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Pickles vs. the Zombies
The comfortable life of Pickles, the calico housecat, is turned upside down when humans succumb to a zombie apocalypse. She doesn’t know where her “pet” - human child Connor - has gone, only that there are zombies everywhere.
Determined to find Connor, Pickles sets off with her cat friends and a streetwise raccoon, exploring a world she has only seen through a window.
Fending off human zombies, street cats from the wrong side of the track, and a fearsome gang of chipmunks, Pickles and her crew search for remnants of human society.
Determined to find Connor, Pickles sets off with her cat friends and a streetwise raccoon, exploring a world she has only seen through a window.
Fending off human zombies, street cats from the wrong side of the track, and a fearsome gang of chipmunks, Pickles and her crew search for remnants of human society.
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Published March 2, 2021
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About the author
Angela Misri
11 books106 followersAngela Misri is an award-winning journalist, author and educator. Her detective series, called The Portia Adams Adventures, is set in the 1930s, and her first middle-grade series is called Tales from the Apocalypse. Pickles vs the Zombies, the first book in that series, won the 2021 Hackmatack award for fiction and the second is up for the 2022-23 Red Cedar Book Award.
Misri has an MA in journalism from the University of Western Ontario and has worked as a digital journalist for almost 20 years, including at the CBC and The Walrus. She also teaches in the journalism department at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Misri has an MA in journalism from the University of Western Ontario and has worked as a digital journalist for almost 20 years, including at the CBC and The Walrus. She also teaches in the journalism department at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 27, 2020
a great book to read aloud as a family
cats and zombies what more can one ask for?
cats and zombies what more can one ask for?
February 23, 2022
A very entertaining story about a group of animals who become found family during their mission to find their humans in the wake of the zombie apocalypse. The premise may sound strange, but Misri really works it into a charming and winning tale about teamwork, Ioyalty, emotional connection, perseverance and friendship in the most unlikely circumstances. I’m glad I got to accompany Pickles, Wally, Ginger, Trip, Hannah, Emmy and Pal on their journey.
October 21, 2019
Pickles vs the Zombies is a lot of fun. If you like cats and zombies, this book is for you. If you like horses, dogs, raccoons, and hamsters you'll like it even more.
Pickles the cat is on a quest to find her "pet" (a human child). To find him she must venture outdoors. This is scary enough for an indoor house cat let alone one confronted by zombies, evil opossums, nasty humans and more. Well named, Pickles finds herself in one pickle after another. Although new to the great outdoors, she is smart, well-read and brave, and before long she's surrounded by loyal companions with lots of personality and just the right skill set.
Will all that be enough to help her succeed in her quest? Probably. It is a kids book, after all. But the fun is in the journey in this funny, warm-hearted, progressive, and completely original take on the zombie genre.
Pickles the cat is on a quest to find her "pet" (a human child). To find him she must venture outdoors. This is scary enough for an indoor house cat let alone one confronted by zombies, evil opossums, nasty humans and more. Well named, Pickles finds herself in one pickle after another. Although new to the great outdoors, she is smart, well-read and brave, and before long she's surrounded by loyal companions with lots of personality and just the right skill set.
Will all that be enough to help her succeed in her quest? Probably. It is a kids book, after all. But the fun is in the journey in this funny, warm-hearted, progressive, and completely original take on the zombie genre.
July 17, 2020
The book Pickles vs The Zombies is about a cat named Pickles who lives with a cat named Wally. The world described in this book takes place in a place unknown to the reader as the author never divulges this. The world is overrun by zombies and Pickles’ humans go missing! Will they ever find their humans?
In this adventurous story, Pickles sets out to find them with a neighborhood cat named Ginger by her side. Ginger is a male cat who is a bit vain but still wants to help. Wally stays behind. The two cats know that humans who are hiding from the zombies went to the hospital. Unfortunately, the zombies go there first. They meet a racoon named Trip. When they escape the hospital, there is a zombie walking around. It is Ginger’s human! Pickles gets separated from her new friends.
Pickles, all alone, gets on a train and meets three more cats named Leona, Jaguar, and Bast. They believe that Bast had a vision to go where the grass is green, and they will be safe. They ask Pickles if she wants to join them. When Pickles says no, Leona and Jaguar attack her. Luckily, a cat named Hannah is on the train too. She leads Pickles to safety. When they get off the train, they are reunited with Trip and Ginger, along with Wally and a hamster named Emmy. They go to a camp where humans are hiding from the zombies. Pickles finds a shock when she goes into the safe house.
I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars because it is a bit confusing. It has many characters interacting during different times throughout the book, which can leave the reader with many questions and situations to follow at once. For example, instead of chapters, the book’s sections are organized into days. Also, it skips days, which makes the reader question why the author does this and what time it is in the plot. But I enjoyed reading this book. I felt emotion in this book. The author put a lot of emotion into the characters, especially Pickles. We got to feel her sadness when she missed her human Connor. He is two years old and once he was gone, we got to see her desperation and fear. Give it a chance, you might like it, though it jumps around a bit.
Reviewed by Logan P, 11, Greater New York Mensa
In this adventurous story, Pickles sets out to find them with a neighborhood cat named Ginger by her side. Ginger is a male cat who is a bit vain but still wants to help. Wally stays behind. The two cats know that humans who are hiding from the zombies went to the hospital. Unfortunately, the zombies go there first. They meet a racoon named Trip. When they escape the hospital, there is a zombie walking around. It is Ginger’s human! Pickles gets separated from her new friends.
Pickles, all alone, gets on a train and meets three more cats named Leona, Jaguar, and Bast. They believe that Bast had a vision to go where the grass is green, and they will be safe. They ask Pickles if she wants to join them. When Pickles says no, Leona and Jaguar attack her. Luckily, a cat named Hannah is on the train too. She leads Pickles to safety. When they get off the train, they are reunited with Trip and Ginger, along with Wally and a hamster named Emmy. They go to a camp where humans are hiding from the zombies. Pickles finds a shock when she goes into the safe house.
I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars because it is a bit confusing. It has many characters interacting during different times throughout the book, which can leave the reader with many questions and situations to follow at once. For example, instead of chapters, the book’s sections are organized into days. Also, it skips days, which makes the reader question why the author does this and what time it is in the plot. But I enjoyed reading this book. I felt emotion in this book. The author put a lot of emotion into the characters, especially Pickles. We got to feel her sadness when she missed her human Connor. He is two years old and once he was gone, we got to see her desperation and fear. Give it a chance, you might like it, though it jumps around a bit.
Reviewed by Logan P, 11, Greater New York Mensa
October 15, 2019
An exciting quest. A distinctive new voice.
Pickles (a cat) and a fellowship of simarly sized mammals quest for their 'pets' in the first installment of a clever new series. You don't have to like cats or zombies to enjoy this middle grade novel in which author Angela Misri uses a cat's viewpoint to add a twist to the zombie apocalypse genre. When I say 'a distinctive voice,' I should say voices because each of the party has a wonderfully differentiated and fun personality (quite a trick with an ensemble cast).
One of the best parts of the book for me was how it keeps enough of the dark edge of the genre but, because of the feline viewpoint, it's still appropriate for younger audiences. That and the chipmunks. The chipmunks are HILARIOUS.
I look forward to a sequel!!
Pickles (a cat) and a fellowship of simarly sized mammals quest for their 'pets' in the first installment of a clever new series. You don't have to like cats or zombies to enjoy this middle grade novel in which author Angela Misri uses a cat's viewpoint to add a twist to the zombie apocalypse genre. When I say 'a distinctive voice,' I should say voices because each of the party has a wonderfully differentiated and fun personality (quite a trick with an ensemble cast).
