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Vlad the World's Worst Vampire #2
Fang-tastic Friends
Vlad is the youngest member of the Impaler family, the bravest vampires that ever lived. But Vlad isn’t very brave at all. He’s even a little bit scared of the dark!
Vlad’s parents are off to Transylvania and they’re leaving Vlad at Misery Manor under the watchful (short-sighted) eye of Grandpa Gory. Vlad is delighted – he’ll be able to sneak off to human school much more easily now! But there’s a catch – Vlad’s parents have set him a whole list of vampire challenges to complete before their return – if he can’t impress them, there’ll be trouble!
A gentle and funny story of a little vampire who wishes he was human – this is DIARY OF A WIMPY KID meets Hotel Transylvania.
Vlad’s parents are off to Transylvania and they’re leaving Vlad at Misery Manor under the watchful (short-sighted) eye of Grandpa Gory. Vlad is delighted – he’ll be able to sneak off to human school much more easily now! But there’s a catch – Vlad’s parents have set him a whole list of vampire challenges to complete before their return – if he can’t impress them, there’ll be trouble!
A gentle and funny story of a little vampire who wishes he was human – this is DIARY OF A WIMPY KID meets Hotel Transylvania.
- GenresChildrens
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 8, 2018
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Anna Wilson
88 books29 followersAnna Wilson lives in Bradford on Avon with her husband, two children, two cats, some chickens, some ducks, a tortoise and a dog. She is the author of The Puppy Plan, Pup Idol, Puppy Power, Puppy Party, The Kitten Hunt, Kitten Wars,Kitten Catastrophe, Monkey Business, Monkey Madness, I'm a Chicken, Get Me Out of Here!, the Pooch Parlour series, The Great Kitten Cake Off and The Mortifying Life of Skye Green series - all for Macmillan Children's Books " " " "She has also written Summer's Shadow for older readers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 29, 2020
The illustrations by Kathryn Durst makes this story so enjoyable to read. Filled with bats, spiders and a good old Halloween vibe. This time around Vlad has to conquer two of his deepest fears, learning to fly in the dark and collecting one hundred different types of spiders. And if that wasn't hard enough, he also has to master his mind-control skills. But having Minxie as his new best friend makes it all worth it and somehow together they find a way to make things happen.
I really liked Vlad's Grandpa in this one, and how Grandpa Gory and Mulch were on to his sneaking out of the house. They were sweet in sharing hot chocolate with him and didn't even mind when Vlad snuck Minxie into the Manor. I do have to say the tiny thing that makes me like this one a little less is the bully Boz and how Vlad kind of gets even with him after Boz bullies him first. Bullying should never be tolerated, which their teacher never does, but Vlad then retaliates. While I know it's realistic to want to get even with someone who embarrases you, I would have personally loved for Vlad and Boz to have resolved things in a different way. Vlad does realize his actions may cause Boz to dislike him even more, and in a lot of ways he also seems to feel bad, I guess I just hoped that somehow he would apologize for dropping spiders on Boz's head. Hopefully, in a future book they can patch things up and like Minxie, Boz can be okay with Vlad being a vampire and maybe they can be friends too. **Thank you to Kane Miller Publishing for the review copy.**
I really liked Vlad's Grandpa in this one, and how Grandpa Gory and Mulch were on to his sneaking out of the house. They were sweet in sharing hot chocolate with him and didn't even mind when Vlad snuck Minxie into the Manor. I do have to say the tiny thing that makes me like this one a little less is the bully Boz and how Vlad kind of gets even with him after Boz bullies him first. Bullying should never be tolerated, which their teacher never does, but Vlad then retaliates. While I know it's realistic to want to get even with someone who embarrases you, I would have personally loved for Vlad and Boz to have resolved things in a different way. Vlad does realize his actions may cause Boz to dislike him even more, and in a lot of ways he also seems to feel bad, I guess I just hoped that somehow he would apologize for dropping spiders on Boz's head. Hopefully, in a future book they can patch things up and like Minxie, Boz can be okay with Vlad being a vampire and maybe they can be friends too. **Thank you to Kane Miller Publishing for the review copy.**
October 14, 2020
A super cute read -- perfect for October and Halloween!
