Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer by Van Jensen, illustrated by Dustin Higgins

With stark black-and-white illustrations, Jensen and Higgins continue the story of the famous wooden puppet that comes to life, called Pinocchio. After a quick re-cap of the original story, the reader learns that Pinocchio is a monster slayer, acting upon his own vendetta against Geppetto's killer. When he makes a plea to the townspeople for help, he is mocked and left alone to save the carpenter and fairy who have been devoted to caring for him. What he finds is a community of monsters, of vampires, and he discovers that to destroy those who took his father from him, he must face a few truths and use knowledge – and denial – as his ally.

Recommended to all readers who enjoy graphic novels and untraditional retellings of classic stories.
Call number: YA GRAPHIC JENSEN (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian