Series: Zombie Problems #1
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on June 4, 2019
Genres: Middle Grade, Horror
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
In his fiction debut--and the start of a new series--celebrated illustrator K.G. Campbell brings a touch of Tim Burton to this singularly strange and wonderful story about a lonely boy whose life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when a zombie follows him home.
August DuPont has spent his whole life inside a dilapidated house with his aunt Hydrangea. His lonely existence ends abruptly with the arrival of an invitation to meet an aunt--and cousins--he didn't even know existed. When Aunt Orchid suggests that August attend school with his cousins, it's a dream come true. But August has scarcely begun to celebrate his reversal of fortune when he is confronted by a small problem on his way home. So begins an adventure filled with a wild child, a zombie, a fabled white alligator, and an unimaginable family secret.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Small Zombie Problem is a delightfully quirky middle-grade novel.
August is a socially awkward boy who grew up any interactions with the outside world. He wasn’t even allowed to leave his house because of his aunt Hydrangea’s paranoia! While this would cause problems in the modern-day world (as his aunt Orchid points out), it creates a fun premise from which to explore the best and the worst of humanity as August learns to navigate the social currents of the outside world. I appreciate how August makes very real mistakes, suffers the consequences, and must learn from them. I also like how, while he does take some independent actions, he doesn’t keep everything from his aunt Hydrangea or other adults. He seeks aid where he can.
The characters are trope-y and predictable. However, I like the unique hobbies and interests portrayed. August enjoys crafting figures. One of his cousins creates “irresistibly depressing” jewelry. Both of these hobbies influence the greater plot with consequences that extend into book two. Furthermore, a woman is shown at a tattoo parlor, and she complements the zombie’s goth appearance. (Ironic given that the zombie’s appearance is a result of . . . well, being a zombie.)
From details in the novel, it seems that events take place in contemporary France. The setting features a blend of the historical and contemporary. August’s home doesn’t seem to have a phone, and someone sends his home a lettered invitation for a social call. However, other places have a television, and someone is shown with a cell phone that can take pictures. Because of August’s sheltered upbringing, he doesn’t seem to know anything about the outside world, and there aren’t many overt clues given about the setting—which gives it the sensation of being both familiar yet foreign to the present day.
Overall, A Small Zombie Problem is a highly enjoyable read about doing the right thing and what it means to be human. I look forward to reading book two!
Content
Let’s Chat
📚 What are your thoughts on books featuring zombies?
📚 Books with horror elements for young readers?
📚 How would you react if a zombie followed you home?
This post was made as a part of the Random House tour for A Small Zombie Problem.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
This sounds super cute! I’m a big fan of zombie books, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a MG one. I’ll have to check this out!
Crystal says
It is a super cute read. I hope you enjoy A SMALL ZOMBIE PROBLEM!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
The setting sounds a little confusing, but it sounds like a great series for kids and also just seems like a fun story!
Crystal says
I think the setting is less complicated than I made it out to be. I mostly confused myself by trying to place it within the context of our world. It’s a really enjoyable read if readers enjoy it for what it is.
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
This sounds hilarious! Just the sort of book a real middle grade reader would pick up. I can’t imagine if a zombie followed me home! I now think of zombies like The Walking Dead or The Train to Busan so they are super scary to me TBH. I think though the age is perfect for a touch of horror. ❤️
Crystal says
This book was a lot of fun to read! 🙂 It would be so creepy if an actual zombie followed me home. I agree that I’d imagine zombies to be much more terrifying. Since this is a middle-grade book, it touches lightly on the decay and fear factors, which is perfect for the age-intended audience.
Melliane says
It looks fun and the cover is really nice too!
Crystal says
The art in A Small Zombie Problem is fantastic! I love how the pages of the book also feature illustrations from the author 🙂