The Zombees by Justin Colón & Kaly Quarles

Aside: this is the second zombie-related book I’ve read in a row, how odd for the middle of July!

It’s Halloween and the normally quiet graveyard by Honey Hills is abuzz. Literally, as strange creatures begin to rise from the tombs and wend their winding way through town. Could these flying apparitions be… bees? But bees aren’t that sickly shade of green, nor do they have that strange, lingering smell.

As terrified trick-or-treaters run through the streets searching for safe haven from the zombees coming at them, the big smokers are called in to protect them. Who will survive this night of mischief and mayhem? And will the townsfolk be able to get to the bottom of this zombee outbreak and put a stop to it before anyone gets hurt?

Given that this is a kid’s book, the answer is yes, and in the most heartwarming, relatable way possible. The way that the book makes the idea of zombie bees feel age-appropriate for young readers developing their vocabularies is well suited for its target audience, with just enough scares to give them a thrill but not enough to induce outright fear.

The fact that it’s in verse helps, of course, bringing to mind Roald Dahl’s more playful output. Justin Colon’s pitch perfect poetry here is matched with superlative skill by Kaly Quarles’ wonderful illustrations. The layouts are absolutely fantastic, with the pictures punctuating each couplet in such a way as to enhance both rhythm and meaning. As a professional book critic who’s seen and read thousands of books, I’m hugely impressed with the quality of craft put into this entire product.

I highly recommend this picture book in the lead-up to Halloween, or for any kid who likes a (mildly) scary story year-round. It’s especially great for introducing young readers to excellent but still accessible poetry.

The Zombees by Justin Colón & Kaly Quarles will be published tomorrow July 15 2025 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including