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Weenies #5
Attack of the Vampire Weenies
A boy steals a ticket to an amusement park and gets the ride of a lifetime—literally. The first day of middle school turns into a free-for-all when the gym teacher offers a "get-out-of-gym-free" card. Sick of his sister's vampire wannabe friends, a kid decides to teach them a lesson at their next party. But the tables are turned when some surprise guests show up.
Critically acclaimed author and master of the macabre, David Lubar, is back with thirty more warped and creepy tales for fans of his bestselling Weenies story collections, which have sold more than 1.7 million copies to date.
Don't be a weenie. Read these stories. If you dare!
Critically acclaimed author and master of the macabre, David Lubar, is back with thirty more warped and creepy tales for fans of his bestselling Weenies story collections, which have sold more than 1.7 million copies to date.
Don't be a weenie. Read these stories. If you dare!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2011
57 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
David Lubar
107 books245 followersDavid Lubar created a sensation with his debut novel, Hidden Talents, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Thousands of kids and educators across the country have voted Hidden Talents onto over twenty state lists. David is also the author of True Talents, the sequel to Hidden Talents; Flip, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror selection; several short story collections: In the Land of the Lawn Weenies, Invasion of the Road Weenies, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies, The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and Attack of the Vampire Weenies; and the Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie series. Lubar grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, and he has also lived in New Brunswick, Edison and Piscataway, NJ, and Sacramento, CA. Besides writing, he has also worked as a video game programmer and designer. He now lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 6, 2012
After reading two books about kids with cancer and another one about a teenage soldier in Iraq (none of which helped my cold-plugged nose), I needed something a little lighter to read. David Lubar delivered just that with Attack of the Vampire Weenies (A Tom Doherty Associates Book 2011). his is his fifth collection of short stories, so I have some catching up to do with the previous four.
Even the creepy stories made me laugh as bratty kids got what was coming to them. The kid who stole a ticket to a theme park got more than he bargained for on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. The pesky little brother who wanted to show up his older sister learned too late that he was indeed right about vampires. (They’re not sparkly at all.) Sometimes curious kids learned more than they wanted about waiting road crews or peeling stickers. Not all the stories had tragic endings. My favorite was the story where a princess made a deal with a dragon.
Just as fascinating as the stories were the author’s notes in the back. Lubar explains where he found the inspiration for each story. Many of them came from his “What if…” file. Lubar begins each writing day by writing a “what if” question. Now that’s a habit I could get into! What could you imagine with your own what ifs?
What if time could run backwards?
What if no one watched the Super Bowl?
First published on my blog at http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2012/0...
Even the creepy stories made me laugh as bratty kids got what was coming to them. The kid who stole a ticket to a theme park got more than he bargained for on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. The pesky little brother who wanted to show up his older sister learned too late that he was indeed right about vampires. (They’re not sparkly at all.) Sometimes curious kids learned more than they wanted about waiting road crews or peeling stickers. Not all the stories had tragic endings. My favorite was the story where a princess made a deal with a dragon.
Just as fascinating as the stories were the author’s notes in the back. Lubar explains where he found the inspiration for each story. Many of them came from his “What if…” file. Lubar begins each writing day by writing a “what if” question. Now that’s a habit I could get into! What could you imagine with your own what ifs?
What if time could run backwards?
What if no one watched the Super Bowl?
First published on my blog at http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2012/0...
October 8, 2014
Vampire Weenies, written by David Lubar, is a book containing 23 warped and creepy tales. After opening this book it will seem as if you can't put it down. Every story is creatively written and cleverly ended. If you don't mind a couple shivers running up and down your spine, this is the book for you. Many people are picky about the books they read, so if you are like that I would recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. Besides the ridiculous name, it was one of the best books I have ever read. There are four other weenie books in David Lubar's series. If I were you, I would read this book and then recommend it to everybody you know.
May 28, 2011
I won this book for free in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. It's a short book of short stories (maybe about five pages each). Most of the stories are creepy, but some are more sci-fi, fantasy, ironic, or moral tales.
The target audience is probably kids who are about 10-12 years old, although older kids and adults can certainly enjoy it too and parents of young kids may want to read it first to make sure it won't be too scary. The stories aren't exactly bloody or gorey, but there definitely is creepy stuff (vampires, killer ants, ghosts, etc.), kids behaving badly, some violence (not very descriptive, usually implied), and even death. Parents should also be aware that while the badly behaved kids often get punished (usually severely) for their bad behavior, well behaved or curious kids don't always escape bad things either.
