Vampirita and the Angry Mob

by Mariana Llanos, Laura Brenlla (Illustrator)

Ever since Vampirita left her home in Lima, Peru for Sunny City, California, her life has been dull and gloomy--and not the chilly air, moldy tombstones, and scurrying cockroaches kind of gloomy. There's not a single creaky floorboard in her new house; no one at school eats cricket and worm empanadas; and the next-door neighbors, August and Molly, are annoyingly nice. All her mom wants is for them to blend in, but Vampirita would give anything to be back in Peru digging tombs with her abuevampiritos. With help from reluctant friends, she hatches a plan to get her family chased out of town pitchforks-and-torches style. Will her scheme work, or will she find some spookiness in Sunny City?

136 pages, Hardcover

Published July 19, 2024

About the author

Mariana Llanos is a children’s books writer, poet, and translator. Born in Lima, Peru, she’s the author of several books including the 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Book and Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, Benita y las criaturas nocturnas/Benita and the Night Creatures, and the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award winner Run Little Chaski/Corre Pequeño Chaski!. Other titles include Luca's Bridge/El puente de Luca (2021 ALSC Notable Book Awards), Eunice and Kate (Paterson Prize Books for Young Readers) Kutu, the Tiny Inca Princess (Campoy-Ada Awards), the audio story Qoritika and the Three Alpacas, featured on Tiny Tales by Pampers Podcast produced by Sony Music Entertainment. among others. In 2017, Mariana received the Oklahoma Human Rights Award for her work visiting schools in different countries around the world through virtual technology. That same year she was selected as the Best Latino Artist by the Hispanic Arts Council of Oklahoma. Her upcoming books include two chapter book series, Vampirita (July 2024) and Martina and her Bright Star (2025) with Reycraft Books. She’s a co-founder of LatinxPitch, a virtual event that boosts the representation of Latino creatives in the children’s publishing industry and co-chair of the Latino Committee for the Firehouse Arts Center in Norman Oklahoma. In addition to writing, Mariana is an experienced speaker who visits schools regularly. She resides in Oklahoma City with her children. marianallanos.com

Reviews

[Anna Orenstein-Cardona · Rating 5 out of 5]

VAMPIRITA AND THE ANGRY MOB (Book 1) by Mariana Llanos, illustrated by Laura Brenlla, is a whimsical and humorous tale about a vampire girl adjusting to a new life in Sunny City, California after moving from Lima, Peru.

This fun chapter book brilliantly blends humor and spooky fun (think hormiga marmalade and mosquito bread…so creative!), as Vampirita attempts to bring some macabre magic to her new, mundane surroundings, which ends up backfiring spectacularly.

Despite the humor, Vampirita's journey touches on important themes such as homesickness, cultural differences, making new friends, and adjusting to a new locale, making this story both entertaining and heartwarming. Brenlla's gorgeous and imaginative illustrations enhance the story beautifully.

This is a must-read for young readers who love a mix of spooky escapades and heartfelt storytelling, with a sprinkling of Spanish words.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a "new kid in town" is slightly different with a vampire as our main character. However, the relatable issues of homesickness, not fitting in, and trying to be nice when you want to be anything but is familiar. However, regardless of how much we know this story, the author has fun making puns, jokes, and setting up a world that is different from our own. Vamparita really is an oddball, but one that we all want as a friend. Even if she isn't into hugs and eats cricket empanadas. A Spanish glossary with definitions is included at the end. Read via an online reader copy.

[Y.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampirita, written by Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Laura Brenlla, is a middle-grade book about a vampire girl who moves from Lima, Perú, to Sunny City, California, and is unhappy about it. Kids will have a blast with Vampirita's spooky and humorous schemes to convince her mother to move back to Perú and the unexpected consequences of her mischief. Full of gothic humor and spooky magic, Vampirita touches on important themes like moving to a new place, adapting to it, making new friends, and cultural differences, so I highly recommend it.

[Romy Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this fun and inventive early MG series. Vampirita reminds me of Evil Emily but in kid friendly form. The spot illustrations are full color which is cool. Really happy it is also available in Spanish! Can´t wait for the next one!

[Angela Padron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing and the art are so wonderful in this book. The characters are very expressive and the storyline is witty and entertaining. Such a clever book! I highly recommend.

[Bridgitte Rodguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and fun!

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly adorable!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampirita turns the vampire genre upside down in this cute funny chapter book. The book is actually a story about adjusting to a new home. Vampirita and her mother have moved from Peru to California. Mom wants her to be friendly, stay under the radar and blend in. But all Vampirita wants is to return to her old life living with her grandparents. all her efforts to get Mom to go back home to Peru end up having unexpected consequences. This cute story about adjusting to a new local, making friends, home sickness and cultural differences is certainly relatable. and the silly humor entertains. The illustrations by Laura Brenlla will make you giggle as well. This easy chapter book is high interest and can be read by middle graders of all reading levels.