his family left their traditional vampire ways and their village behind in Transylvania to pursue new life in America. They do their best to fit in and appear human, and the main ways to achieve that are by adopting a vegan diet and embracing daylight hours. Frankie's twin brothers aren't yet of school age, so this story follows Frankie as he navigates the fourth grade, making friends, and all that comes with adjusting to a new way of life.

While I know that as an adult I am not the intended audience, I really enjoyed reading this book. The humor was well crafted, and the overall cozy feel within the pages was incredibly heartwarming. I loved the characters and the range of personalities, quirks, and backgrounds. It's always nice to see diversity, especially in a children's book. I also really liked the way that the authors tackled bullying. Frankie teaches us to stand up for your friends (and yourself), and that kindness goes a long way. Frankie was such a wonderful character, and I found a lot of joy in his naivete and determination.

My 11-year-old daughter also really loved this book! She devoured it in one sitting, “closed” the book, and asked when the second one is coming out. We will definitely be buying a copy of Frankie D, Vegan Vampire for our home library when it comes out.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 136 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟

There are hints of the Addams Family, and I love Frankie! Too cute.

What a great way to teach kids how to deal with being different, and though it may seem unrealistic, how to deal or better understand bullies.

I can't wait for the next book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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[Pastels Passions · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but didn’t need to be a series lowkey

[Luisa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a book written for kids, but if I'm being honest, it's one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. The book tells the story of Frankie D. and his family, who just moved from Transylvania to the U.S. Frankie and his family are vegan vampires, which absolutely warms my vegan heart. Frankie learns how to navigate this new step in life while also trying to appear as a human and fit in. Frankie is such a great character. This book was just as endearing, sweet, funny and wholesome as I hoped it would be.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's fiction. We have this book classified as juvenile fiction because of the page length, about 188, but the reading level is actually around a 2nd grade reading level, making this a great choice for struggling readers. Frankie D. and his family have decided to move from Transylvania to the US. They shorten the Draculore name down to the friendly D., adopt a vegan diet, and little by little increase their sun exposure. This book takes the vampire lore and decides some of it is true for this family of vampires-- they are immortal, do have fangs, transform into bats, and sleep in coffins; but they eat a lot of garlic and just want to fit in.

Frankie makes easy friends with most of his classmates, with the exception of Eddie. He is a bit of a bully and outcast, and Frankie even wonders if he is an actual troll. But Frankie, in his determination to fit in, continues to treat Eddie with kindness. They come to a bit of an understanding near the end of the book but there is a bit of a cliffhanger on how they will interact in the next book.

This book has lots of space between lines of text, perhaps contributing to the longer page length. There are lots of black and white illustrations throughout. This story is very funny, taking familiar elements of school stories-- fitting in, bullies, cafeteria politics, and making them new again. I loved the parrot that speaks multiple languages, the dog that may or may not be a wolf, and Frankie's talent of taxidermy. Some unique characters, and a lot of fun. Would love to read more of this series.

[Tupper Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gives a perfect opportunity to teach life values without being “preachy”. Frankie D is a book about a almost-teen trying to fit into new surroundings, but not just moving to a new school but a new country. He is an outsider in every sense of the word and he has lessons to learn about his new country and the customs. Each chapter has a new lesson for Frankie to learn about how to be human since he is a vampire from Translvania. The list of his learning experiences start with his fangs, which are more prominent than most kids’ canines to a new vegan diet, meeting new neighbors, problems facing immigrants such as making new friends and blending in, explaining your twin brothers–Thunder and Bolt, to dealing with a bully and much more.

Frankie D is delightful as is his parents, Viktor but you can call him Vic and Vrakya, his mother and you can call her Vrakya. Other family members include Auntie Ethel, a multi-lingual parrot, who is very well read and tutors anyone in need of education or important facts in facing life. Each chapter begins with “How to….” and often includes bullet points to clarify the lessons learned in the chapter.

There are small nuggets of humor to make you laugh. The ending is a cliff-hanger which will entice you to get the next book that is bound to be forthcoming. I highly recommend this for the kids and the parents will enjoy it as well!

