Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Picture Book

I received some fantastic book mail last month! I have been SO desperate to share it but I have been very well behaved and saved it for my first October book feature. As a kid who grew up in the 90s, I absolutely adored Buffy the Vampire Slayer when  it first aired on TV. In those scary pre-streaming days when you used to gather around in the living room for your favourite programme to come on. The theme song will forever be burnt into my brain and I still get excited when I hear it. I distinctly remember my Mum jumping out of her skin every time a vampire suddenly appeared on screen. Ah the good old days!

Buffy has been been described as a role model for the modern feminist. Although she looks good, and has romantic interests in the show, her main focus is always fighting evil. Buffy breaks the stereotypes that a lot of 90s TV shows perpetuated. Buffy is a strong, independent teenager whose biggest asset is her friends. The ‘Scooby gang’, Buffy’s core friendship group, are the heart of the show. This essence has now been captured for a younger generation:

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Picture Book

Illustrator: Kim Smith

Published: 4th September 2018

Publisher: Quirk Books

Genre: Children’s, Picture Books

Goodreads: Add me!

Amazon: Affiliate link*

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Picture Book – Review

In this new picture book the Buffy story has been re-imagined to show Buffy as a kid! Her friends Willow and Xander, original members of the “Scoobies”, are invited around for a sleepover but there are strange sounds coming from the closet… In true Buffy fashion the kids seek advice from Giles, the school librarian, so they can create a plan of action.

The illustration is really cute! I love the artwork throughout the book. Kim Smith does an excellent job of capturing the personalities of the kids and also a different side to some of the show’s darker characters. The book has a lot of humour and despite being far from the book’s target audience I was giggling all the way through. I loved all of the Easter eggs from the original show, particularly some of the characters that make an appearance.

Themes that feature in the story are kindness, friendship and facing your fears. It is perfect for children but is just as awesome for fans of the original show, no matter what their age. Christmas present ideas anyone?! When I opened the envelope with the book inside my partner said, and I quote “so this is what jealousy feels like. I don’t like it”. I am very lucky to still be in possession of the book!

5 Stars/Stakes

*This post contains my Amazon affiliate link. It costs nothing extra to use but I may earn a small commission for purchases made, which would help to support my blog. Thank you for your support.*