Vincent Ventura and the Mystery of the Chupacabras Vincent Ventura y el misterio del chupacabras

By Xavier Garza

ISBN: 978-1-55885-869-5

Publication Date: October 31, 2018

Bind: Trade Paperback

Pages: 64

Award-winning author returns with thrilling new bilingual series for intermediate readers!

When stray dogs start disappearing from the neighborhood, Vincent’s dad thinks that maybe the Animal Control Department is finally doing its job. But then, Mrs. Rangel’s celebrity chihuahua Chato, who appeared in television commercials promoting tacos, disappears. And Mrs. García’s weiner dog and Mrs. West’s poodle go missing. Everyone in the neighborhood is puzzled, but Vincent Ventura has a theory.

The disappearances started when Mr. Calaveras moved into the house at 666 Duende Street, which is rumored to be haunted. Vincent knows he’s not the harmless but grumpy guy that everyone else sees. He’s convinced the old man is behind the rash of missing dogs. In fact, Vincent is sure he’s a monster, a blood-sucking beast known as el chupacabras!

Vincent enlists the aid of his cousin Michelle, the smartest student at their school, and her twin brother Bobby to spy on the suspected killer. Vincent Ventura, monster fighter extraordinaire, is determined to catch him in the act, even if it puts them all in danger! Accompanied by the author’s dramatic black and white illustrations, this exciting short novel for ages 8 – 12 will introduce Latino creepy creatures to a new generation of readers.

PRAISE 

“Older middle-grade readers will find these Latin American horror stories deliciously short but spooky.”—Kirkus Reviews on The Donkey Lady Fights La Llorona and Other Stories / La señora Asno se enfrenta a la Llorona y otros cuentos

“With its quick pace, humor and endearing characters, this is sure to turn more kids into lucha libre fans.”—Booklist on Maximillian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel

XAVIER GARZA is the author of numerous books for kids, including The Donkey Lady Fights La Llorona and Other Stories / La señora Asno se enfrenta a la Llorona y otros cuentos (Piñata Books, 2015), Maximilian and the Lucha Libre Club (Cinco Puntos Press, 2016) and Kid Cyclone Fights the Devil and Other Stories / Kid Ciclón se enfrenta a El Diablo y otras historias (Piñata Books, 2010). He lives with his family in San Antonio, Texas.