Der Zahn

Ayşe Klinge’s unusual vampire story tackles several themes at once: the exclusion of those who are different, overcoming fear, the loss of one’s first teeth, and friendships that survive these changes and grow stronger as a result. Mila is afraid of vampires, and it is precisely Karla, with whom she befriends, who turns out to be one. The loss of her first tooth reveals the truth: a new fang has – much to her parents’ delight – caused her first milk tooth to fall out. Now the task is to hide this development, which fails. The fact that her vampire grandfather, who flies through the night, now comes into play as well is also of little help, but ultimately saves the day. Karla’s fear of the vampire academy eventually dissipates, and despite the physical distance, their friendship endures. Through humorous, sometimes whimsical and lively illustrations, Ayşe Klinge vividly depicts the worlds colliding.