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie D is a vegan vampire. When his family has decided they are moving from Transylvania to America they must fit in. When Frankie joins a human school he is extremely open to change and meeting new friends. All of whom seem to be accepting of his differences, all but one student, Eddie. Frankie is not sure if Eddie is a troll, he acts like a troll, and even looks like a troll but he must find out. Eddie is the typical bully at school that everyone stays away from but Frankie is determined to look beyond his differences and help Eddie when he sees him struggling. When Frankie finds out Eddie’s secret he does not tell anyone, but nobody must know Frankie’s secret. What happens if Eddie finds out?
Overall rating 5/5
This is such a fantastic first chapter book for kids. It is packed with humor, overcoming bully behaviors, and understanding of differences. To teach children to look beyond their differences and to have compassion for one another in such a subtle way is enjoyable. The illustrations were spot on and made my children laugh, especially the depiction of Aldo and Auntie Ethel. Both my children (6 & 9) stated they would read an entire series of Frankie D.
*Thank you to Sally & Brian Dutra, Tiffani Brown, Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[Jessica Kluthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fast-paced, engaging early chapter book, we meet Frankie D and his memorable family, which includes a parrot Aunt (who just so happens to be an excellent reading tutor) and a three-legged pet wolf. Ready to slather on SPF 500 and committed to a plant-based lifestyle (to quell the thirst for blood), Frankie D. attends fourth grade after arriving in America from Transylvania. Of course, attending school can be extra challenging when you are a vampire attempting to disguise yourself as human.

As Frankie D and his family train themselves to be in the sun, their story of fitting in, while also being very much who you are, sheds a light on a struggle many face.

This incredibly unique book takes on important universal themes such as friendship and empathy — and does so in such a fresh way!

Things I love:
- all vampire, but none of the gore
- fast-paced with short chapters — excellent for emerging readers!
- clear chapter titles to cue reader
- punctuated by (hilarious) illustrations to engage the audience
- SEL book — developing empathy, making friends, connecting with others, adapting to new surroundings
- FUNNY!

This book will appeal to even the most reluctant reader. A story you can really sink your teeth into! 🧛🏽‍♀️

Thank you to Kids Can Press for the review copy. We absolutely adore Frankie D!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that does the standard, in just enough of a novel way to make it worth paying attention to. Normally, a story about the new kid at school, who the bully boy immediately takes a dislike to, would be cringe. A story where the new kid in school accidentally befriends the dweeb and makes a more notable kid out of him would be quite fun, but discussion about who sits with whom at lunch and so on could always drag it down. A story where all of the above happens, at exactly the time the hero is trying to fit in with the American way of life and his first time in a daytime, human school – on account of being a young vampire with freshly filed-down fangs – that's different enough.

And it's enjoyable, too. The narrative approach, at least in the chapter titles, of making it like a self-help guide to fitting in amongst humans when a vampire, is a further credit. Yes, too much is made of the pun involved in the bully being thought a troll – both the derogatory presence and the, well, sub-bridge-dweller – but that's about the only thing nudging this towards being unsubtle. It proves to be a series starter of some decent distinction. I'm not convinced by all of it – the polyglot parrot with about five words in about four languages so far – but I think the piece will do well.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a vampire family decides to become vegan, move across the world, and live under the sun instead of the moon? Frankie D and his family are about to find out! This new early chapter book is the first in a series starring the adorable relatives of Count Dracula. Frankie D, his two younger twin brothers, his mother and his father move from Transylvania to start fresh in America. They must adhere to a strictly no-blood diet and adjust their sleeping to be at night like the humans around them. The fourth-grade Frankie D must learn to keep his vampire identity secrete and still make human friends.

My child loved the black and white illustrations that are just creepy enough to be delightful. The story is the perfect mix of humor and open kindness towards others, who may be very different than what they first appear like. My child also really liked how honest Frankie D was about his feelings, and as a second grader he is dealing with a lot of his own emotions. This story shows early readers the importance of friendship, family and handling bullies with adaptability and empathy. Everyone has their secretes. Will Frankie D get to keep his?

I will most definitely be buying this once it is published, and look forward to the next in the series.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie and his family have moved to America where the sun shines and he has the opportunity to attend fourth grade with human children. “Frankie D, Vegan Vampire” is all about trying to fit in while staying true to yourself and your values. Sally and Brian Dutra do an excellent job of building Frankie’s awkward, yet sincere personality as he learns to navigate the human world without giving away his true identity.

This story really is a delight. There is, of course, a nemesis (is he a troll or just a truculent human child?). Frankie’s earnestness earns him friends with kids who often see themselves as being on the outside. This story is also about different kinds of families and how kids feel about their families. It can be heavy, but also uplifting.