One of the best parts of the book for me was how it keeps enough of the dark edge of the genre but, because of the feline viewpoint, it's still appropriate for younger audiences. That and the chipmunks. The chipmunks are HILARIOUS.
I look forward to a sequel!!
December 28, 2019
Pickles vs. The Zombies is a fun, rollicking, sometimes violent adventure that follows a two-year-old kitten as she tries to find her "pet" Connor--during the zombie apocalypse. Pickles is both adorably naive about the world (as a housecat) and brave about soldiering on.
Along the way Pickles makes new friends who feel like outcasts: the clumsy raccoon Trip, abandoned owl Pal and the beautiful Abyssinian cat Hannah. Pickles's optimism and determination help each animal find their place and form a family that can overcome any obstacle.
Beneath Pickles's adventures and the hijinks of all the friends she makes along the way is a story about humanity in its final moments. The brief glimpses we get of humans still living (or half-living) show both a sense of hope in our collective humanity and an acknowledgment of our deepest divides, from nature and each other.
For a cute middle grade story, Pickles vs. the Zombies has a lot to say about friendship, environmentalism, and the bonds that hold us together.
Along the way Pickles makes new friends who feel like outcasts: the clumsy raccoon Trip, abandoned owl Pal and the beautiful Abyssinian cat Hannah. Pickles's optimism and determination help each animal find their place and form a family that can overcome any obstacle.
Beneath Pickles's adventures and the hijinks of all the friends she makes along the way is a story about humanity in its final moments. The brief glimpses we get of humans still living (or half-living) show both a sense of hope in our collective humanity and an acknowledgment of our deepest divides, from nature and each other.
For a cute middle grade story, Pickles vs. the Zombies has a lot to say about friendship, environmentalism, and the bonds that hold us together.
December 12, 2019
I loved this book so much! Of course, it combines two things I love: PETS + zombie apocalypse stories. But what made it extra wonderful is Pickles (the cat)'s POV. Just read it. This story is hilarious and heartfelt and hugely entertaining.
March 14, 2021
Anthropomorphized Fellowship of the Ring! This is a fun story with a well-rounded main character, Pickles, and an amazing cast of supporting characters. Trip was my fave and can't wait to read the next adventure in this series : Trip of the Dead.
March 27, 2021
Fun read aloud for my 5/6 students!
April 15, 2021
Terrific ending!
August 4, 2020
Young readers are sure to enjoy the zany story of Pickles and the Zombies.
2021 MYRCA Sundog nominee
2021 MYRCA Sundog nominee
October 8, 2020
This title is nominated for the 2021 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. What can I say about Pickles? He is the most loyal & dedicated housecat ever! When he and his roommate Wally determine that the human population has been overtaken by Zombies, Pickles is determined to locate his pet human Connor to make sure that he is safe. A tall order for any cat, let alone one that has never left the house! Pickles makes some interesting friends along the way, and fights off some ferocious zombies with the help of his gang of heroes. Are there any humans left? Will Pickles ever be able to find them?
I think this would be a fun book to read aloud. Would recommend to animal lovers and fans of zombie stories (a little bit of gore).
I think this would be a fun book to read aloud. Would recommend to animal lovers and fans of zombie stories (a little bit of gore).
March 2, 2019
When Pickles, the indoor family, cat wakes from her latest leisure nap to a zombie apocalypse, she only has one choice––brave the outdoors to find her family. Following a scent and clues along the way, Pickles meets other animals who have been left behind in the chaotic catastrophe (including a battle savvy hamster). Hoping to be reunited with their loved ones, they brave an abandoned hospital with zombie doctors, a sewer filled with vengeful rats, and a gang of ferocious felines ravenous for their next meal.
While the story is light on gore, the tension and horror stand out to make this book one that will be a favourite for kids who are ready for more terror with their tales. Told from the perspective of the family cat, this zombie apocalypse story delivers the scares and non-stop action in a unique voice that middle grade readers will find cool.
