Der kleine Vampir (The Little Vampire)

Author: Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
Original Title: Der kleine Vampir
Genre: Children's book, Fantasy

Original publisher: Rowohlt Verlag
Date first published: 1979
Date first read: 1994/1995

Main character(s): Anton Bohnsack (a 9-yo boy who likes scary stories), Rüdiger von Schlotterstein (a vampire whom Anton befriends), Anna von Schlotterstein (Rüdiger's younger sister, who likes Anton - and whom he also likes), Lumpi von Schlotterstein (Rüdiger and Anna's big brother), Dorothee von Schlotterstein-Seifenschwein (Rüdiger, Anna, and Lumpi's aunt, who is quite strict, bloodthirsty, and man-hungry)
Favorite quote: N/A

Synopsis:
Anton Bohnsack is a boy who loves scary stories, especially ones with vampires, but of course he knows those are not real. So imagine his surprise, when one day when he is home alone, he encounters Rüdiger in his room, who is an actual vampire! Rüdiger, who seems about Anton's age because he was turned at age 10 (but who is really over 150 years old) is no bloodthirsty monster. Instead, he kinda doesn't like the dark and enjoys scary stories, like Anton. Moreover, he has a sister Anna, whom Anton likes quite a bit and who thinks that he is really nice. But the kids will have to figure out how maintain their friendship and their friend's 'nature' hidden from their respective families, especially Rüdiger and Anna's bloodthirsty Aunt Dorothee.

Review:
The Little Vampire is such a fun children's fantasy series. It has no violence or gruesomeness but it still has plenty of excitement to keep a 10-12 year old at the edge of her seat. I especially liked the way the kids simply think nothing of being friends, despite their very different backgrounds. It's quite heartwarming. It's also nice to see that Rüdiger is a 3-dimensional character, being rather selfish at times thanks to his circumstances, but he is neither truly mean nor does he fail to be loyal to his friend.

Sequels:Der kleine Vampir zieht um; Der kleine Vampir verreist; Der kleine Vampir auf dem Bauernhof; Der kleine Vampir und die große Liebe; Der kleine Vampir in Gefahr; Der kleine Vampir im Jammertal; Der kleine Vampir liest vor; Der kleine Vampir und der unheimliche Patient; Der kleine Vampir in der Höhle des Löwen; Der kleine Vampir und der Lichtapparat; Der kleine Vampir und der rätselhafte Sarg; Der kleine Vampir und die große Verschwörung; Der kleine Vampir und die Klassenfahrt; Der kleine Vampir feiert Weihnachten; Der kleine Vampir und Graf Dracula; Der kleine Vampir und die Tanzstunde; Der kleine Vampir hat Geburtstag; Der kleine Vampir und die Gruselnacht; Der kleine Vampir und die letzte Verwandlung