"All Vlad really wants is some friends and he knows just where to find them - school. But fitting in at human school isn't easy for a little vampire, especially with his pet bat tagging along!" -- Back cover.

"Misery Manor is home to the Impalers -- the bravest vampire family that ever lived. Except for Vlad -- he's not brave at all. He's even a bit scared of the dark! Vlad's annoying cousin Lupus is visiting. He's brilliant at all the vampire skills: turning into a bat, flying, and mind control. And he's popular at school. Is there ANYTHING Vlad can do better than Lupus?" -- Back cover.

"Vlad's parents have flown to Transylvania and left him with a long list of vampire tasks. Luckily, Minxie is keen to help! But can they keep their friendship a secret from Grandpa Gory?" -- Back cover.

Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life.