Dick And Jane And Vampires (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I have mixed feelings about this take on the '50s Dick and Jane readers. I grew up with them, so I enjoyed the retro artwork. I will say that I found the early parts of the book creepy, because I was in a state of suspenseful expectation that Dick, Jane, and little Sally were going to come to a bad end! And their parents were seemingly oblivious to the danger of living in a neighborhood infested with vampires. As the story progressed, I realized their particular vampire was less a scary creature of the night and more like that really odd uncle who makes everyone uncomfortable with his presence at those obligatory family events. Once I realized the vampire wasn't going to snack on Sally, I relaxed and enjoyed the book for the really odd offering that it is. Pretty much perfect for what it is. Short book that uses the 1st grade reading level of the old "Dick and Jane" books, the same Norman Rockwell-esque illustrations, but has a vampire. Picked it up for my 4 year old nephew as a Christmas gift to try and encourage him to start reading, as he loves vampires and zombies. A good cheap laugh for adults and hipsters (my favorite part: when the milkman leaves three bottles of milk for the family, and one bottle of blood for Vampire), an easy read for any kid old enough to not be scared by a generic picture of a vampire.
What do You think about Dick And Jane And Vampires (2010)?
