I Am NOT a Vampire

In this picture book from actor and LGBTQ+ advocate McKenna, a young monster goes down a path of self-exploration.
Arlo is a vampire. Well, sort of. Everyone else in the family is a vampire. Arlo’s parents and 12 younger brothers have wan complexions, dark silky hair, sharp fangs, and pointy batlike ears. Even the baby, swaddled in a black bat suit, shows off his fangs as he giggles. Arlo, with shaggy brown hair, rounded ears, peachy-pink skin, and no fangs, sticks out. And while the others “can fly around in the dark and not hit a thing,” Arlo is “always knocking into things.” Arlo’s parents, who resemble Morticia and Gomez Addams, urge their eldest to be patient. But Arlo is skeptical. The Harvest Moon Festival offers Arlo an opportunity for self-discovery; according to legend, the harvest moon gives all who attend the power to embrace their true selves. Arlo soon has an epiphany: “I’m a werewolf!” Published in partnership with GLAAD (the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), this effective allegory for the queer experience captures a child’s yearning to fit in while feeling acutely different from siblings and peers. It’s wonderful to see Arlo’s journey occurring within the embrace of a loving family; this is both a thought-provoking delight and a balm. Samels’ cute, clever illustrations complete the package; the vampire family’s elegant uniformity, their gently gothic home, and the Halloweeny atmosphere of their little town set a distinct scene without overwhelming the narrative.
A sweet celebration of identity. * Kirkus Reviews *
A family portrait kicks off this charming book about self-acceptance. Arlo, declares, “I’m a
vampire.” His family are all vampires. But something is off. Arlo is worried because he doesn’t have fangs, and he doesn’t sleep in a big-kid coffin yet. He hopes he’ll find his superpowers at the annual festival celebrating the super harvest moon, and he does. Arlo has become a werewolf, and family and friends joyfully accept his new identity. The cheerfully gothic illustrations are filled with comic detail. It also packs an evergreen message about finding and accepting your identity-and that of others. * Booklist *

Miles McKenna started sharing his authentic self on social media and is beloved by millions for his comedic voice and activism. He won Best LGBTQ+ Account at the 10th Annual Shorty Awards. Offline, he stars in the Disney+ hit series Goosebumps. This is Miles’s debut picture book. His favorite holiday is Halloween, but unlike Arlo, he’s never been a werewolf! Miles brings wit, warmth, and weirdness to everything he creates.

Riley Samels is an illustrator who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Kent State University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications and Design. After graduating he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent a few years as an illustrator for gifting goods including greeting cards and wrapping paper. He now resides in New Haven, Connecticut where he Illustrates pop-up greeting cards daily. Riley is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and allows this and other minority communities to inspire and fuel his work to amplify unheard voices. In his free time, he is probably tending to his collection of 112 (and growing) plants. Riley has a green thumb with a passion for illustration, social justice, traveling, and good food.

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