May 13, 2018
Book – Fang-tastic Friends (Vlad the World's Worst Vampire #2)
Author – Anna Wilson, Kathryn Durst
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 160
Cover – Perfect!
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – Children's, Vampire, Comic, Illustrated
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
While this was a great adventure for Vlad, and I love that it picked right up from the previous story, I did have some issues with it. The good stuff first – the storytelling and the illustrations are still completely on point. I love that we get to see Vlad learning his vampire abilities because he's behaving like a human. I love that we can see that all the pressure his mother is putting on him is the main reason why he can't do his vampire tasks to the level she wants. I think it's a great thing to show that sometimes putting too much pressure on someone can be detrimental to them. Also, that having fun and enjoying yourself is the best way to learn. I thought it was really nice how Vlad and Mixie's friendship continued, even though she knew he was a vampire.
But...the bad news.
First off, I totally understand that Boz is a bully, but I don't think it's a great message to be giving kids that it's okay to bully a bully. That's basically what Vlad and Mixie do here, by constantly pulling tricks on him (however unintentionally, at times) and getting him into trouble. It's almost sending the message that it's okay to do these things to Boz because it wasn't on purpose and because he's a bully, which just perpetuates the cycle and gives off the wrong message. I was also disappointed that we never saw any rehearsal for the school play, the audition or anything about Vlad preparing for it. I hope it will be in the next one, but I have a feeling the next one will be all about his evil cousin visiting.
Author – Anna Wilson, Kathryn Durst
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 160
Cover – Perfect!
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – Children's, Vampire, Comic, Illustrated
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
While this was a great adventure for Vlad, and I love that it picked right up from the previous story, I did have some issues with it. The good stuff first – the storytelling and the illustrations are still completely on point. I love that we get to see Vlad learning his vampire abilities because he's behaving like a human. I love that we can see that all the pressure his mother is putting on him is the main reason why he can't do his vampire tasks to the level she wants. I think it's a great thing to show that sometimes putting too much pressure on someone can be detrimental to them. Also, that having fun and enjoying yourself is the best way to learn. I thought it was really nice how Vlad and Mixie's friendship continued, even though she knew he was a vampire.
But...the bad news.
First off, I totally understand that Boz is a bully, but I don't think it's a great message to be giving kids that it's okay to bully a bully. That's basically what Vlad and Mixie do here, by constantly pulling tricks on him (however unintentionally, at times) and getting him into trouble. It's almost sending the message that it's okay to do these things to Boz because it wasn't on purpose and because he's a bully, which just perpetuates the cycle and gives off the wrong message. I was also disappointed that we never saw any rehearsal for the school play, the audition or anything about Vlad preparing for it. I hope it will be in the next one, but I have a feeling the next one will be all about his evil cousin visiting.
January 9, 2023
We finally finished reading this book! It's another sweet story about Vlad and Minxie - Vlad trying to fit into school and dealing with bullies and his parents and trying to be a vampire. I really liked the exploration of Vlad's relationship with his grandpa and Mulch in this story since his parents were gone and we've already established his schools sneaking double life. I also loved the mind control.
These books feel like they are one long story that's been divided into 4 smaller books. They all feel like they flow into each other very seamlessly and happen over the course of a very short time. I think the reason it takes my kids so long to get through them is a deep sense of dread that Vlad is actually going to get into trouble, or somehow things won't work out well for him. The tension with Boz the bully, the concern about being found out by his parents or his teachers seems to really worry them. I assume I will catch my 7 year old reading this on his own at some point - I definitely saw him do that with Vlad the World's Worst Vampire and I personally look forward to finding out what happens with Vlad's terrible cousin and eventually with the show - whenever we get around to reading those books.
These books feel like they are one long story that's been divided into 4 smaller books. They all feel like they flow into each other very seamlessly and happen over the course of a very short time. I think the reason it takes my kids so long to get through them is a deep sense of dread that Vlad is actually going to get into trouble, or somehow things won't work out well for him. The tension with Boz the bully, the concern about being found out by his parents or his teachers seems to really worry them. I assume I will catch my 7 year old reading this on his own at some point - I definitely saw him do that with Vlad the World's Worst Vampire and I personally look forward to finding out what happens with Vlad's terrible cousin and eventually with the show - whenever we get around to reading those books.