While the story is light on gore, the tension and horror stand out to make this book one that will be a favourite for kids who are ready for more terror with their tales. Told from the perspective of the family cat, this zombie apocalypse story delivers the scares and non-stop action in a unique voice that middle grade readers will find cool.
did-not-finish
August 2, 2022I mean, it's a kids book and I'm an adult woman, so ehhh take my DNF for what it is.
I do enjoy kids / middle-grade books, and stories about cats are usually my catnip. I read the Warriors books as an adult and loved them. But this book didn't quite do it for me, so I'm tapping out. DNF at page 60.
That being said, Pickles is a cool heroine. It's sweet that the human she wanted to save was a 2-year-old, and I thought it's cute that the animals here refer to their humans as pets.
I do enjoy kids / middle-grade books, and stories about cats are usually my catnip. I read the Warriors books as an adult and loved them. But this book didn't quite do it for me, so I'm tapping out. DNF at page 60.
That being said, Pickles is a cool heroine. It's sweet that the human she wanted to save was a 2-year-old, and I thought it's cute that the animals here refer to their humans as pets.
Read
November 26, 2019This was an odd (but enjoyable enough) little book. There was some rather egregious comma abuse, but other than that the writing was fine.
I liked zombies from a cat's perspective. I did not like how many dogs were bitten/eaten by zombies, even if we never actually saw either happen.
I liked zombies from a cat's perspective. I did not like how many dogs were bitten/eaten by zombies, even if we never actually saw either happen.
December 28, 2020
This is a fun, quick read for people who are into zombies, animals, or just like a good hero.
July 19, 2021
3.5 stars?
July 23, 2024
A fun read. Probably more like a 3.75 than a full on 4. Recommended by my CANSCAIP friends, and they were not wrong.
September 7, 2019
I admit this awesome title was irresistible to me, which is almost as bad as judging a book by its cover. However, things only improve – if you can imagine - from the title. Pickles the house cat notices her pet (AKA human), 2 year old Connor, is late getting home from daycare. So are Connor’s parents. Also, normal looking pets are being attacked and eaten by shambling looking pets...
An outside cat, Ginger, has learned that all the non-shambling pets have congregated at the hospital. And so Pickles decides to undertake a quest – outside – to the hospital, to save her pet. Eventually, this quest leads further afield, with many cats, a bossy hamster, a raccoon, horses and an owl, all uniting to confront rats, chipmunks, a religious cult of cats, and, of course, the zombie apocalypse. There are some truly hilarious scenes - Pickles as calmly as possible instructing horses how to kick off zombie heads, in the heat of an attack; hostage negotiations with chipmunks; the hamster ferociously fighting zombies, at every turn, etc. The zombie action is fairly tame as none of the good-guys die or become zombies. Also Pickles falls in love with a female cat, which is a small but lovely detail. This relationship and all of the characters are well developed. This book is all one might hope it would be – from the title – and much, much more.
Recommend it to everyone… except dog people.
An outside cat, Ginger, has learned that all the non-shambling pets have congregated at the hospital. And so Pickles decides to undertake a quest – outside – to the hospital, to save her pet. Eventually, this quest leads further afield, with many cats, a bossy hamster, a raccoon, horses and an owl, all uniting to confront rats, chipmunks, a religious cult of cats, and, of course, the zombie apocalypse. There are some truly hilarious scenes - Pickles as calmly as possible instructing horses how to kick off zombie heads, in the heat of an attack; hostage negotiations with chipmunks; the hamster ferociously fighting zombies, at every turn, etc. The zombie action is fairly tame as none of the good-guys die or become zombies. Also Pickles falls in love with a female cat, which is a small but lovely detail. This relationship and all of the characters are well developed. This book is all one might hope it would be – from the title – and much, much more.
Recommend it to everyone… except dog people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews