I Am NOT a Vampire

by Miles McKenna, Riley Samels (illustrator)

Arlo's whole family are vampires . . . except him. This funny and heartwarming picture book celebrates Arlo as he navigates his identity and becomes his true self.

Growing up in Pumpkin Valley, a magical town with werewolves, witches, monsters, and ghouls, Arlo is impatiently waiting to become a vampire like everyone else in his family. It's supposed to happen, but no matter what Arlo tries, nothing changes. On a magical, mystical night, Arlo finally transforms into his true self . . . which is NOT a vampire. This warm and joyful picture book by Miles McKenna and published in partnership with GLAAD, is a gorgeous and important story of acceptance, love, and celebrating who you are.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens, Vampires, Juvenile, Monsters, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Faye 🫀]

Miles McKenna?!?!?!??

[Megan]

A great story about being different and being loved! We should take a page out of this book, we should love each other despite our differences!

[natwantstoknow]

thank you to LA festival of books for having copies available before the official release date and for Miles for writing such a heartfelt story (and for meeting me and signing my copy at lafob 🥹💖) I want to read this for family storytime so badly agh I can't wait!!

Just the book I needed as a child. Arlo is the cutest!

[Lisa]

A sweet story about being your true self and being loved for it

[Barbara]

A slightly different take on identity and family, this picture book focuses on Arlo, who wonders why it's taking so long for him to acquire the vampire characteristics of his family. Although his parents reassure him that the changes are coming, he's not sure and stakes all his chips on the arrival of a super harvest moon. To his relief, he DOES change but not in the ways he expected. The gentle text and digital artwork trace those changes and the reactions of his supportive family. This picture book may provide support for those youngsters who aren't like others in their family as well as hinting at even bigger changes than Arlo experiences. Add it to a collection centered around identity.

[Rachel]

A boy has a vampire family, but he shows no sign of being a vampire. His family give him encouragement, but he's sad to not be one yet. Then a fall festive happens with a full moon...and he finds out what he truly is. His family accepts him and he finds himself happy to be who he really is. A great metaphor for accepting kids as they are regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or what they look like. Was also a fun addition to Halloween books! A good convo starter for kids about being your true self.

[Slmstanley]

A really sweet book about being different from your family, and how it's important to let yourself be who you are.

A boy in a family of vampires discovers that he's not a vampire...he's a werewolf. His family is supportive (his vampire mother says "I knew you'd have beautiful fangs!"), and accepts his differences with love (and a bit of teasing from his older vampire brothers.)

[Lex Bright]

A sweet, short story about not fitting in perfectly with your family but finding out who you truly are and being accepted and loved for it. The illustrations are delightful and the parents are giving Addams family in the best possible way.

[Alyssa Nira]

Cute little story about a vampire family and their one member who is a bit different. He's wanting to go through his transformation to become a vampire and he goes through one, but not what he's expecting.

[estherbookster]

Adorable illustrations and a great story about identity, belonging, and representation. Cute, wholesome vampires, ghosts, and spooky elements perfectly tell how everyone is loved and welcome. Definitely recommend for kids and all ages, even adults.

[Deborah Canaday]

This book is a great way to introduce children to the idea that it's okay to be different in your family and community. Beautiful illustrations and language. Thank your for writing this story with so much understanding and care.

[Jeremy]

If you've ever wondered what happened to Bella's baby after Jacob knocked it up, this book is for you.

Jk (mostly). An adorably spooky story about being yourself, being different, all that good stuff.

[Jessica]

A boy lives with his family of vampires, but he just doesn't quite seem to fit in with his parents and many, many younger brothers. He doesn't have the same hair color or the same kind of teeth. I was not expecting the ending.

[Mackenzie]

Love, love, loved this one. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is charming and inclusive. It caught me off guard when I saw the kid from the new Goosebumps series in the back of the book under the author's photo, but I guess that was really him.

[Kelsey Modlin]

PRECIOUS Anything spooky, but also kid friendly spooky immediately has my heart, the art is so good I want to live in the illustration

[Aurora]

It is cute enough. The queer metaphor is kind of subtextual—I would’ve liked to see something more vocal?

[Josh Campeau]

It flows as an adult would expect, but it was cute and has a nice message. A good read-aloud for a Halloween themed read, or for a kid who wants a monsters book. Good for ages 3+

[Elisabeth]

Families don't have to match and yay for a monster book that's not focused on Halloween

[Sherrie]

Halloween read aloud

[Melanie Gaum]

3.5 rounded up

[Kim Hoang]

wonderful art and illustrations! love a good halloween town

[Michelle]

Everyone feels left out sometimes.

[SadyeReads]

Such a lovely and fun Halloween story aboytnbeung your true self and acceptance .

[Shalee Kate]

A wholesome book about loving who you are, I loved this!

[Amber]

3.5
Preschool and school-age

[Cathy]

Darn cute. I should’ve seen the twist, but it caught me delightfully by surprise. ☺️

[Tally]

That mom has some explaining to do

[Brianna]

Very cute story about not fitting in/standing out but having your family and community accept you and embrace you being different

[Heidi]

Special story about finding your true self as you grow. Even more special because Arlo’s family loves and accepts him even when he doesn't turn out to be like everyone else.