November 5, 2021
My 9 year old son and I have been reading this series before bed. He really seems to enjoy the characters and the situations Vlad gets himself into.
However, I should caution parents that young Vlad, who is probably 10 or 11 in the book, frequently sneaks out of the house, disobeys family members (especially their safety concerns for him) and lies often. These are all done in such a way that makes it look like Vlad is “in the right” and that it’s not that big of a deal. It makes the reader side with him.
It has brought up many discussions for my son and I while reading. The vampire’s family has questionable morals to begin with, but Vlad himself seems to be different and less “evil”.
Because this is a series, each book does not wrap up tightly at the end, but expects you to move onto the next one. I’m hoping by the end of the series, Vlad will come clean and see some of the error of his lying for his own benefit.
However, I should caution parents that young Vlad, who is probably 10 or 11 in the book, frequently sneaks out of the house, disobeys family members (especially their safety concerns for him) and lies often. These are all done in such a way that makes it look like Vlad is “in the right” and that it’s not that big of a deal. It makes the reader side with him.
It has brought up many discussions for my son and I while reading. The vampire’s family has questionable morals to begin with, but Vlad himself seems to be different and less “evil”.
Because this is a series, each book does not wrap up tightly at the end, but expects you to move onto the next one. I’m hoping by the end of the series, Vlad will come clean and see some of the error of his lying for his own benefit.
August 23, 2022
Eddie hat von seinen Eltern ein Ultimatum gestellt bekommen. Entweder er beweist, dass er ein echter Vampir ist und arbeitet die lange Aufgabenliste ab, die sie ihm während ihrer Abwesenheit aufgegeben haben oder er muss nach Transsilvanien zu seinem Vetter. Eddie weiß gar nicht wovor es ihm mehr gruselt.
Aber zum Glück hat er seine Schulfreundin Nicki und Fledermauskumpel Flori an seiner Seite. Und auch Opa Grufti und Butler Igor unterstützen ihn bei seinen Aufgaben.
Anna Wilson hat auch dieses unterhaltsame Abenteuer kindgerecht für Kinder im Grundschulalter aufgearbeitet. Mit 153 Seiten und nicht all zu langen Kapiteln ist das Buch gut bewältigen und nimmt die Kinder wieder mit auf Reisen in eine Welt zwischen Vampir- und Schulalltag. Mit Bobby begegnet Eddie einem Kind, dass ihn mobben versucht. Doch Eddie und Nicki können sich gut gegen ihn durchsetzen.
Wie, dass sollten Kinder selber lesen.
Aber zum Glück hat er seine Schulfreundin Nicki und Fledermauskumpel Flori an seiner Seite. Und auch Opa Grufti und Butler Igor unterstützen ihn bei seinen Aufgaben.
Anna Wilson hat auch dieses unterhaltsame Abenteuer kindgerecht für Kinder im Grundschulalter aufgearbeitet. Mit 153 Seiten und nicht all zu langen Kapiteln ist das Buch gut bewältigen und nimmt die Kinder wieder mit auf Reisen in eine Welt zwischen Vampir- und Schulalltag. Mit Bobby begegnet Eddie einem Kind, dass ihn mobben versucht. Doch Eddie und Nicki können sich gut gegen ihn durchsetzen.
Wie, dass sollten Kinder selber lesen.
October 1, 2019
The first true Halloween read. And I suddenly remembered why this one seemed familiar. I tried book 1 some time ago, didn't like any of the characters. :P Well, this time I got through the book, but I have to say I wasn't a big fan of Vlad, Minxie was just a pushy little wench and she should understand that she goes too far, Boz urgh the standard bully with probably a sad backstory or something like that, the mom was just the worst holy hell how to make your kid insecure and a mess, I loved Mulch, Gory, and the dad.
