Zombie Mommy

Review

Common Sense Media says

Humor and horror mix in fun, fast-paced series installment.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this latest book in the Pals in Peril series is a spoof of horror books. Although there are gruesome scenes including zombies, vampires, and more, the silly and outrageous actions of our heroes make this a fast-paced and fun book.

  • Educational value2
    Readers who enjoy this book may want to check out the author's other work including Whales on Stilts!  -- or for teens, Feed or the Octavian Nothing series.
  • Positive messages3
    There is a strong message about friendship as the characters use their skills and teamwork to outsmart their foes and rescue Lily's mom from a fate worse than death. 
  • Positive role models3
    Friendship and loyalty play important roles in this story as good, smart kids work together.
  • Violence3
    While lighthearted, this story is about vampires and the living dead. A teen vampire bites Lily's mom; our heroes are chased by hordes of zombies; Lily's mom's body is taken over by a ghost. And then there are the killer tarantulas.
  • Sex1
    There is some interesting insight into a budding romance between Katie and Drgnan but quickly ends when Katie becomes jealous.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Much of the book pokes fun at name brands and expensive clothes. Katie's cousin Madigan is obsessed with looking good and having the right labels.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

Continuing in the adventures of this group of daring teens, Zombie Mommy, the latest book in the Pals in Peril series, is a light-hearted look at horror stories past and present complete with vampires, killer tarantulas, and the walking dead. Lily is a normal kid from a normal town, but when her mother comes back from a trip acting very strangely, Lily and her loyal -- but eccentric -- friends work together to unravel a gruesome mystery -- and figure out how to un-zombie-fy her mom.

Is it any good?

 

Readers will appreciate the fun, eccentric cast of characters here. The sci-fi inventions of Jasper Dash are brilliant, and handsome teenage monk, Brother Drgnan Pghlik, brings a quirky spirituality to the friends' adventures. Although full of laughs and the author's trademark offbeat humor, this story has a good message about the strength of friendship as the smart characters team up to outsmart their foes and rescue Lily's mom from a fate worse than death.

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about books and movies that blend humor and horror. What other titles can you think of? Why is this combination popular?

  • The author pokes fun at Katie's cousin Madigan, who is always texting and talking on her iSquawk. Does it bother you when your friends text all the time when they are with you? Parents could use this as an opportunity to discuss cell phone etiquette.

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This review was written by Barbara Lawrence

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This review was written by Barbara Lawrence
Author:M.T. Anderson
Illustrator:Kurt Cyrus
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Science Fiction
Publisher:Beach Lane Books
Publication date:October 25, 2011
Number of pages:240
Hardcover price:$16.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):10
This review was written by Barbara Lawrence
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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