The target audience is probably kids who are about 10-12 years old, although older kids and adults can certainly enjoy it too and parents of young kids may want to read it first to make sure it won't be too scary. The stories aren't exactly bloody or gorey, but there definitely is creepy stuff (vampires, killer ants, ghosts, etc.), kids behaving badly, some violence (not very descriptive, usually implied), and even death. Parents should also be aware that while the badly behaved kids often get punished (usually severely) for their bad behavior, well behaved or curious kids don't always escape bad things either.
October 3, 2011
Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!
This installment of Lubar's popular "Weenies" collection features 33 short stories. Many of the stories have to do with vampires, but most of them feature simple plots that are clever, creepy and, at times, hilarious. Some of the stories include "Not Another Word," featuring a mime who has a particular reason for donning that white face paint, "The Ride of a Lifetime," about a rollercoaster that seems to have a life of its own, and "Cooties," which explains what really happens when someone says "no returns." Most of the stories are only 2-3 pages long, with only a few over 5-10 pages.
Lubar's "Weenies" collection has sold, according to his website, over 1.7 million copies worldwide, and it is obvious why after reading Attack of the Vampire Weenies, the latest installment. Although the stories are quite short, they are full of clever, creepy and funny characters, plots and situations that will keep tweens, and adults, reading. Some of the real stand out stories include "Not Another Word," "It's Only a Game," "Rapt Punzel," "Cooties" and "The Cure for the Uncommon Vampire." All of the stories are very entertaining, however, and readers of all ages are sure to enjoy experiencing their favorites again and again.
This is my first experience with the "Weenies" books, but I am now officially a fan! The stories were all very clever, and could easily be read aloud in a classroom, or enjoyed individually by tweens, teens and adults alike. I look forward to picking up more of Lubar's creations!
This installment of Lubar's popular "Weenies" collection features 33 short stories. Many of the stories have to do with vampires, but most of them feature simple plots that are clever, creepy and, at times, hilarious. Some of the stories include "Not Another Word," featuring a mime who has a particular reason for donning that white face paint, "The Ride of a Lifetime," about a rollercoaster that seems to have a life of its own, and "Cooties," which explains what really happens when someone says "no returns." Most of the stories are only 2-3 pages long, with only a few over 5-10 pages.
Lubar's "Weenies" collection has sold, according to his website, over 1.7 million copies worldwide, and it is obvious why after reading Attack of the Vampire Weenies, the latest installment. Although the stories are quite short, they are full of clever, creepy and funny characters, plots and situations that will keep tweens, and adults, reading. Some of the real stand out stories include "Not Another Word," "It's Only a Game," "Rapt Punzel," "Cooties" and "The Cure for the Uncommon Vampire." All of the stories are very entertaining, however, and readers of all ages are sure to enjoy experiencing their favorites again and again.
This is my first experience with the "Weenies" books, but I am now officially a fan! The stories were all very clever, and could easily be read aloud in a classroom, or enjoyed individually by tweens, teens and adults alike. I look forward to picking up more of Lubar's creations!
May 27, 2011
I have to admit I wasn't quite sure what this book would be like when I first put in for the giveaway, but my granddaughter who is ten loved the cover and title so we entered. I was very surprised to find I had won it and promised her I'd read it first and then if it was okay I'd let her read it to her little sister. I read it and found myself back at summercamp, and camping with my extended family at the yearly reunions, listening to the older cousins and friends tell stories around the campfire. These short stories are surprisingly fresh , and usually have a twist at the end. I love the way mr. Lubar comes up wuth his stories, and the way he puts them to paper. I am now going to lend the book too Chelsea and Karen for their camping trip this week-end, and then to my other grandkids to read. I think these will easily become family favorites this school vacation. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to win the arc of Attack of the Vampire Weenies.
November 18, 2011
The weenie story collection books are super popular, and I can certainly understand why. Mr. Lubar's oddball sense of humor appeals to many young teens and tweens, especially boys.
As with any story collection, there were some stories I liked much more than others. I loved the ones where humor was the star, like the story about the Geography Bee -- so clever to have the boy who doesn't know the answers get them right with his "Oh, man" or "No way"!
I wouldn't say any of the stories were particularly scary, but some were definitely creepy. (Especially if the story featured one of your phobias, like spiders or snakes.) Some were just plain silly, but in a fun way. I didn't find the collection particularly memorable, but I don't hate it either. Personally I give VAMPIRE WEENIES a 'C', but I can see where others will rate it much higher.
As with any story collection, there were some stories I liked much more than others. I loved the ones where humor was the star, like the story about the Geography Bee -- so clever to have the boy who doesn't know the answers get them right with his "Oh, man" or "No way"!
I wouldn't say any of the stories were particularly scary, but some were definitely creepy. (Especially if the story featured one of your phobias, like spiders or snakes.) Some were just plain silly, but in a fun way. I didn't find the collection particularly memorable, but I don't hate it either. Personally I give VAMPIRE WEENIES a 'C', but I can see where others will rate it much higher.
