Monster Memoirs: Tell Us a Story, Grandpa

In recent years, we've seen countless film, series, and book adaptations featuring Dracula. For some, he's a bloodthirsty monster killing at every turn; for others, he's a lonely, dark creature dependent on human blood. Monster Memoirs (Monstrózní memoáry) brings a refreshingly different take on the vampire count. It will captivate both young and older readers alike!

Monster Memoirs is the first installment of the two-part Memento Monstrum series. It is written by German author Jochen Till, known for his children's books. Monster Memoirs introduces us to the Dracula family: Grandpa Vlad, Grandma Selena, daughter Aima, and grandchildren Goblinka, Vira, and Rhesus. A birthday surprise from Aima leaves Grandpa Dracula with a challenge—he must ensure his grandchildren survive the weekend in his company. He has done many things in his long life, but can he keep three young vampires alive?

The story unfolds on two levels. In the first, we are in the present, where Grandpa Dracula tries to look after his grandkids. In the second, we dive into the memories of Count Dracula himself. The link between these parts is Dracula's old photo album, which his granddaughter discovers by chance while they are building a fort out of books in the library.

Grandpa Dracula captures his grandchildren's attention by sharing memories of the friends he has met throughout his long life. Each story comes with a lesson. The tale of the Yeti dancer shows children that we shouldn't judge others by their appearance, but rather value what they can do. The story of the mutated water monster is a beautiful example of what true friendship is and what we are willing to do to make our friends happy. During the storytelling, Grandpa Dracula doesn't like how his grandson Rhesus talks about werewolves. We therefore get the story of the phenomenal Archie, where we learn that even enemies can become good friends. In the individual stories, we also encounter the monstrous and slightly incompetent vampire hunter Van Helsing, who has been chasing Grandpa Vlad for centuries. Before Grandpa knows it, the first day with his grandkids is over, but thanks to Rhesus, we get a surprising conclusion!

Even though the cover might look a bit spooky, it contains beautiful stories (and even more beautiful illustrations) from which not only children but also adults can learn a lesson. Translator Jana Čeřenová did a great job, as the story of the Dracula family is readable and doesn't contain overly complex words—quite the opposite! The grandchildren Goblinka, Vira, and Rhesus are raised on modern technology and social media, so human parents (reading the book to their children) might even learn a term or two. The individual stories are always "pleasantly interrupted" by the grandkids' questions, which makes the reader feel like they are in the library with Grandpa Dracula and his family.

The book rightfully enjoys a 100% rating in book databases. If you are looking for an inspiring book for children who love the Hotel Transylvania movies, they will fall in love with Monster Memoirs before you can say VAN HELSING!

Spiders are actually very nice, as long as they aren't trying to eat you…

author Adéla Tomanovicsová