I did like that Vlad does have the powers, it is just that he needs to be pissed off to use them. Mm, I don't think that is good. Also still curious why he can go in the light. When that should burn him to a fine batcrisp.
Fun illustrations.
I did like that Vlad does have the powers, it is just that he needs to be pissed off to use them. Mm, I don't think that is good. Also still curious why he can go in the light. When that should burn him to a fine batcrisp.
Fun illustrations.
March 18, 2022
My 6 year old is devouring this series! He loves doing his own impression of Mulch's voice. This book series is perfect for children who are just transitioning to chapter books as the books have an air of creepiness that is very age-appropriate. That creepiness serves to be very engaging for daring young readers.
June 9, 2024
So Vlad's parents are horrible. They just complain about his failings as a vampire and then threaten him with severe punishment and leave. Bleah, but the story still suffers primarily from being too boring.
March 11, 2021
It was a good sequel to the first Vlad book. It was funny and full of surprises.
November 15, 2021
I’m glad to see Vlad standing up for himself 🥺
October 12, 2022
Book #2 in the series.
Will Vlad learn mind control or Transylvanian while his parents are out of the country?
Will Vlad learn mind control or Transylvanian while his parents are out of the country?
October 27, 2022
Great family read aloud!
November 22, 2022
My kids think these are funny, but I'm not a fan.
December 2, 2022
Me gusto mucho, la 5 estrellas por los personajes tan bellos, de vez en cuando cae bien leer un libro para niños me encantó.
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November 14, 2024Alfie rates it 5/5 and Teddy rates it 1.5/5
May 21, 2018
With all the humour and heart of all my favourite chapter books is Vlad The World's Worst Vampire by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst. I read the second book in the series, Fang-Tastic Friends, earlier this month and thoroughly enjoyed it. Vlad is a sweet little vampire caught between the traditions of the Vampire world and the temptation of the human world (particularly school, bless him). In this outing, Vlad has to hide his friendship from the brilliant Minxie from his traditionalist grandfather Grandpa Gory while his parents are away in Transylvania. These are very sweet stories of friendship and family with a spooky twist.
January 10, 2021
We finished the second in the Vlad, the World’s Worst Vampire series by Anna Wilson, Fang-tastic Friends.
These books are really adorable! Vlad is considered the world’s worst vampire because he would rather go to school with humans instead of learning vampire skills. The first in the series tells how Vlad goes to school and makes friends. In this one Vlad’s newest friend, Minxie, wants to come over to his house for a sleepover. Luckily his parents are on vacation in Transylvania, but that still means keeping her away from his grandfather and family butler, Mulch.
I asked my 6-year-old daughter her favorite part and m she said it’s at the end when . Apparently she wishes she could do the same to me! 🤣
We’re halfway through the series and at this point and based on how much she’s enjoyed them, I’m sure we’ll be picking up the rest!
4/5
These books are really adorable! Vlad is considered the world’s worst vampire because he would rather go to school with humans instead of learning vampire skills. The first in the series tells how Vlad goes to school and makes friends. In this one Vlad’s newest friend, Minxie, wants to come over to his house for a sleepover. Luckily his parents are on vacation in Transylvania, but that still means keeping her away from his grandfather and family butler, Mulch.
I asked my 6-year-old daughter her favorite part and m she said it’s at the end when . Apparently she wishes she could do the same to me! 🤣
We’re halfway through the series and at this point and based on how much she’s enjoyed them, I’m sure we’ll be picking up the rest!
4/5
January 31, 2022
Deuxième tome des aventures de Vlad, ce petit vampire sympathique où il doit survivre à la montagne de devoirs laissés par sa mère avant que celle-ci ne parte en Transylvanie et à la vie dans son école d'humains. Heureusement, il peut compter sur ses amis et sa famille pour l'aider dans cette tâche. C'est mignon, attachant, mais moins amusant que le premier tome. Le personnage du bully est bien puni, mais on découvre également une nouvelle facette de Vlad. À faire découvrir aux jeunes de 6 à 9 ans environ.
July 23, 2021
This book was just as cute as the first. My 8 year old and I take turns reading it together. He enjoys the story and loves reading with voices.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews