Vlad wears black to fit in with his friends, but there’s another reason as well. Vlad has a secret, something he is ashamed of.
Vlad had rosy pink cheeks! They made him look different from everyone else – so horribly alive!
He decides to use his love of fashion to design clothes to hide his pink cheeks. His clothes may be fabulous but hiding who he truly is makes Vlad feel alone.
Then Vlad learns he’s not the only one with a secret. With the help of Shelley, his best friend, Vlad discovers a world of colour and the confidence to be himself.
I love this series. They’re books I’d happily read over and over again. The characters are relatable and they have positive messages.
There’s so much to see in the illustrations.
The characters are expressive and there are plenty of background details to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed finding Gustavo and Leila from the previous books and the ghost in a teacup.
Vlad can make clothes for me whenever he wants.
Thank you so much to Walker Books for the opportunity to read this picture book.
Once Upon a Blurb
Vlad’s passion is fashion. And just like every other vampire, Vlad dresses head to toe in the colour black. But unlike other vampires, Vlad has bright pink cheeks: cheeks that make him look, and feel, so different. Vlad tries to hide behind his clothes and his cape but, as it turns out, being yourself – truly yourself – is the most fabulous way to be.
An uplifting and charming celebration of our differences set in the same monster universe as the New York Times #1 bestseller, Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leila, the Perfect Witch.
Schizanthus Nerd 