This book is great for kids who feel different or maybe view their family as eccentric. Even though Frankie is a vampire, there is no vampire type violence or threat of violence (after all, Frankie and his family have given up the traditional vampire diet to eat a vegan diet).

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Kids Can Press for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[M]

A sweet, very funny story about making friends across (some) differences and trying to fit in. The illustrations were lovely as well, visually complementing the book with a dark, charming Addams family-type atmosphere.

However, it didn’t really get what I came to the book for - having “vegan” in the title I would have at least hoped for some development of this idea. The book only considers veganism as a plant based diet and, while the parrot & wolf of the vampire family are just as important as the vampires, generally themes regarding veganism (as a philosophy against animal exploitation) are not explored at all, which is a great pity. Besides this missing - essential - concept, the book is adorable and I actually laughed out loud a few times.

Ps. Maybe another hit and miss were the references of Transylvania, which were not explored either. Also, it was somehow implied that it is always night there?! I mean here - we do have the sun in Romania. But oh well, it is a short book and it might improve in the next installments!

Thanks to NetGalley & Kids Can Press for the E-arc!

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun little adventure. We get to follow Frankie and his family as they adjust to a new home. They are from Transylvania moving to America and now have to adjust to new lives including new schedules and new ways of everyday, and every night, life. On top of all the new and new school Frankie and his family have to hide the fact they are vampires. Yep, you heard that right. I loved this story. It was so creative and fun. It is a chapter book but with the illustrations and easy to follow story it was perfect for us to read with our 4 year old daily. He would get too excited to find out what happens next. What we love is how the story shows that we all face new challenges and how friends and family can help us through. Every character in the story is unique and really makes for a fun adventure. The adorable humor really adds to the story and is what we loved. I don’t want to give it away, your family needs to read this one together. Enjoy this fun adventure.

[Kamila Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all a big thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read and write an honest review about the book.

Frankie D is a little vampire boy. He and his parents, two younger twin brothers and Auntie (parrot) move to America from Transylvania. They have to adjust to their new lifestyle, change their diet to veganism and learn to live during the day time. Frankie goes to a regular school and makes friends with humans in his class.

The whole book is super cute and funny. It’s about a child’s discovery of how to make friends and deal with everyday things a child would encounter moving to a new place and going to a new school (with a twist of course). I adore this book and think it is perfect for all the small children out there.

Once it gets published I will definitely buy it for my two little ones to read to. I cannot wait for the next books in the series.

[Joana Flauzino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book.
The family and their different personalities make the book, and their problems adapting to the human world make it something we can all relate to a little.
It was an easy and fun read, full of adventures, which made the book super interesting.

It's quite good for reading a few chapters at night to children, or for them to start reading themselves because they are small chapters accompanied by illustrations, that are fantastic and give the essence to the characters and their daily lives, and this will give them some motivation.

A huge thanks for the ARC of the book to
the authors Sally Dutra and Brian Dutra
the illustrator Tiffani Brown
the publisher Kids Can Press
and to Netgalley

[Harley Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and Sally Dutra, Brian Dutra, and Tiffani Brown for allowing me to read and review this book.

This book is about learning to make friends, handle bullying, fitting in, and moving schools. From the outlook of a child vegan vampire, you get to learn how to do all of these things from an outsider learning about humans for the first time.

I believe this book will be extremely helpful for any child that is struggling with bullies or making friends. It would also be helpful for any child that has recently changed schools or is about to.

It is such a sweet and funny book that has pictures throughout. I loved this book and will definitely be reading it to my future children.

[NrsKelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute way to bring up the topic of how kids can struggle to fit in. Being the new kid in school is hard! Sometimes even just changing grades in school can be difficult for children who may be different in some way. Frankie and his vampire family move to a new town in order to experience human life. Frankie gets to experience many new things like school, going to the beach, and making friends.
Perfect for the older elementary age child who may struggle with fitting in or who is concerned about moving into middle school
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie D, Vegan Vampire
by S. B. Dutra
Frankie D, not only looks at differences in perception, but also ways that children can see the good in people. The Book is more lighthearted then its subject mater. With many comical and interesting descriptions that will help children connect to the text. The book also shows how to make friends, help friends, and even face bullies.
This is a good resource for school libraries allowing discussions in problem solving, understanding perceptions, and immigration.

