Author & Illustrator Profile
Flavia Z. Drago
7 Books
Flavia Z. Drago is a bestselling children's book creator and illustrator known for her charming, slightly spooky picture books. Her work often explores themes of friendship and self-acceptance through adorable monster characters, as seen in "Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire" and "Leila, the Perfect Witch." She also creates engaging novelty and concept books for younger readers, including the "Monsters Play" series.
A flap lifts, a monster peeks out, and suddenly peekaboo has claws, bones, howls, and giggles.
In this playful interactive picture book, seven silly monsters hide beneath sturdy flaps, waiting for you to discover them one by one. Each surprise brings a new sound to try, from werewolf howls to clacking skeleton bones, making the story lively for reading aloud.
Bright, bold artwork and a bouncy rhythm keep the mood friendly rather than frightening. Perfect for young readers who like funny monsters, dramatic voices, and books they can join in with, this cheerful game turns every page into a little performance.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Vlad is wonderfully vampire-ish in almost every way: stylish, dramatic, and fond of the perfect dark outfit. There is just one problem. His rosy cheeks make him look much too alive.
Worried that other vampires will not accept him, Vlad hides behind elaborate black clothes and tries to cover up the part of himself that feels different. But keeping a secret can be lonely, especially when friendship might offer more understanding than he expects.
With a spooky-sweet setting and richly detailed illustrations, this picture book blends humor, tenderness, and a gentle message about self-acceptance. It is a warm choice for readers who enjoy monsters with big feelings and stories about finding the courage to be yourself.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Halloween night is here, and Shelley is ready to knock, guess, and grin her way through a monster-filled game of trick-or-treat.
Behind each door waits a flap to lift and a surprise to discover. Will it be a trick, like Gustavo and his creepy-crawlies? Or a treat, like glowing jack-o'-lanterns and delicious cakes? Familiar faces from Flavia Z. Drago's playful monster world pop in along the way, making every page feel like a festive visit.
Cheery, colorful, and just spooky enough, this interactive picture book is built for readers who love Halloween, silly surprises, and joining the story with every knock at the door.
6-8 Years
18 Pages
Counting gets delightfully strange when monsters do the teaching.
From one tongue to ten surprising body parts and actions, this bright rhyming picture book invites you to count along with a cast of funny, flamboyant creatures. Each monster brings movement, sound, and personality to the numbers, turning early math practice into a playful read-aloud.
The sturdy format, bold illustrations, and rhythmic text make the book easy to share, while the monster theme keeps it lively and silly. Young readers who enjoy numbers, body-part words, and offbeat characters will find plenty to notice on every page as they count from one to ten.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Leila Wayward is used to being brilliant. She can fly fast, conjure cleverly, shape-shift superbly, and fill a shelf with trophies. Now she has her eye on a new prize: the Magnificent Witchy Cake-Off.
There is only one sticky problem. Leila may come from a family of magical bakers, but in the kitchen, perfection is harder than it looks. As recipes wobble and expectations rise, her three magical sisters step in with advice, patience, and a reminder that baking can be more than winning.
Full of witchy charm, playful food details, and expressive illustrations, this picture book is a funny and warm story for readers who know what it feels like to want something to turn out just right.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things. He can walk through walls, make objects fly, and glow brightly in the dark. More than anything, he loves playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is incredibly shy, which makes some things very difficult. Getting in line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters feels impossible. Whenever he tries to get close to the other creatures, he realizes they simply cannot see him. With the Day of the Dead fast approaching, Gustavo must find a way to make the other monsters notice him. He decides to share the beautiful music he loves so much, hoping it will help him connect. This sweet and gently offbeat story explores loneliness, bravery, and the courage it takes to finally let your true self shine.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Buster is hiding, and the search is on.
In this cheerful lift-the-flap picture book, every place might hold a surprise. Is Buster behind the plant pots? Under the bed? In the shower, the closet, or even the fridge? Each flap reveals a friendly monster or familiar character busy with something unexpected, from watering mandrakes to hunting for a missing yellow sock.
With bright illustrations, playful guessing, and a gentle spooky flavor, this hide-and-seek adventure turns reading into a game. It is a fun pick for young readers who like monsters, surprises, and interactive books that invite them to look closely and call out their guesses.
6-8 Years