April 4, 2016
I was expecting this to be a bit sillier...I guess there is some dark humor, but it's pretty dark. Like, I'd say a solid 80% of the tales end in death. Good for the Goosebumps crowd. Classic horror, Sally-learned-her-lesson-for-being-so-bratty-with-this-totally-gruesome-death sort of thing.
April 15, 2015
This book changed between topics a lot, but it was interesting.
February 2, 2012
What would you do if you were at a “vampire” party and actual vampires showed up?!? Well, you can read about it because it happens to a bunch of unlucky kids in “Attack of the Vampire Weenies”! The book is a collection of weird and scary-ish short stories. One of my favorite stories from the book is “Family Time”. It’s about a kid named Stephen who is trapped playing a game that his whole family understands except him. He’s been playing and playing and playing but he just doesn’t get it. The rest of his family thinks the game is great. Stephen doesn’t get all the strange rules. When his mom announces they can play even longer Stephen wonders how much more he can take!
I am not a huge fan of horror or scary stories so I may not be the best person to review this book. I do like scary stories that have a good mystery in them (like Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek). I wasn’t really fond of this book. I do like Mr. Lubar’s writing style, in fact he really creeped me out with some of his stories so he writes descriptions really well. I think kids who do like horror stories would really like the book. I also really liked the short story format, but I just didn’t like the stories. I think the book would be good for kids 10+ but there is some rude language (no cursing or anything) and there is a bunch of violence (nothing graphic but there was more than I am used to reading in a book).
I am not a huge fan of horror or scary stories so I may not be the best person to review this book. I do like scary stories that have a good mystery in them (like Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek). I wasn’t really fond of this book. I do like Mr. Lubar’s writing style, in fact he really creeped me out with some of his stories so he writes descriptions really well. I think kids who do like horror stories would really like the book. I also really liked the short story format, but I just didn’t like the stories. I think the book would be good for kids 10+ but there is some rude language (no cursing or anything) and there is a bunch of violence (nothing graphic but there was more than I am used to reading in a book).
May 26, 2011
Attack of the Vampire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar is a fantastic collection of short stories looking at the weird, creepy, and sometimes morbid. The book is custom made for middle-grade kids that love to read something out of the ordinary. Some of the stories may be a bit creepy for kids that are easily scared or creeped out. But for many, this book would be fantastic for sleepovers, camping trips, or any other large gathering of older children.
Some of my personal favorites of this collection include The Blacker Cat, Bruja, and Attack of the Vampire Weenies. I can't wait until my nephews are a little older so I can share this book with them.
*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Some of my personal favorites of this collection include The Blacker Cat, Bruja, and Attack of the Vampire Weenies. I can't wait until my nephews are a little older so I can share this book with them.
*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
December 5, 2017
This is a fun book of very short and mildly scary stories for young grade school kids. They're too brief to really scare your children, but many do insinuate terrible consequences for the main characters in each.
What I like about this book is that there is usually some simple and subtle lesson as well, usually that mean people will suffer. You never see a nice kid getting attacked by monsters, it's always someone being cruel or taking advantage of someone else. And since they're not too intense, they're a good measure of whether your kids will be able to handle something a little scarier in the near future.
What I like about this book is that there is usually some simple and subtle lesson as well, usually that mean people will suffer. You never see a nice kid getting attacked by monsters, it's always someone being cruel or taking advantage of someone else. And since they're not too intense, they're a good measure of whether your kids will be able to handle something a little scarier in the near future.
May 18, 2011
For lovers of very short stories with a dark and twisted view, this is the book for you. If you prefer books with flowers, butterflies and cute puppies then you want to look elsewhere. With several different (monstrous, not glittery) vampire stories, stories about cats, dogs and even video games this takes you down a path even darker than the “Goosebumps” series. Do not read this if you are prone to nightmares, walking in your sleep and you might want to hide it from your kid brother or sister and even your parents. It might be too scary for them. But you can handle it. I know you can.
I received this book as a first reads to do a review on.
I received this book as a first reads to do a review on.
June 11, 2015
It was just like all the other weenie books: exiting, scary, sad, shocking, surprising. The first story about the mime who actually was a vampire is the most shocking story in the world. The boy was copying the mime's moves and when the mime got tired of it he bit the boy's neck in front of a huge crowd and his best friend. The most funniest part was when the boy copied the mime when he shook his butt.
September 8, 2011
I got this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I'd originally thought to get it for my son to read, but after the first couple of stories I stopped. Not appropriate for him. But, I continued reading myself and very much enjoyed the stories. This collection of shorts is well written and imaginative. I look forward to reading more of Mr Lubar's books in the future.
