Secrets of the Vampire is a mesmerizing compendium that effortlessly blends history, folklore, and pop culture references to offer an enchanting exploration of the vampire phenomenon. Written by Julie Légère and Elsa Whyte, this book is not only a delightful read for children aged 9-14 (the target audience) but also a book that can be enjoyed by adults as well.
One of the standout features of this book is its unique narrative voice, which cleverly adopts the perspective of a vampire as the narrator. This adds an intriguing layer to the storytelling and enhances the overall immersive experience.
The illustrations in Secrets of the Vampire are amazing. They effortlessly bring the vampire world to life, enhancing the reading experience. Laura Perez, the illustrator, does a fantastic job. The book is truly a feast for the eyes, which means a lot of readers will buy it just because it's pretty on the inside. It's unfortunate, though, that the cover doesn't stand out the same way the illustrations do.
I appreciate that the book covers vampire myths from different regions, not just Europe. It also delves into the fascinating world of vampire tropes and their representation in various cultures, including their intersection with religious beliefs. Including pop culture references, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, and Dracula, adds a contemporary touch that will resonate with fans of modern vampire literature and media. However, here we come across the book's second major flaw (the first being the cover); these pop culture references are all American or European. If the authors did take the time to write this book, they could have talked about pop culture in different parts of the world and introduced readers to that.
Long story short: this is the perfect gift for all the vampire lovers you know, regardless of how old they are!