Things that go bump in the day

Typical daytime noises--at first listen, a fire engine, a lawn mower--jangle the nerves and fuel the imagination of a young vampire trying to get some shuteye in Beatty's reassuring take on bedtime anxieties. Teal-skinned Vlad, cozy in his coffin, calls for Mama when he hears a "CLICKETY CLACK, CLICKETY CLACK... SKREEEK!" and visualizes, in horror, a mail carrier going about their work. But blue-complexioned Mama assures Vlad that it's merely their top hat--clad neighbor snake, Sirus the Slithery, riding his bike. Chua's zingy digital art does double duty, delivering an image of Sirus zooming past the mail carrier. The tandem print and visual through lines allow for an engaging blend of outlandish and ordinary. Mama's soothing, consistent presence--even while sporting Medusa-like snake hair curlers--permeates all. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)

Getting a good day's rest is tough for a young vampire. Trying to settle down in his casket isn't easy for little Vlad, what with the terrifying cacophony coming from outside. He complains about "CLICKETY CLACK" and "SKREEK" sounds, while an accompanying image depicts a smiling, pink-skinned letter carrier delivering mail. Mama responds that it's just Sirus the Slithery out for a bike ride; an illustration shows a huge striped snake in a top hat. But what about that loud "HERNK" (an image depicts a wailing fire engine)? Mama tells him it's Gogonk the Ghastly, a horned, devilish duck, on his way to pick up the paper. The witty digital illustrations will have kids chuckling. The things Vlad sees as nightmarish are portrayed in a cutesy, childlike scrawl; suns, butterflies, and even trees are portrayed with wide smiles. Meanwhile, Gogonk and Sirus are grotesque, Tim Burton--esque creatures, but Vlad finds them reassuring. Does the artwork suggest that Vlad really hears the human world? Or are these scenes the result of his overactive imagination? The final illustration, showing Mama in her coffin, tormented by thoughts of the things that go bump in the day, may influence kids' responses to these questions. Endearing Vlad has mint-green skin and small horns and fangs; lavender-skinned Mama wears batwing-shaped eyeglasses and curls her long, dark hair with snakes. This twist on the bedtime tale will induce giggles--and, maybe, some reflection about kids' own bedtime-stalling tactics. Children will stay wide awake, day or night, to finish this funny sleepy-time story. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.