December 15, 2011
I have the books. Every one has lots of story's about people who do something bad, then something really bad happens to them. But it's kind of funny because sometimes when something bad happens to them, it is funny and it is informational, like when they refer to something back in time.
November 6, 2015
I recommend this book to people who like scary and funny stories.The books are about these scary story's in one book.I liked it I think it would have been better if in some stories they'd tell us what happened at the end.Over all it was a pretty good story for kids.
July 22, 2011
on par with his other weenie books! Enjoyed the read.
October 28, 2011
I rated this five stars because, for me, it is hard to write creepy and or somewhat scary stories AND THIS MAN IS GOOD AT THAT! We read it in library in 6th grade so that is why I said I read it.
December 28, 2015
My thought about it was okay I thought it would be much better
January 5, 2013
Thirty-three short---and I do mean short---tales about the creepy and unexpected. Be warned, almost all of these stories have seriously creepy endings.
My Take
It's a little bit R.L. Stine and a little bit Roald Dahl. I think these could be great stories to read aloud with your kids and then talk about the weird thoughts they have. Encourage them to expand upon what crazy ideas they've had. A warped and creepy spur towards creative thinking…
Have fun with the names that Lubar comes up with as well. Mrs. Reaker and her stinky house, the Meander village...
The Stories
"Not Another Word" is a real switch and finds the protagonist baiting a mime. Only...who is baiting whom? Too funny.
"Get Out of Gym for Free" is about the universal hatred of gym class and the lengths kids will go to get out of it! The real "treat" is at the end of the story! It reminds me of Kim Donovan's Riotous Rocket Ship Robbery with its twist on school.
"Ghost in the Well" is a tale of greed and lies. A much easier lesson for the reader than it is for the protagonist!
"It's Only a Game" is a rather vague tale of video games and wanting to be up to the minute versus an invasion of earth.
"Attack of the Vampire Weenies" is funny and pointed when the little brother makes plans to intimidate and then rescue his big sister and her weenie of a boyfriend. Life isn't always fair. And never plan to put someone down just to make yourself look good!
"Rapt Punzel" is a snark at what couch potatoes we've all become.
"In One Ear" is a lesson against theft, covetousness, and lying.
"Fourth and Inches" is an excellent example of walking in another person's shoes!
"MutAnts" is an ant obsession that mutates into terrifying proportions! Eek!
"Cat Got Your Nose?" is a cheeky little girl who desperately wants a cat of her own. And the lengths she'll go to for one. Watch out parents!
"The Ride of a Lifetime" is an example of the extremes of getting what you wish for, for this rude little boy.
"Chirp" is just sad for this young man enamored of his next door neighbor who has just moved in. It's a good reminder to look before you leap.
" Bruja " is another sibling rivalry. Mind you, I don't blame the sister for being mad, but there should be a time limit! Besides, she knew what her little brother was like, and I think she was very unreasonable. I just wish her brother hadn't had to suffer, too.
"Elf Improvement" is just rude, although it does show that bad luck is an equal opportunist.
"Sun Damage" is an unexpected twist against a couple of bullies. And I have no pity for them.
"Sweet Soap" is just weird. And I can see where kids would adore the switch. I mean, who wants to take a bath anyway?
"Roadwork" is a bit of a laugh at city work crews and a nod at the old practice of burying a sacrifice to ensure the building doesn't fall down. Ewwww...
"Finders Losers" certainly puts a twist on those decals people put in windows so firefighters know where kids' bedrooms are. What does happen to the stickers once kids get big?
"Cloudy with a Chance of Message" is an example of missing the message when it's right in front of your face.
"Family Time" almost seems like a conspiracy. I kept waiting for the others to finally yell "gotcha"!
"Gee! Ography" was too funny. Oh, man, no way could this sorry kid keep it up. It's that whole thing about becoming too confident and getting cocky.
"The Spider Shouter" is an example of live and let live. Sigh...if only…
"The Pyramid Man" is a graphic example of the pyramid scheme. Too funny.
"Walk the Dog" is a lovely example of consideration for others. Snicker, selfish little Priscilla certainly got a nice reminder! Great ending!
"Warm Rain" is an unexpected misadventure at the museum when one boy gets paired up with the class nerd.
"Last One Out" is definitely an eek when the pushy Chuck has his final first.
"Dragon Around" combines Mercedes Lackey's Tradition from her 500 Kingdoms series and the invention of football. Too funny. And such a whacky compromise.
"Lost and Found" proves that sometimes it just doesn't pay to be nice. Or greedy.
"Cooties" is confusing for me. I can see where it would be interesting to see who "ended up" with the cooties, but I just don't get the big deal he made of it. The ending is definitely a kid's perspective.
