Vlad the Drac facts for kids
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| Author | Ann Jungman |
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| Illustrator | George Thompson |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | 1982 (Collins) |
| Followed by | Vlad the Drac Returns |
Vlad the Drac is a fun children's book written by Ann Jungman in 1982. It tells the story of a tiny baby vampire. This little vampire comes into the lives of two children, Paul and Judy. They bring him home to England. Soon, they love and care for him like their own child.
This book was so popular that it had five sequels! These include Vlad the Drac Returns, Vlad the Drac Superstar, Vlad the Drac Vampire, Vlad the Drac Down Under, and Vlad the Drac Goes Travelling.
Contents
About Vlad the Drac
This story begins with Paul and Judy Stone and their parents. They are on a bus trip in the mountains of Romania. While playing in the snow, Paul falls on a stone. Underneath it, they find a sleeping baby vampire!
Meeting Vlad
Paul and Judy are amazed. The vampire is not scary at all! He can even speak English. They learn that this vampire is a vegetarian. He actually faints if he sees blood! Before their bus leaves, the little vampire begs Paul and Judy to take him with them. They agree, even though they are a bit unsure.
When they get to their hotel, Paul and Judy hide the vampire from their parents. They quickly decide on a name for their new friend: Vlad. Vlad loves his new name! He also tells them about his very strange diet. He loves to eat things like washing-up liquid and bars of soap! Paul, Judy, and Vlad make it back to England safely. Their parents still don't know about Vlad. But taking care of Vlad brings some challenges. Paul and Judy have to spend most of their pocket money on soap and washing-up liquid for him.
Life with a Vampire
One day, Paul and Judy come home from school. Their parents are still out. Mr. Stone is a violinist, and Mrs. Stone is a doctor. The children find that Vlad has been very naughty! They had told him not to explore the house while they were gone. But the kitchen is covered in what looks like blood! Vlad proudly tells them he has eaten the Milkman, the Window Cleaner, and the Gasman. Paul and Judy panic! Then, they find a broken bottle of tomato ketchup in the bin. They realize Vlad was just playing a trick. Angry, they make Vlad stay in Judy's room for a day.
Vlad's Pranks and Fears
Another day, Vlad sees a movie called The Curse of the Vampire on TV. He begs the children to let him watch it. Luckily, their parents are going out that evening. This means they can watch the movie and go to bed before their parents return. But when the scary parts of the film start, Vlad hides under a pillow. He can't watch anymore! He begs the children to take him to bed. That night, Vlad comes to Judy. He complains about a nightmare he had because of the movie. Judy lets Vlad sleep with her.
Flying High and Football Fun
One day, Paul and Judy come home early from school. The weather is bad. Vlad learns to fly, and he is so happy! Then, Mr. Stone comes home with ice cream and two tickets to a football match. He plans to take Paul. But when Mr. Stone is out of earshot, Vlad begs Paul to take him to the game. Paul agrees.
However, on the day of the match, Mr. Stone and Paul come home earlier than expected. They look a bit rough. Paul seems to be in big trouble for bad behavior. But secretly, it was Vlad who caused the problem. He accidentally upset some people and shouted things. Paul and Vlad's friendship seems broken. But Judy talks to Paul and asks him to give Vlad another chance. Paul reluctantly forgives Vlad.
It's Christmas time, and Paul and Judy are getting ready for the holidays. Paul's dad has long forgiven him. For Christmas, Paul and Judy get a puppy. Vlad gets a book called The Dracula Legend. He is still a bit scared of the puppy, though!
During the holidays, Gran and Aunt Margot (Mrs. Stone's mother and sister) come to visit. Both of them mysteriously get bitten on the ankle. Mr. Stone immediately thinks the puppy did it. He and Paul take the puppy back to the pet shop. But Judy knows Vlad was behind it. Vlad confesses. He says he thought the puppy might hurt him.
The Secret's Out!
Almost a year has passed since the trip to Romania. Judy decides to take Vlad to school with her one day. She tells him he must stay silent. But in the classroom, the teacher, Miss Fairfax, sees Judy writing an essay about vampires. Miss Fairfax says that vampires don't exist. This is too much for Vlad! He flies onto the desk and scolds Miss Fairfax. She faints! Judy and Paul now realize their secret is out. Their parents are sure to find out.
That evening, Mr. and Mrs. Stone get a phone call from the school headmaster about Vlad. Mr. Stone is angry at first. But he decides to ask the children about it anyway. Then, it happens: Vlad finally shows himself to Mr. and Mrs. Stone. They are shocked but also fascinated to meet the friendly little vampire. Mrs. Stone then makes a plan with Vlad. She wants to make him famous! This would mean Vlad returning to Romania. Many people could then visit him there. Vlad is very excited and packs his things right away.
Vlad's New Adventure
The day Vlad leaves arrives. He says goodbye to his friends and heads for Romania.
Two years later, the Stones visit Romania again. They find that Vlad is now living in Count Dracula's castle! He has met a female vampire, Mrs. Vlad. They have started a family. Vlad named his children after his loved ones. His first daughter is named Judy. His first son is named Paul. His second daughter is named Mum. His second son is named Dad. And his third son is named Ghitza. The Stones also see that Vlad's piano playing has gotten much better. He can now play Chopin's Revolutionary piece. Mr. Stone never learned to play that one!
