Friday, April 29, 2011

Dick and Jane and Vampires by Laura Marchesani. NOT RECOMMENDED

Marchesani, Laura Dick and Jane and Vampires, 144 pgs. Grosset & Dunlap, 2010. $4.00. Content: PG
All your favorite 1950’s characters are back in a large collection of extremely short stories: Dick, Jane, Sally, Mother, Father, and lets not forget Spot & Puff. Together they play hide and seek, say goodnight, watch the cat play, and spend time together. But this time something dark has corrupted their idyllic and wholesome world: a vampire. Is he hunting these happy people or just as fascinated as readers over the years have found them to be? No matter, the vampire hides in the bushes, hides in their closet, hides under the bed, follows them everywhere, and turns into a bat on occasion. Does the family eventually take a shine to this interloper?
Hands down this is my new favorite coffee table book. With malicious glee I eagerly devoured the entire book sincerely hoping the entire family would eventually be corrupted. You know what? I think they were!
Although the text is definitely for a new reader, the content might be a little scary, so I would not risk it for a school library. Younger students might be confused (or terrified), and not attracted to the vintage imagery. Older students wouldn’t like the simple text and would not understand what is so funny about this parody. Parents who know their child is familiar with vampires and over the whole ‘monster under the bed’ thing, could choose to buy this book. But I say buy this book as a gift for yourself and your favorite librarian!
EL–Not Recommended. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

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