"My Science Project" is one-up against the bad boys. Hopefully, that'll be stinging lesson forhttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62... 'em! Snicker…!
"The Blacker Cat" is a bit creepy with the Edgar Allan Poe story, The Black Cat . But it gets creepier with one of her other birthday presents, and all I can say is, thank god for black cats!
"Little Guys" is another story about bullies and their comeuppance. Makes me think of the end of the first Men in Black movie. Eek!
"A Cure for the Uncommon Vampire" is another comeuppance tale for a smart aleck, know-it-all. I could wish I felt sorry...but I won't. Smarmy little git!
The Cover
The cover has a gradient background of blue to green and is a total 'toon with hot-doggin' vampires converging on you, the reader. I do love the one hanging upside down from the limb of the bare tree.
The title is tellin' it like it is from the title of one story to a synopsis of the rest---Attack of the Vampire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales.
My Take
It's a little bit R.L. Stine and a little bit Roald Dahl. I think these could be great stories to read aloud with your kids and then talk about the weird thoughts they have. Encourage them to expand upon what crazy ideas they've had. A warped and creepy spur towards creative thinking…
Have fun with the names that Lubar comes up with as well. Mrs. Reaker and her stinky house, the Meander village...
The Stories
"Not Another Word" is a real switch and finds the protagonist baiting a mime. Only...who is baiting whom? Too funny.
"Get Out of Gym for Free" is about the universal hatred of gym class and the lengths kids will go to get out of it! The real "treat" is at the end of the story! It reminds me of Kim Donovan's Riotous Rocket Ship Robbery with its twist on school.
"Ghost in the Well" is a tale of greed and lies. A much easier lesson for the reader than it is for the protagonist!
"It's Only a Game" is a rather vague tale of video games and wanting to be up to the minute versus an invasion of earth.
"Attack of the Vampire Weenies" is funny and pointed when the little brother makes plans to intimidate and then rescue his big sister and her weenie of a boyfriend. Life isn't always fair. And never plan to put someone down just to make yourself look good!
"Rapt Punzel" is a snark at what couch potatoes we've all become.
"In One Ear" is a lesson against theft, covetousness, and lying.
"Fourth and Inches" is an excellent example of walking in another person's shoes!
"MutAnts" is an ant obsession that mutates into terrifying proportions! Eek!
"Cat Got Your Nose?" is a cheeky little girl who desperately wants a cat of her own. And the lengths she'll go to for one. Watch out parents!
"The Ride of a Lifetime" is an example of the extremes of getting what you wish for, for this rude little boy.
"Chirp" is just sad for this young man enamored of his next door neighbor who has just moved in. It's a good reminder to look before you leap.
" Bruja " is another sibling rivalry. Mind you, I don't blame the sister for being mad, but there should be a time limit! Besides, she knew what her little brother was like, and I think she was very unreasonable. I just wish her brother hadn't had to suffer, too.
"Elf Improvement" is just rude, although it does show that bad luck is an equal opportunist.
"Sun Damage" is an unexpected twist against a couple of bullies. And I have no pity for them.
"Sweet Soap" is just weird. And I can see where kids would adore the switch. I mean, who wants to take a bath anyway?
"Roadwork" is a bit of a laugh at city work crews and a nod at the old practice of burying a sacrifice to ensure the building doesn't fall down. Ewwww...
"Finders Losers" certainly puts a twist on those decals people put in windows so firefighters know where kids' bedrooms are. What does happen to the stickers once kids get big?
"Cloudy with a Chance of Message" is an example of missing the message when it's right in front of your face.
"Family Time" almost seems like a conspiracy. I kept waiting for the others to finally yell "gotcha"!
"Gee! Ography" was too funny. Oh, man, no way could this sorry kid keep it up. It's that whole thing about becoming too confident and getting cocky.
"The Spider Shouter" is an example of live and let live. Sigh...if only…
"The Pyramid Man" is a graphic example of the pyramid scheme. Too funny.
"Walk the Dog" is a lovely example of consideration for others. Snicker, selfish little Priscilla certainly got a nice reminder! Great ending!
"Warm Rain" is an unexpected misadventure at the museum when one boy gets paired up with the class nerd.
"Last One Out" is definitely an eek when the pushy Chuck has his final first.
"Dragon Around" combines Mercedes Lackey's Tradition from her 500 Kingdoms series and the invention of football. Too funny. And such a whacky compromise.
"Lost and Found" proves that sometimes it just doesn't pay to be nice. Or greedy.
"Cooties" is confusing for me. I can see where it would be interesting to see who "ended up" with the cooties, but I just don't get the big deal he made of it. The ending is definitely a kid's perspective.
