HAVE YOU EVER ever wondered if your neighbour might be a vampire? Perhaps they only venture out under the cover of night, sport an unusually pale complexion, or have relatives hailing from Romania. If that sounds familiar, then all roads might just lead to Dracula!
Welsh author Paul Wines introduces us to his new protagonist, William Jenkins, in the enchanting new book The Day I Met a Vampire. William suspects that he might have a vampire neighbour or two, but then again, he could just have an overactive imagination.
Author Paul Wines, known for his inventive storytelling, says: “With The Day I Met a Vampire, I wanted to tap into the joy of childhood curiosity. It’s all about embracing the idea that even the most mundane neighbourhoods can hold the most extraordinary secrets. Who knows? Your next-door neighbour might just be a vampire in disguise!”
When William delivers a parcel to his mysterious neighbours, Tuesday and Elvis Evans, he becomes intrigued by the foreign stamps adorning the package – most of which originate from Romania. Despite knowing little about this intriguing country, William quickly connects the dots: Romania is the home of none other than the infamous Dracula! Could it be that the legendary vampire has found his way to their quiet village, or is William’s imagination simply running wild? William soon realises that curiosity might just be the thing that bites him back – after all, who knows what creatures lie in the shadows.
Paul Wines continues: “Writing this book was like peeling back the layers of a mystery. I hope young readers find the thrill in questioning what’s real and what’s not, all while enjoying a story that encourages them to explore their imaginations. After all, adventure can be just a doorstep away!”
The Day I Met a Vampire, published by Cardiff-based independent publisher Candy Jar Books, is perfectly timed for Halloween. Crafted with reluctant readers in mind, it’s an ideal easy read for young adventurers just beginning their literary journey.
Reluctant readers often encounter distinct challenges that can dampen their enthusiasm for books, so it’s essential to offer them engaging and accessible literature. The Day I Met a Vampire is designed to spark their curiosity with a playful and spooky narrative that draws them in.
Keren Williams, Head of Marketing at Candy Jar, says: “As we approach Halloween, The Day I Met a Vampire offers a delightful blend of adventure and imagination that will capture the hearts of young readers, especially reluctant ones.
“This story not only sparks curiosity but also encourages children to embrace the magic in their everyday surroundings. We’re thrilled to bring this charming tale to life just in time for the spooky season!”
But, this isn’t the only exciting bit of book news that Paul has this year! In addition to The Day I Met a Vampire, Paul Wines has another exciting release scheduled for October 31st. His Welsh-language graphic novel, Gwallt Gwyllt: Cysgod y Cadno (Wild Hair: The Shadow of the Fox) is also being released and marks the first collaboration between Candy Jar Books and Llyfrau’r Hen Blwyf (Old Parish Books), who have recently partnered up to produce Welsh-language titles. This new children’s graphic novel, which was also published in English in 2023, brings a rich blend of folklore and imagination, and highlights a significant milestone for Candy Jar as they begin their journey into Welsh-language children’s literature.
Both books are being released on October 31st, and are being distributed by the Books Council of Wales, making them available at all good bookshops. And, as a sweet Halloween treat, excited readers will be happy to hear that The Day I Met a Vampire is already available so that it can be read on the run up to Halloween, just before the real monsters come out!