[shey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow Frankie D through his life as a vegan, yes vegan vampire. As you can imagine this story isn't as dark and deary as some vamp tales but it does deal with some pretty scary things that kids go through. Such as moving to a new home, starting a new school, changing their diets. Change is scary, but change can also be good! My 9 year old thoroughly enjoyed following Frankie from Transylvania to America. He laughed at the wit. He awh'ed at the fun illustrations. He read the whole thing. And for that. I'm calling this win!

[Liefs een lezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice story! Very amusing, I enjoyed it and think kids will like this as well!
I really liked it how Frankie and his family are trying to find their way in the human world as vegan vampires. But things aren't always easy.

Aunt Ethel, a multi langues speaking parrot, is briljant!

The drawings and use of color for me is perfect. It has that vampire-vibe.

And let's talk about the end, without spoiling anything, did anyone expected this to happen? Well I didn't! I thought it would be a round story, but I like the idea of other books about Vegan Vampire Frankie D!

[Sabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie D, Vegan Vampire is about a young vampire who moves from Transylvania to America with his family. It details Frankie’s journey as he attempts to appear human while going to school and meeting new friends.

This was a really fun book to read with my two young kids. The short chapters made it fast to read and a great early reader book. There are pictures every few pages as well, which assisted in picturing the unusual family.

We very much enjoyed this story and are excited for additional books to be released in this series!

[Clayton Cheever · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fourth grader navigates a new school and new culture. Clueless parents with good intentions, younger siblings with lots of energy, and an african gray parot named aunt ethel round out the home front while Frankie meets new friends and figures out how to manage and understand a bully. A cute tail, but i was drawn by the juxtaposition of vegans and vampires and i think it fell down on that front. Some of the vampire stuff was fun - and being vegan makes this safe for young readers for sure, but there's so much more potential.... I'm not the target audience, for sure.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie and his family have moved to America to live as vegan vampires, where he attends a human school while keeping his true nature a secret so not to scare anyone away - but when he finds himself the victim of a bully, he worries it may take some sharp fangs to keep the peace. Dutra, Brown and Dutra bring young readers a cozy tale with supernatural sprinklings, its cutesy illustrations and easy, charming cast sure to lift children's spirits. Will Frankie find a way to fit in amongst the humans?

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone fairly new to veganism and a lover of children's books, Frankie D. Vegan Vampire immediately caught my attention and I requested a review copy from NetGalley. Unfortunately, the focus isn't on Frankie and his family becoming vegan so much as it is on being different, adapting to a new environment, and trying to fit in. The overall themes of finding friends and trying to deal with bullies positively are good, but I didn't like that Frankie never told his friends who he was, and keeping part of yourself a secret seems to defeat the purpose of this book. It also ended on a cliffhanger which I didn't care for.

Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kids Can Press for allowing me to read and review on NetGalley.

This was such a cute book! The character of Frankie exploring a new world while slowly coming to terms with living with the humans is a great way to help kids who may be starting a new school or moving to a new area.

My six year old son loved this book and has added it the list of books he wants in his Halloween basket.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a new series, this elementary chapter book features Frank D. and his family of vampires who have moved from Transylvania and only want to live in a human community. Frank has to navigate lots of changes – being awake during the day, being in the sun, not drinking blood, and going to a new school. Can he be true to himself while making new friends and dealing with a bully? Kids will eat, er, drink this up!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read for mid-elementary level students. Frankie and his family have left Transylvania and moved to the United States as his parents want them to learn about life during the day. There are definite Addams Family vibes as they adjust. Under the fun, Dutra tackles some seriou topics - immigration, divorce, bullying, changing lifestyles.
The humorous tone comes through as fourth grade Frankie navigates school and friendships and family missteps.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no! I was loving this story so much. Frankie is a vegan vampire who is trying so hard to fit in at his new school, and he has the most charming interactions with his new friends. But the book ends on a cliffhanger! I need the next one!!
Thanks to NetGalley fore letting me read this fantastic story

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A middle-grade reader that I think any kid convinced their family is "weird" could relate to - especially if they are recent immigrants and/or if the family pursues a non-mainstream diet, such as we see here with this family of vegans from Transylvania.

[Lisa Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy of Frankie D, Vegan Vampire. As a teacher, I’m always on the hunt for books that will not only keep my students attention, but has lessons intertwined that they can relate to. Frankie is a vampire from Transylvania, who doesn’t quite fit into the “typical” mold of a fourth grade boy. This novel tackles topics of feeling different, tolerance, kindness, and self-acceptance to name just a few. I absolutely loved the illustrations, and am looking forward to sharing this novel with my class!