VAMPIRES DON'T WEAR POLKA DOTS

The Bailey School Kids series returns with a graphic-novel adaptation that asks: Is the kids’ new teacher a vampire?

Having tormented their former teacher into quitting, Eddie, the ringleader of the pranksters, thinks he can handle anyone the school can find to replace her. But the replacement is pale Transylvanian Mrs. Jeepers, whose Gothic demeanor, coffin ownership, and accent immediately have the kids thinking of vampires. The accent is depicted visually, with a faintly drippy (but still plenty legible) type set in a green that coordinates with her mystical, glowing brooch. At first Eddie, who presents White, is confident that he can get rid of her, but after he gets in trouble with Mrs. Jeepers for trying to touch Melody’s hair (she is illustrated as Black) without permission, the other kids notice—and taunt him that he’s afraid of Mrs. Jeepers. They challenge Eddie to sneak into Mrs. Jeepers’ basement, open the coffin, and tell them what’s inside—and he challenges Melody to come with him to verify. The mission ends in inconclusive creepiness, further shifting the balance of power in Mrs. Jeepers’ favor in their classroom battle of wills. The new format will be readily received by graphic-novel fans and reluctant readers alike. The full-color illustrations include a character guide at the front that provides names and establishes racial diversity.

A great way to reboot the silly, gently creepy series for a new generation.