Things That Go Bump in the Day - by Melinda Beatty (Hardcover)

About the Book

As young vampire Vlad gets ready for bed, his imagination takes over with every noise he hears until he learns to calm himself down and finds comfort in his tired mama's reassurances.

Book Synopsis

The sun is out and it's time for vampire Vlad to go to bed, but it's easier said than done with all the creepy, creaky daytime noises that keep him (and his mother) from getting a good day's rest.

Vampire Vlad is all tucked in, ready for bed. But his imagination runs wild when he hears all the daytime noises happening outside. A clickety-clack, a skreek and a clang? Who knows what that could be!

With each new sound, Vlad races to his patient and reassuring, but tired mama's room until he learns how to calm himself down and finally get a good day's rest. Melinda Beatty's clever text and award-winning illustrator Charlene Chua's imaginative illustrations make the perfect bedtime read (during the day or night) for anyone a little nervous to go to bed.

Review Quotes

"The witty digital illustrations will have kids chuckling . . . 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." --Kirkus

"[A] reassuring take on bedtime anxieties. Chua's zingy digital art does double duty . . . 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." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Melinda Beatty (she/her) is the author of the Heartseeker series and the picture book Tell the Truth, Pangolin, illustrated by Paola Escobar. Her passion for books spills over into her second career as an indie bookseller. After living in boats, basements, and attics, she and her husband now reside in western Maryland with their two kids.

Charlene Chua (she/they) was born and grew up in Singapore, and moved to Canada in 2007. They worked as a web designer before moving to illustration full-time. Her first author/illustrator debut was Hug? and was the illustrator for the Stonewall Children's Award-winning Love, Violet. She now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.