Not only an engaging and funny diary-style book that is visually interesting and will keep kids turning the pages, this is also an epic adventure with a cast of lovable misfits. Reluctant vampire, Alex, loved being a normal kid and misses tucking into ice-cream, chips and chocolate with best friends Mia and Archie. When it turns out being undead doesn’t even get you out of homework, accident-prone Alex is determined to find a cure, but making a deal with an ancient fire demon loses Alex far more than the cool powers that come with being a vampire. To save their hometown, the gang will need to outwit the wily and ancient fire demon, or the price of Alex’s new life will be the end of the world as they know it.

Katie Kear’s illustrations bring the secret world of the supernaturals to life, perfectly balancing the peril and humour that characterise Alex’s story. I am, of course, horribly biased, but this is a top pick to get kids excited about reading. Confident and reluctant readers alike will enjoy this heart-warming adventure.