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zoe_m's review
3.0
I'm new to audiobooks, so I'm still getting used to the format and what I like or don't like about particular narrators. I ADORED this narrator. He had voices for everyone, which made it not only highly entertaining, but very clear to follow.
angiel's review
5.0
I received A Small Zombie Problem by K.G. Campbell from NetGalley to read and review. This book will be the first in the Zombie Problems Series. I loved it! The character of August was interesting, different, and very likable. I want to know what happens to him in the next books! I loved the story of August and his "small zombie problem". I think it was inventive and different from other children's books I've read. The lessons learned by August are tough but true, and the way they were told and explained was comforting. I appreciated how the tough, painful lessons about friendship were portrayed in this book through August's story. I'm looking forward to reading more "Zombie Problems" in the future.
booksandbosox's review
3.0
My love for zombies has cooled a bit, but I couldn't resist picking up this ARC of a zombie story for the middle grade set. It's cute, interesting enough, but not sure I feel compelled to anticipate the next book in the series.
airykah13's review
4.0
3.5
Funny middle grade book. I listened to 95% of this and the different voices the narrator used for each character made the story that much funnier. Also, the names of all the characters were super old-fashioned, it was great.
Funny middle grade book. I listened to 95% of this and the different voices the narrator used for each character made the story that much funnier. Also, the names of all the characters were super old-fashioned, it was great.
brightbeautifulthings's review
3.0
I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Random House Children’s. Trigger warnings: death, mild body horror, mild eye horror, bullying, anxiety, agoraphobia.
August DuPont has never left the battered old house where he lives with his Aunt Hydrangea, a former Chili Pepper Princess who’s mortally afraid of butterflies. When he receives a surprise invitation from another aunt he never knew he had, he dares to brave the outside world in the hopes of having friends, schooling, and adventures of his own. On his way home, he accidentally stumbles upon a small zombie problem… a problem that, unfortunately, follows him home and threatens to take all the “normal” out of his new life.
A Small Zombie Problem is a middle-grade novel in the style of Tim Burton meets Lemony Snicket, without the bitter cynicism. The world is slightly off-kilter and full of larger-than-life (and, at times, borderline ridiculous) adults and children who stumble across strangeness in everyday life. Campbell’s slightly magical and imaginary South is full of clever quirks, from giant white alligators to necromancy stones. The characters are distinct but feel familiar, and August’s dreams of making friends and having adventures (based mainly on watching television) are easy to relate to. Of course, my favorite character is the zombie, and I love that she’s actually a character–not just a plot device or a mindless antagonist.
Unfortunately, the pace is very slow. There’s no hint of a zombie or a real conflict for the first half of the book. Younger audiences who enjoy reading won’t have a problem delving into Campbell’s world-building and characters, but those who already struggle with reading might find the lack of action trying (and a zombie novel sort of implies there’s going to be a lot of action). It’s also clear that this is the first book in a series, since there are a number of elements introduced that don’t pan out in this book. I expected Madame Marvell to play more of a role, and while I’m certain the alligator will feature eventually, it’s little more than a side note here. One of the smallest plot threads wraps up to satisfaction, but there isn’t much closure to be had elsewhere. The ending itself is purposely open-ended as a lead-in to the next book.
However, there’s a lot to enjoy about it. Theme-wise, the novel prompts readers to examine the differences between expectations and reality and how things might be okay even if they don’t work out the way we imagined. There’s also a heavy note of how, good or bad, people aren’t always what they appear to be, and I enjoyed Campbell turning the tables on us once or twice. It’s a cute, fun read, and I’d be happy to continue with the series.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
August DuPont has never left the battered old house where he lives with his Aunt Hydrangea, a former Chili Pepper Princess who’s mortally afraid of butterflies. When he receives a surprise invitation from another aunt he never knew he had, he dares to brave the outside world in the hopes of having friends, schooling, and adventures of his own. On his way home, he accidentally stumbles upon a small zombie problem… a problem that, unfortunately, follows him home and threatens to take all the “normal” out of his new life.
A Small Zombie Problem is a middle-grade novel in the style of Tim Burton meets Lemony Snicket, without the bitter cynicism. The world is slightly off-kilter and full of larger-than-life (and, at times, borderline ridiculous) adults and children who stumble across strangeness in everyday life. Campbell’s slightly magical and imaginary South is full of clever quirks, from giant white alligators to necromancy stones. The characters are distinct but feel familiar, and August’s dreams of making friends and having adventures (based mainly on watching television) are easy to relate to. Of course, my favorite character is the zombie, and I love that she’s actually a character–not just a plot device or a mindless antagonist.
Unfortunately, the pace is very slow. There’s no hint of a zombie or a real conflict for the first half of the book. Younger audiences who enjoy reading won’t have a problem delving into Campbell’s world-building and characters, but those who already struggle with reading might find the lack of action trying (and a zombie novel sort of implies there’s going to be a lot of action). It’s also clear that this is the first book in a series, since there are a number of elements introduced that don’t pan out in this book. I expected Madame Marvell to play more of a role, and while I’m certain the alligator will feature eventually, it’s little more than a side note here. One of the smallest plot threads wraps up to satisfaction, but there isn’t much closure to be had elsewhere. The ending itself is purposely open-ended as a lead-in to the next book.
However, there’s a lot to enjoy about it. Theme-wise, the novel prompts readers to examine the differences between expectations and reality and how things might be okay even if they don’t work out the way we imagined. There’s also a heavy note of how, good or bad, people aren’t always what they appear to be, and I enjoyed Campbell turning the tables on us once or twice. It’s a cute, fun read, and I’d be happy to continue with the series.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
hollowspine's review
3.0
August DuPont lives with his Aunt Orchid in a dilapidated mansion. A mansion he hasn't set foot outside since he was brought as a young child. The DuPont's were once wealthy, but after a family betrayal their hot sauce dynasty is down to the last few bottles. August spends his time reading, creating elaborate paper mache sculptures, and watching television through binoculars.
When he receives an invitation to visit the wealthy cousins he didn't even know he had, August cannot wait to get outside. The possibility of making a friend, his first friend, propels him forward, even with the danger of a giant alligator on the loose. But, the rich Malveau's have more than friendship on their minds when they invited August over, it seems that hidden somewhere in the broken DuPont mansion there is a treasure worth a fortune! Will August find the treasure? And if he does, will he give it to the Malveau's, or use it to save his own fortunes? And what will he ever do with the strange friend he picked up in the DuPont family crypt?
A fun story that would appeal to readers in 3-5th grade who enjoyed Kate Klise's 43 Old Cemetery Road series or [b:A Taste for Red|5136179|A Taste for Red|Lewis Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344670990i/5136179._SY75_.jpg|5203068].
When he receives an invitation to visit the wealthy cousins he didn't even know he had, August cannot wait to get outside. The possibility of making a friend, his first friend, propels him forward, even with the danger of a giant alligator on the loose. But, the rich Malveau's have more than friendship on their minds when they invited August over, it seems that hidden somewhere in the broken DuPont mansion there is a treasure worth a fortune! Will August find the treasure? And if he does, will he give it to the Malveau's, or use it to save his own fortunes? And what will he ever do with the strange friend he picked up in the DuPont family crypt?
A fun story that would appeal to readers in 3-5th grade who enjoyed Kate Klise's 43 Old Cemetery Road series or [b:A Taste for Red|5136179|A Taste for Red|Lewis Harris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344670990i/5136179._SY75_.jpg|5203068].
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