"My Science Project" is one-up against the bad boys. Hopefully, that'll be stinging lesson forhttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62... 'em! Snicker…!
"The Blacker Cat" is a bit creepy with the Edgar Allan Poe story, The Black Cat . But it gets creepier with one of her other birthday presents, and all I can say is, thank god for black cats!
"Little Guys" is another story about bullies and their comeuppance. Makes me think of the end of the first Men in Black movie. Eek!
"A Cure for the Uncommon Vampire" is another comeuppance tale for a smart aleck, know-it-all. I could wish I felt sorry...but I won't. Smarmy little git!
The Cover
The cover has a gradient background of blue to green and is a total 'toon with hot-doggin' vampires converging on you, the reader. I do love the one hanging upside down from the limb of the bare tree.
The title is tellin' it like it is from the title of one story to a synopsis of the rest---Attack of the Vampire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales.
March 17, 2024
"Come sparkle with us. Have oodles of dark fun playing vampire games and making new vampire pals.
There will be bloodsicles, coffin cakes, and lots of other goodies."
I read two books in the “Weenies” series from David Lubar when I was a kid. The first one was The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and the second was this. I read Attack of the Vampire Weenies directly after finishing The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and almost immediately I could tell that Vampire Weenies was an overall better collection of stories that appealed to me more than even the best from the former book. My thoughts for each story are below, but overall I was shocked by how great some of these stories were, and I would recommend this book unironically because of how well written and dark this collection is. This one is by far quality over quantity, and though there weren’t any stories I remembered from when I was a kid, there are a bunch in here that I will remember now.
Not Another Word - Well, instant karma’s gonna get you. Really fun read with a great ending.
Get Out of Gym for Free - Boys locker rooms, am I right? A funny little story, nothing amazing, though.
Ghost in the Well - That was fucking dark. Incredible short story, brilliantly paced, and a great ending.
It’s Only a Game - Very fun short with great characters and a wholesome, while at the same time twisted ending.
Attack of the Vampire Weenies - Holy shit. Out of all the stories I’ve read so far in the “Weenies” series, this one by far has to be the best. What an amazing story, the characters and their actions were so fleshed out, the twist is amazing, and the ending left my jaw dropped. Highly recommend reading this one for fun if you get a chance.
Rapt Punzel - Oh my God, what a retelling. Fantastic execution of a classic fairytale that had me laughing and mortified at the same time.
In One Ear - This is the story I had been waiting to read since I started re-reading the two “Weenies” books I had when I was a kid. This one has stuck with me for over a decade, and I can see why I still remember it in its entirety. So well written, so creepy, amazing ending.
Fourth and Inches - Fun little story of a high school football game. Not amazing, but not bad.
MutAnts - Really cool nature attacking back story that I dug a lot.
Cat Got Your Nose? - Clever, fun, cute, and wholly believable.
The Ride of a Lifetime - This was the other story I had been waiting to read since I started re-reading the two “Weenies” books I had when I was a kid. I remember this story every so often, like “In One Ear”, and like that one, I think this one holds up as creepy and fun in a way that just stuck more than the others. Closest to a classic Goosebumps story in my opinion.
Chirp - Simple enough concept with such a fun ending that had me grinning. Fun little short.
Bruja - Simple, fun, and executed brilliantly. Amazing set up and payoff that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Elf Improvement - Damn that got real. Life isn’t fair, but it’s almost unfair to everyone. Really important story, but not one that was truly amazing or memorable.
Sun Damage - Amazing story once again. Great setup and a dark ending, but a fitting ending that had me smiling.
Sweet Soap - Really dark and very cautionary in its message. Good, not great.
Roadwork - I’m not sure why this Weenies collection is so much darker than The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, but goddamn this one, in particular, was really dark. Is it ridiculous, sure, but the amount of violence against children in this book is crazy!
Finders Losers - Another dark as hell story with a really dark ending. I’m not sure what the moral of this one was, but it’s a dark one for sure.
Cloudy with a Chance of Message - Fun and simple, but extremely short and underdeveloped. Left a lot to be desired.
Family Tree - You know when a local at Waffle House orders a big breakfast with all the fancy lingo. This story is like that but in a card game. It was alright.
Gee! Ography - Fun little story that gave me a flashback to standing in line in the 5th grade each time we had a spelling test to go over the words.
The Spider Shouter - Creepy and very detailed. Good story if you’re scared of spiders.
The Pyramid Man - Really funny tale on pyramid schemes. Good little story that made me laugh.
Walk the Dog - Insanely frustrating. Terrible main character with not much substance.
Warm Rain - A fun “what if?” story that didn’t feel fully developed, good but left a lot to be desired.
Last One Out - Halfway dumb and halfway Sam Raimi, a very interesting story that got really dumb but had an amazing ending.
