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Bob the Vampire Snail
In this hilarious and heartwarming picture book, join Bob the vampire snail as he embraces his unique love of tomatoes, discovers new and peculiar sleeping talents, and forms an unexpected friendship.
Bob was just a regular snail, that is until one fateful night that caused him to become a…vampire!?
Did you know all snails are named Bob? It's a fact! And this is the story of one of those Bobs and the night his life changed forever. First, he heard a SCREAM... then a C-R-A-C-K... and then he felt a drip, drip, drip... and then, poof! He was a vampire snail.
Fangs? Check. No reflection? Check. Wings? You bet. And so Bob, now very different from all the other Bobs, sets out to live life as a vampire snail, discovering his knack for sleeping upside down and his taste for tomatoes. He's alone in his vampire-ness, until one day Bob meets someone very similar....
Hilarious and heartwarming, this is a story about individuality, friendship, and tomatoes, as only beloved creator Andrea Zuill can tell it.
Bob was just a regular snail, that is until one fateful night that caused him to become a…vampire!?
Did you know all snails are named Bob? It's a fact! And this is the story of one of those Bobs and the night his life changed forever. First, he heard a SCREAM... then a C-R-A-C-K... and then he felt a drip, drip, drip... and then, poof! He was a vampire snail.
Fangs? Check. No reflection? Check. Wings? You bet. And so Bob, now very different from all the other Bobs, sets out to live life as a vampire snail, discovering his knack for sleeping upside down and his taste for tomatoes. He's alone in his vampire-ness, until one day Bob meets someone very similar....
Hilarious and heartwarming, this is a story about individuality, friendship, and tomatoes, as only beloved creator Andrea Zuill can tell it.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published August 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 8, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever loved a snail as much as I loved Bob! The world needs more Bob!
October 25, 2025
Loved Bob! I'm slightly outside the intended demographic but Bob speaks to all ages. If only Bram Stoker had thought of snails… The commentator, a little bug, was also very enjoyable (and informative). Highly recommend for the intended age group and everybody else.
August 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! So much fun! The illustrations are adorable and fun, the story is so silly and funny. Moral of the story, even when you feel you are the odd man out, you can always find your tribe. Great for a fun read aloud, during Halloween or any time.
October 21, 2025
Hi, I'm Bob, Linda is my worm and I love her forever.
Great and fun book Andrea Zuill.
Great and fun book Andrea Zuill.
November 21, 2025
Andrea Zuill's Bob the Vampire Snail was an odd read to say the least. I have been trying to formulate a proper review, but words have been failing to describe what I have read. On the one hand, it was creative and it had a lot of potential. Yet, on the other hand, it wasn't as captivating as it seemed like it was going to be.
What was done well?
The artwork was fun, and there was enough left to imagination that I can see little ones liking this story. It explores themes I can see being useful in the classroom too, specifically the idea of not judging people because they are different.
Another piece that was done well was what Bob "craved" now as a vampire snail. It is shown in the story with a bit of humor, which was one of the few shining moments of the story.
What could have been done better?
The way this was written made it hard for me to stay interested in the story. While I appreciate the random facts about snails that was sprinkled throughout the book, it took away from the story overall. There were also some strange choices made as Bob navigated becoming a vampire, and this made the story less favorable.
I can still see kids enjoying this book, especially if they like bugs and snails, but it felt like it was missing something to make it a truly unforgettable story. It's disappointing because I really wanted to love this story, but at the end of the day I am only meh about it.
What was done well?
The artwork was fun, and there was enough left to imagination that I can see little ones liking this story. It explores themes I can see being useful in the classroom too, specifically the idea of not judging people because they are different.
Another piece that was done well was what Bob "craved" now as a vampire snail. It is shown in the story with a bit of humor, which was one of the few shining moments of the story.
What could have been done better?
The way this was written made it hard for me to stay interested in the story. While I appreciate the random facts about snails that was sprinkled throughout the book, it took away from the story overall. There were also some strange choices made as Bob navigated becoming a vampire, and this made the story less favorable.
I can still see kids enjoying this book, especially if they like bugs and snails, but it felt like it was missing something to make it a truly unforgettable story. It's disappointing because I really wanted to love this story, but at the end of the day I am only meh about it.
August 6, 2025
Bob is an ordinary snail until one night he mysteriously turns into a vampire. There are lots of changes. He grows fangs and wings. He no longer has a reflection. He enjoys saying, “Bwahahahahahaha…!” And boy, is he hungry. The problem is, all of his favorite foods now taste horrible. What’s a snail to do?