Dragon Around - Great political messages with surprising anti-war themes that worked really well. Very well-written story. The dragon was a great character, too, blending Smaug and Thanos oddly. Really funny ending and commentary.
Lost and Found - Holy fuck. What. My jaw dropped at the last paragraph. Wow. This is not a kids book.
Cooties - A very dark story with a very human characterization of a silly kids game. Great message, overall pretty good.
My Science Project - A fine short story that wasn’t offensively bad, but nothing that will stick with me.
The Blacker Cat - Very heartwarming and very well written. Stephen King has a similar pet companion story called “Laurie” that I really enjoyed. The main character has amazing development, and the fear she feels grew on me throughout. Solid short.
Little Guys - Another dark cause and effect that was short, silly, and not anything great.
A Cure for the Uncommon Vampire - This collection of stories is overall darker and gorier than I ever expected from a series of short horror stories for ages ten and up, and the final story is no exception. Those last two sentences disturbed me and shocked me by how depressingly violent and dark this kid’s story had ended. Highly recommend this story, overall really fun with a great twist.
There will be bloodsicles, coffin cakes, and lots of other goodies."
I read two books in the “Weenies” series from David Lubar when I was a kid. The first one was The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and the second was this. I read Attack of the Vampire Weenies directly after finishing The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, and almost immediately I could tell that Vampire Weenies was an overall better collection of stories that appealed to me more than even the best from the former book. My thoughts for each story are below, but overall I was shocked by how great some of these stories were, and I would recommend this book unironically because of how well written and dark this collection is. This one is by far quality over quantity, and though there weren’t any stories I remembered from when I was a kid, there are a bunch in here that I will remember now.
Not Another Word - Well, instant karma’s gonna get you. Really fun read with a great ending.
Get Out of Gym for Free - Boys locker rooms, am I right? A funny little story, nothing amazing, though.
Ghost in the Well - That was fucking dark. Incredible short story, brilliantly paced, and a great ending.
It’s Only a Game - Very fun short with great characters and a wholesome, while at the same time twisted ending.
Attack of the Vampire Weenies - Holy shit. Out of all the stories I’ve read so far in the “Weenies” series, this one by far has to be the best. What an amazing story, the characters and their actions were so fleshed out, the twist is amazing, and the ending left my jaw dropped. Highly recommend reading this one for fun if you get a chance.
Rapt Punzel - Oh my God, what a retelling. Fantastic execution of a classic fairytale that had me laughing and mortified at the same time.
In One Ear - This is the story I had been waiting to read since I started re-reading the two “Weenies” books I had when I was a kid. This one has stuck with me for over a decade, and I can see why I still remember it in its entirety. So well written, so creepy, amazing ending.
Fourth and Inches - Fun little story of a high school football game. Not amazing, but not bad.
MutAnts - Really cool nature attacking back story that I dug a lot.
Cat Got Your Nose? - Clever, fun, cute, and wholly believable.
The Ride of a Lifetime - This was the other story I had been waiting to read since I started re-reading the two “Weenies” books I had when I was a kid. I remember this story every so often, like “In One Ear”, and like that one, I think this one holds up as creepy and fun in a way that just stuck more than the others. Closest to a classic Goosebumps story in my opinion.
Chirp - Simple enough concept with such a fun ending that had me grinning. Fun little short.
Bruja - Simple, fun, and executed brilliantly. Amazing set up and payoff that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Elf Improvement - Damn that got real. Life isn’t fair, but it’s almost unfair to everyone. Really important story, but not one that was truly amazing or memorable.
Sun Damage - Amazing story once again. Great setup and a dark ending, but a fitting ending that had me smiling.
Sweet Soap - Really dark and very cautionary in its message. Good, not great.
Roadwork - I’m not sure why this Weenies collection is so much darker than The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, but goddamn this one, in particular, was really dark. Is it ridiculous, sure, but the amount of violence against children in this book is crazy!
Finders Losers - Another dark as hell story with a really dark ending. I’m not sure what the moral of this one was, but it’s a dark one for sure.
Cloudy with a Chance of Message - Fun and simple, but extremely short and underdeveloped. Left a lot to be desired.
Family Tree - You know when a local at Waffle House orders a big breakfast with all the fancy lingo. This story is like that but in a card game. It was alright.
Gee! Ography - Fun little story that gave me a flashback to standing in line in the 5th grade each time we had a spelling test to go over the words.
The Spider Shouter - Creepy and very detailed. Good story if you’re scared of spiders.
The Pyramid Man - Really funny tale on pyramid schemes. Good little story that made me laugh.
Walk the Dog - Insanely frustrating. Terrible main character with not much substance.
Warm Rain - A fun “what if?” story that didn’t feel fully developed, good but left a lot to be desired.
Last One Out - Halfway dumb and halfway Sam Raimi, a very interesting story that got really dumb but had an amazing ending.
Dragon Around - Great political messages with surprising anti-war themes that worked really well. Very well-written story. The dragon was a great character, too, blending Smaug and Thanos oddly. Really funny ending and commentary.
Lost and Found - Holy fuck. What. My jaw dropped at the last paragraph. Wow. This is not a kids book.
Cooties - A very dark story with a very human characterization of a silly kids game. Great message, overall pretty good.
My Science Project - A fine short story that wasn’t offensively bad, but nothing that will stick with me.
The Blacker Cat - Very heartwarming and very well written. Stephen King has a similar pet companion story called “Laurie” that I really enjoyed. The main character has amazing development, and the fear she feels grew on me throughout. Solid short.
Little Guys - Another dark cause and effect that was short, silly, and not anything great.
A Cure for the Uncommon Vampire - This collection of stories is overall darker and gorier than I ever expected from a series of short horror stories for ages ten and up, and the final story is no exception. Those last two sentences disturbed me and shocked me by how depressingly violent and dark this kid’s story had ended. Highly recommend this story, overall really fun with a great twist.
October 26, 2022
Attack of the Vampire Weenies is comprised of around 20 short stories that are both exciting and horrifying in a unique way. Each story also has a moral or theme that is applicable to young readers, like "pay attention to your surroundings" or "Don't bully or steal." Each story has a kid or young adult as the main character, and the setting in which the story takes place is relatable. Maybe the story takes place at an amusement park, or maybe the character is dog-sitting. Each story holds the reader's attention and mixes the supernatural with the normal aspects of kids' lives.
I liked this book, but it is definitely for younger readers. The author held my attention with plot twists, irony, and creativity. The stories were not very gruesome or detailed, but they definitely revealed a lot of lessons and new knowledge. I did not know what alchemy was until I read this book, and I appreciate how creative the author is.
Content Warnings
- Violence
I liked this book, but it is definitely for younger readers. The author held my attention with plot twists, irony, and creativity. The stories were not very gruesome or detailed, but they definitely revealed a lot of lessons and new knowledge. I did not know what alchemy was until I read this book, and I appreciate how creative the author is.
Content Warnings
- Violence
September 16, 2024
This was mine and Fiona's evening read for the past several weeks and I don't know where I land with it. This is apparently a series of books that kind of reminds me of Goosebumps if that series was more short story focused. I landed on a three only because the collection seems a little unfocused at times. There are some actual creepy and well thought out horror tales in here but they are sprinkled in with some that didn't hit as hard. I wouldn't actually mind reading another collection however to see if the others have more focus throughout the entire book.
June 13, 2018
I loved this book because I am a fan of horror stories. This book broke every chapter up into its own story and although the title seems pathetic the stories are relatively scary. The book was easy to get through it only took me about a week and a half. There are also many other books in this series. The reason I didn't give it a 5 is because of the fact that the stories were too all over the place.
December 15, 2017
The stories are somewhat entertaining, but lack any kind of excitement. Not a single one was scary - or even creepy. I get that this is supposed to be a kids book, but if I were to give this to my 8 yr old sister, I don't think even she would understand many of the phrases and sentence structures, and terminology.
October 27, 2017
I saw this while I was looking for another book in the library. I loved the title so I had to check it out.
David Lubar has a wicked sense of humor and a wicked imagination. These were really good stories and I don't even like short stories.
I'll be recommending the books to my students who don't have a long attention span.
David Lubar has a wicked sense of humor and a wicked imagination. These were really good stories and I don't even like short stories.
I'll be recommending the books to my students who don't have a long attention span.
January 2, 2022
The "Weenies" books are great fun and excellent for readers who like books that are a little creepy and a little funny, and contain stories short and sweet enough to maintain even the shortest attention spans! Always recommended for elementary and middle school readers.
October 28, 2022
I thought it was very funny and enjoyable. Also I like how it was a little scary too. I just wasn't that enjoyed on how every chapter would be on a whole entire defrent thing. But overall I found as a good book to read.
March 26, 2025
Reminds me of vacations and lost memories that I dearly love.
2017 Review - “It was creepy and cool. This book gives you the shivers and frights. The stories are small and so you can skip around to read them. You should read it This is a good book for campfire stories.”
2017 Review - “It was creepy and cool. This book gives you the shivers and frights. The stories are small and so you can skip around to read them. You should read it This is a good book for campfire stories.”
July 15, 2018
I have never been fond of short stories but these, I loved. A bit creepy, a bit fun, and a bit What the heck. You'll know what I mean when you read it.
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