This is a hilarious book for any kids who are fascinated with the macabre, but are too young for actual horror. There’s a small beetle who gives commentary, providing the reader with comments and interesting facts about snail and vampires. Some of the information they impart is factual and some is quasi-factual, such as, “There are…snails that eat the waste of both plants and creatures. I don’t know of any snails that eat tacos, which is very sad if you think about it.” The solution to Bob’s problem of what to eat is genius. Zuill’s artwork, drawn in ink with Photoshop coloring, is bold and vivid, with lots of comically oversized eyeballs. She incorporates speech bubbles and lots of onomatopoeia in dramatic speech clouds. The front endpapers show Bob as a regular old snail, doing snail things, while the back endpapers depict him doing vampire activities with his new friend. The text is much denser than typical picture books, making this book a perfect one to read to elementary school and even middle grade classes.
This is a hilarious book for any kids who are fascinated with the macabre, but are too young for actual horror. There’s a small beetle who gives commentary, providing the reader with comments and interesting facts about snail and vampires. Some of the information they impart is factual and some is quasi-factual, such as, “There are…snails that eat the waste of both plants and creatures. I don’t know of any snails that eat tacos, which is very sad if you think about it.” The solution to Bob’s problem of what to eat is genius. Zuill’s artwork, drawn in ink with Photoshop coloring, is bold and vivid, with lots of comically oversized eyeballs. She incorporates speech bubbles and lots of onomatopoeia in dramatic speech clouds. The front endpapers show Bob as a regular old snail, doing snail things, while the back endpapers depict him doing vampire activities with his new friend. The text is much denser than typical picture books, making this book a perfect one to read to elementary school and even middle grade classes.
August 7, 2025
Bob the snail (all snails are named Bob) is just minding his own business when suddenly there is a scream, stomp, crack, drip and POOF! Bob feels strange and it turns out he has small wings, fangs and no reflection. He can’t eat the things he used to love, so he tries a bunch of other things, including eating the other Bobs. But nothing satisfies until he discovers the joy of using his fangs on a juicy tomato. He finds that he has other powers too, including hypnotizing other animals to get him more tomatoes. The other Bobs don’t want anything to do with him, especially since he tried to eat them, but Bob isn’t deterred and soon meets another creature who loves tomatoes too.
Ideal for those looking for a Halloween read that isn’t scary at all but also has plenty of action to keep little ones’ attention, this picture book is also hilarious. A small bug offers side commentary about vampires and what is happening to Bob as he transforms. This lets young children who may not understand all of the vampire lore into the jokes as they happen and is very cleverly done. The illustrations are great fun with Bob offering more emotions than might be expected from a snail thanks to his expressive eye stalks. The transformation is particularly effective visually and adds to the fun.
A great Halloween read aloud with lots of laughter. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Ideal for those looking for a Halloween read that isn’t scary at all but also has plenty of action to keep little ones’ attention, this picture book is also hilarious. A small bug offers side commentary about vampires and what is happening to Bob as he transforms. This lets young children who may not understand all of the vampire lore into the jokes as they happen and is very cleverly done. The illustrations are great fun with Bob offering more emotions than might be expected from a snail thanks to his expressive eye stalks. The transformation is particularly effective visually and adds to the fun.
A great Halloween read aloud with lots of laughter. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
October 9, 2025
Bob the Vampire Snail is a charming, offbeat picture book that blends factual tidbits, laugh-out-loud humor, and a surprising amount of heart. Andrea Zuill delivers a story that celebrates individuality with a quirky sensibility that will appeal to both children and the adults reading with them.
From the moment I saw the cover, I was smitten. While I didn’t get my hands on the ARC, the finished book was worth every moment of anticipation. Zuill manages to take a delightfully absurd premise—what if a snail became a vampire?—and turn it into something surprisingly poignant. The balance of humor and emotion is what truly makes this book shine.
There are plenty of lighthearted moments, from Bob discovering his taste for tomatoes to his newfound talent for sleeping upside down. But beneath the jokes is a story about loneliness, identity, and finding someone who understands you. Sprinkled throughout are real facts about snails, cleverly woven into the narrative in a way that feels organic rather than instructional.
The illustrations add so much personality—Bob’s expressions alone are worth the price of admission—and every page is full of quiet visual humor that rewards repeat readings.
Bob the Vampire Snail is weird, witty, and unexpectedly touching. A perfect pick for storytime, spooky season, or any child (or grown-up) who loves their picture books with a little bite.
From the moment I saw the cover, I was smitten. While I didn’t get my hands on the ARC, the finished book was worth every moment of anticipation. Zuill manages to take a delightfully absurd premise—what if a snail became a vampire?—and turn it into something surprisingly poignant. The balance of humor and emotion is what truly makes this book shine.
There are plenty of lighthearted moments, from Bob discovering his taste for tomatoes to his newfound talent for sleeping upside down. But beneath the jokes is a story about loneliness, identity, and finding someone who understands you. Sprinkled throughout are real facts about snails, cleverly woven into the narrative in a way that feels organic rather than instructional.
The illustrations add so much personality—Bob’s expressions alone are worth the price of admission—and every page is full of quiet visual humor that rewards repeat readings.
Bob the Vampire Snail is weird, witty, and unexpectedly touching. A perfect pick for storytime, spooky season, or any child (or grown-up) who loves their picture books with a little bite.
September 11, 2025
First sentence: Slam! Thud! Crash! Bob heard a terrifying...scream! Then a stomp, stomp, stomp of running feet. Next came an uncomfortable...crack of a shell. Then finally a powerful...poof! An icky drip.
Premise/plot: Bob the snail is about to become Bob the VAMPIRE snail. He didn't ask for the change, nor did he welcome it. But what's a vampire snail to do?! Learn how to do vampire-y things, of course. So what will Bob drink? The "blood" of tomatoes. Still, it's a lonely life for Bob....or is it?!
My thoughts: This book is weird, strange, odd, quirky, different. The darkness is outweighed by the silliness, for the most part. Reading is subjective. There were things I enjoyed about the story. There are speech bubbles with VAMPIRE facts and SNAIL facts. The premise itself is intriguing. The title alone makes one curious to read it. For me, I didn't quite like it like I'd hoped. I do think it has appeal for the right reader(s).
Premise/plot: Bob the snail is about to become Bob the VAMPIRE snail. He didn't ask for the change, nor did he welcome it. But what's a vampire snail to do?! Learn how to do vampire-y things, of course. So what will Bob drink? The "blood" of tomatoes. Still, it's a lonely life for Bob....or is it?!
My thoughts: This book is weird, strange, odd, quirky, different. The darkness is outweighed by the silliness, for the most part. Reading is subjective. There were things I enjoyed about the story. There are speech bubbles with VAMPIRE facts and SNAIL facts. The premise itself is intriguing. The title alone makes one curious to read it. For me, I didn't quite like it like I'd hoped. I do think it has appeal for the right reader(s).
August 1, 2025
This picture book will delight the youngsters in your life who prefer their stories with a little bit of bite and gentle sarcasm. While it might seem absurd for a snail to turn into a vampire, that's exactly what happens here. It's not clear exactly how, but Bob is infected, and his life changes immediately. Suddenly, the foods he enjoyed weren't tasty, and he had strange new feelings. But as he quickly discovers, being a vampire has plenty of advantages, including meeting new friends. Created with ink and Photoshop, the illustrations pop with color and action--well, as much action as a vampire snail can manage. All in all, this clever romp of a story offers readers plenty of fun in which to sink their teeth.
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September 21, 2025
Did you know all snails are named Bob? Me either, but in Bob the Vampire Snail's world all snails are named Bob. One day, he heard a snap, crack and drip; then Bob became the Vampire Snail. On a quest to find food Bob finds a lot of icky and frustrating things along the way before befriending a vampire worm. There are random snail and vampire facts along the way and the illustrations are well done throughout the book. This book will appeal to children who like creepy things mixed in with silliness.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
October 25, 2025
This is one of the most adorable vampire books I have ever read!!! (Most adorable is Bunnicula by James Howe but this is close!) Loved the little bug's notes about snails and vampires and owls and... Also really really loved the fact that Bob found a friend at the end who shared his love for .... juice (not going to give any spoilers!). My son has said since 2009, when he first met some escaped escargot in Monterey Bay, that those snails had informed him that all snails are named Bob so it's so nice to find someone else who has also come to this realization!! Great book!!! I would love to read more about Bob and his new friend the Worm!
August 16, 2025
This is a funny book about a snail named Bob as are other snails similarly named. Bob is an ordinary snail and acts like other snails until something happens to him and he grows wings and fangs. Now being different, he has to find new foods to eat with fangs and how to move with wings. And he develops a desire to eat tomatoes. But things have changed and old ways and friends are uncomfortable with him and he finds a new friend and new habits. FUNNY and tongue in cheek humor.
November 19, 2025
I love this book. Just looking at the goofy cover starts me laughing. It is true that the last couple weeks were grindingly stressful, and that I needed some relief. Who knew that it would be Bob the vampire snail?
From the delightful endpapers, to the not so fun-loving editorial bug, to the image of Bob and his new worm buddy zooming along together, cackling vampirishly, this was just perfect.
From the delightful endpapers, to the not so fun-loving editorial bug, to the image of Bob and his new worm buddy zooming along together, cackling vampirishly, this was just perfect.
July 23, 2025
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
This cute little book is all about self-acceptance and snails! Bob is very cute and I love the little beetle in the background giving us information about snails and vampires. And Bob is the cutest snail I have ever seen. A sweet book for Halloween and learning a little bit about snails and loving yourself.
This cute little book is all about self-acceptance and snails! Bob is very cute and I love the little beetle in the background giving us information about snails and vampires. And Bob is the cutest snail I have ever seen. A sweet book for Halloween and learning a little bit about snails and loving yourself.
October 9, 2025
Cute book, and good for a couple giggles. I didn’t understand all the effort to explain that all snails are named Bob because that really had nothing to do with the story. Also, the bug with the nonfiction callouts was distracting, even though he was funny at times. I think he should just have his own book and not be in this one.
October 21, 2025
Was entertaining and goes with Halloween. There was a little beetle on the bottom of most pages giving facts on both vampires and snails. The author also provides their thoughts on a the pages. Would be fun for a lesson about writing a story and adding in real facts that students researched on their own which would be a lesson for older elementary students.
November 27, 2025
The cartoony aspect of the art is pretty good but the coloring is weak and the story is kind of terrible. It's going for silly but it's just kind of random, the pacing and narration is clunky.
A snail somehow becomes a vampire (the details are explicitly glossed over) and it takes time for him to figure out exactly what he's hungry for. The little bug giving footnotes doesn't add anything.
A snail somehow becomes a vampire (the details are explicitly glossed over) and it takes time for him to figure out exactly what he's hungry for. The little bug giving footnotes doesn't add anything.
August 26, 2025
I could be biased, since my son wants to name everything and person, Bob. But the vampire element really adds to the enjoyment of titles with little bits of true facts about snails. A well made children's book.
August 26, 2025
Halloween ST or scary ST. A silly book with a vampire snail who can fly, eats tomatos and sleeps upside down. Has real facts about snails as well, narrated by a fly..I think it's a fly. Older kids will like this one. Not really scary but does give "facts" or common lore about vampires too.
August 27, 2025
Hilarious! Zuill gifts readers with another off-the-wall character and slightly weird picture book - exactly what we need in these times!
Bob is not like any other snail and he is hungry! Fear not, the solution will make everyone smile!
Bob is not like any other snail and he is hungry! Fear not, the solution will make everyone smile!
October 15, 2025
This book is greatness! Hilarious, the right amount of weird to catch your attention and keep you hooked, fantastic illustrations, and a snarky little bug narrator who is perfectly snobbish and put out by the fictions being shared in this fiction book! I loved it and can’t wait to share this book!
October 28, 2025
Loved this one super lucked out with this library book find it was brand spanking new just got in that day anyways this was so cute I loved the little tidbits on every page for young readers who may not know vampire legends in example vampires can’t be in the sun and vampires can hypnotize others
December 15, 2025
What a bizarre, funny read. I loved that all the snails were named Bob, as well as vampire Bob's quest for belonging and sustanance. This could be a fun Halloween read as it's not too scary, but thematically works with the season.
July 31, 2025
5 stars for the humor...which made me laugh out loud multiple times!
August 21, 2025
Hilarious book with eye popping illustrations and plenty of laughs! Fun for all ages!
August 22, 2025
Very cute! I enjoyed this one a lot.
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August 22, 2025This was so much fun to read. A cute spooky book kids would enjoy. I did as an adult giggled threw each page. What a great concept Andrea Zuill wrote. Get ready to giggle
August 24, 2025
This book is a great addition to your Halloween collection and my favorite part has to be the little bug education the reader about vampires.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews