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Zombie Problems #2
The Zombie Stone
What's worse than discovering you have a zombie problem? Imagine acquiring four more undead tag-alongs. . . . From the acclaimed illustrator of
Flora & Ulysses
comes the second book in the Zombie Problems trilogy, heralded as reminiscent of Roald Dahl in uniting the macabre with realism.
August DuPont has a small problem. When a zombie followed him home one day, he didn’t expect her to stick around. But his very dead great-great-aunt Claudette is in no hurry to leave August’s side. In order to rid himself of his clammy sidekick, August must hunt down the elusive Zombie Stone. His frantic search leads him through a bizarre carnival and back to his dour cousins, the Malveaus. Throw in a necromancer, a pop star with attitude, some armadillo people, and four new zombies (that’s right, four!), and you’d better believe that August’s small zombie problem is only going to get bigger.
August DuPont has a small problem. When a zombie followed him home one day, he didn’t expect her to stick around. But his very dead great-great-aunt Claudette is in no hurry to leave August’s side. In order to rid himself of his clammy sidekick, August must hunt down the elusive Zombie Stone. His frantic search leads him through a bizarre carnival and back to his dour cousins, the Malveaus. Throw in a necromancer, a pop star with attitude, some armadillo people, and four new zombies (that’s right, four!), and you’d better believe that August’s small zombie problem is only going to get bigger.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 12, 2021
8 people are currently reading
1245 people want to read
About the author
K.G. Campbell
13 books92 followersK. G. Campbell is the author-illustrator of Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters. He was born in Kenya, raised in Scotland, and now lives in southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 13, 2021
I loved this so much! I loved the 1st one so much, but I may even love this 1 more! Can’t say much being the 2nd book, but we go on a grand adventure! It’s a very big adventure for August especially, since he’s never left his town-he only just recently left his house for the 1st time lol this is once again full of wacky mishaps, humor, amazing lovable characters, whimsical writing, & amazingly vivid details. Also, throw in a swamp doctor, a costume parade, a pop star, a séance, & a band of smugglers, to just name a few, & that’s this book & more. lol You get so engrossed in the story, that you don’t even realize how long you’ve been reading lol couldn’t put it down. I love this quirky story & characters w/my whole heart. Claudette especially, has a special place in my heart. To make a story about zombies so heartwarming & charming is a talent, & this author did that. Also, when you can use ‘delightful’ & ‘macabre’ in the same sentence that’s an achievement as well lol Amazing! Once again full of, not only the authors beautiful writing, but of his illustrations as well. STUNNING! Just like the beautiful covers. The ending was amazing! I am sooo looking forward to book 3! Cannot wait!! Highly recommend both these books!💜
April 14, 2021
What am I going to say; it's my own book. SO good :).
August 16, 2021
3.5 stars
Originally posted at For What It's Worth on 8/12/21:
Source: Final hardcover copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. (A very patient author! because it has taken me several months to read due to just a general lack of reading focus)
* Before I get to the review for book #2 in the Zombie Problem series - here's a quick recap of what the series is about. I will strive to be spoiler free but heads up if you don't want to know anything going in.
From Goodreads - "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.
A brief recap of my review for book #1: Augustus is a sweet, lonely boy, with butterflies seemingly obsessed with flying around his head, which, as you can imagine, doesn't make him popular with other children. Although, I'd be all over that! lol He spends his time with his Aunt Hydrangea, dreaming of his favorite show - In her Own Life, starring Stella Starz, and picking up a new friend (I use that term loosely - she follows him everywhere and they form a sort of alliance) Claudette. Who happens to be his aunt, in the form of a child zombie.
Review: The Zombie Stone picks up from there, with Augustus trying to find a rare Cadaverite stone that can help return Claudette to her permanent resting place (which sounds mean when I type it lol) that sets him off on a new adventure with both old and new friends and enemies. And more zombies. There can never be enough zombies!
This series and installment is full of whimsy from the names, the New Orleans like setting, pirate ships, white alligators rising out of the water, parades, costume contests to people with nefarious motives. It's a teeny bit gory, very funny and increasingly twisty.
At times, having characters from the first book included while introducing new ones, didn't quite work giving short shrift to some plotlines/characters but the author did have a few revelations up his sleeve in regards to Augustus's family and history to keep things exciting.
The new crew of bumbling zombies are a hoot. I know, understandably, Augustus hates having them around, and I get it, but I love how Claudette comes to his rescue and tries to be part of things around her and having a good time in her quasi afterlife - afterdeath?? Adding more zombies just makes it more fun.
As with A Small Zombie Problem, I adore the illustrations done by the author. They add this extra element to things that help you visualize the more wacky elements. (there are a few posted in my blog review)
I think the adventure was a little less focused but still fun but there were more revelations and lead up to the next installment. I am decidedly not the target audience as a 50 something year old woman vs. a middle grader but I do enjoy this series and look forward to Augustus finding his purpose and confidence.
Originally posted at For What It's Worth on 8/12/21:
Source: Final hardcover copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. (A very patient author! because it has taken me several months to read due to just a general lack of reading focus)
* Before I get to the review for book #2 in the Zombie Problem series - here's a quick recap of what the series is about. I will strive to be spoiler free but heads up if you don't want to know anything going in.
From Goodreads - "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.
A brief recap of my review for book #1: Augustus is a sweet, lonely boy, with butterflies seemingly obsessed with flying around his head, which, as you can imagine, doesn't make him popular with other children. Although, I'd be all over that! lol He spends his time with his Aunt Hydrangea, dreaming of his favorite show - In her Own Life, starring Stella Starz, and picking up a new friend (I use that term loosely - she follows him everywhere and they form a sort of alliance) Claudette. Who happens to be his aunt, in the form of a child zombie.
Review: The Zombie Stone picks up from there, with Augustus trying to find a rare Cadaverite stone that can help return Claudette to her permanent resting place (which sounds mean when I type it lol) that sets him off on a new adventure with both old and new friends and enemies. And more zombies. There can never be enough zombies!
This series and installment is full of whimsy from the names, the New Orleans like setting, pirate ships, white alligators rising out of the water, parades, costume contests to people with nefarious motives. It's a teeny bit gory, very funny and increasingly twisty.
At times, having characters from the first book included while introducing new ones, didn't quite work giving short shrift to some plotlines/characters but the author did have a few revelations up his sleeve in regards to Augustus's family and history to keep things exciting.
The new crew of bumbling zombies are a hoot. I know, understandably, Augustus hates having them around, and I get it, but I love how Claudette comes to his rescue and tries to be part of things around her and having a good time in her quasi afterlife - afterdeath?? Adding more zombies just makes it more fun.
As with A Small Zombie Problem, I adore the illustrations done by the author. They add this extra element to things that help you visualize the more wacky elements. (there are a few posted in my blog review)
I think the adventure was a little less focused but still fun but there were more revelations and lead up to the next installment. I am decidedly not the target audience as a 50 something year old woman vs. a middle grader but I do enjoy this series and look forward to Augustus finding his purpose and confidence.
March 17, 2021
Witty and whimsical. Charming characters that make you fall in love and leave you wanting more! Hauntingly beautiful illustrations draw you in and descriptions full of vivid vocabulary bring the story to life. The gripping mystery makes this book impossible to put down with new twists at every turn of the page.
September 20, 2021
The second book has arrived, and as expected, it was wonderful.
Here are a few things I really loved.
** I loved the character development of August in The Zombie Stone. August's character is growing. I was especially proud of him towards the end of the story, but I don't want to give away any spoilers so, that's all I will say.
** I loved the addition of new characters (as well as the reuniting of old characters from the first book, A Small Zombie Problem.)
** The phrases! There were several phrases that cracked me up. I'll try to find a few:
> "Why, child, you're cold as a snowman's hug."
> "Grief can leave us blinder than a raccoon in a top hat." (That, by the way, was my favorite.) I know there were a few more, but I cannot for the life of me find them. If I do, I will make sure to update this review and add them.
** The introduction of new quirky characters.
In this story, we meet:
> The Guild of Weepy Widows.
> Gaston's family of freckled redheads, who live on Gardner's Island (off of Channel Fifteen B, at the edge of Lost Souls Swamp): Gaspard, Gilbert, Godfrey, Gabrielle, Grizel, and The Admiral.
> Cyril Saint-Cyr.
> Stella Starz cat, Officer Claw.
> The Armadillo People.
> Professor Leech.
> The new zombie friends, who I won't spoil for you.
Characters we reunite with:
> Destiny and Buford Juneau from the tattoo shop.
> Madam Marvell.
> The Malveau's.
> Langley and Gaston.
** I loved learning about Belladonna and Beauregard's past, as well as seeing more of Orchid Malveau's. August discovers several new things about his seemingly perfect family that he had before not realized. As August continues to sift through his family's long and complicated history, his unearthed information helps him to slowly put the pieces of the puzzle together about his two aunt's relationship, as well as their current places in life.
**The humor! The humor is honestly my favorite part of all of K.G. Campbell's writing. I have many of his books on my shelf, but the first book I ever read from him and fell in love with was Lester's Dreadful SweatersLester's Dreadful Sweaters. Lester's Dreadful Sweaters is a picture book about a young boy whose cousin's cottage (Clara) gets consumed by a crocodile, so she has to come stay with his family. And things are fine until she starts making him hideous sweaters. Tying in with this story, the humor I first fell for is ever strong. Morbid and witty. It kind of reminds me of Wednesday Addams, from the Addams Family, but always with a happy ending.
There are many subtle, funny things sprinkled throughout the book, but here are few things that really tickled me:
> The irony of poor August trying to return his one zombie but instead collecting more.
> How bubbles kept the zombies entertained, much like children.
> How often Claudette's severed limb is used throughout the story.
> Everything about Cyril Saint-Cyr, local historian, tour guide, business owner, and general "personality." (In case you are wondering how to picture him, August describes him as a "decorative plaster garden gnome in a seersucker suit." Which, by the way, reminded me a lot of Lil Gideon from Gravity Falls: Dipper and Mabel and the Curse of the Time Pirates' Treasure!: A "Select Your Own Choose-Venture!"Gravity Falls.)
The second book, if you can believe it, was filled with even more adventure than the first, and as my husband can confirm, I've been dissecting and talking about it with praise since I started reading it, as well as after finishing yesterday night. The author cleverly drops hints and twists throughout the writing, always keeping his audience engaged and interest piqued- not one word is wasted. It makes for a fun and delightful read.
Things I'm looking forward to learning most in the next book...
> Finding out more about Claudette's pearls.
> Discovering more about the mysterious white alligator.
> Chasing down the culprit, who will remain anonymous for obvious reasons.
> Digging deeper into the lives of the Malveau's family secrets, particularly, Orchid.
> Finding out more about Miz Hydrangea's past.
> Learning about Octavia Motts and Jupiter Goodnight.
Here are a few things I really loved.
** I loved the character development of August in The Zombie Stone. August's character is growing. I was especially proud of him towards the end of the story, but I don't want to give away any spoilers so, that's all I will say.
** I loved the addition of new characters (as well as the reuniting of old characters from the first book, A Small Zombie Problem.)
** The phrases! There were several phrases that cracked me up. I'll try to find a few:
> "Why, child, you're cold as a snowman's hug."
> "Grief can leave us blinder than a raccoon in a top hat." (That, by the way, was my favorite.) I know there were a few more, but I cannot for the life of me find them. If I do, I will make sure to update this review and add them.
** The introduction of new quirky characters.
In this story, we meet:
> The Guild of Weepy Widows.
> Gaston's family of freckled redheads, who live on Gardner's Island (off of Channel Fifteen B, at the edge of Lost Souls Swamp): Gaspard, Gilbert, Godfrey, Gabrielle, Grizel, and The Admiral.
> Cyril Saint-Cyr.
> Stella Starz cat, Officer Claw.
> The Armadillo People.
> Professor Leech.
> The new zombie friends, who I won't spoil for you.
Characters we reunite with:
> Destiny and Buford Juneau from the tattoo shop.
> Madam Marvell.
> The Malveau's.
> Langley and Gaston.
** I loved learning about Belladonna and Beauregard's past, as well as seeing more of Orchid Malveau's. August discovers several new things about his seemingly perfect family that he had before not realized. As August continues to sift through his family's long and complicated history, his unearthed information helps him to slowly put the pieces of the puzzle together about his two aunt's relationship, as well as their current places in life.
**The humor! The humor is honestly my favorite part of all of K.G. Campbell's writing. I have many of his books on my shelf, but the first book I ever read from him and fell in love with was Lester's Dreadful SweatersLester's Dreadful Sweaters. Lester's Dreadful Sweaters is a picture book about a young boy whose cousin's cottage (Clara) gets consumed by a crocodile, so she has to come stay with his family. And things are fine until she starts making him hideous sweaters. Tying in with this story, the humor I first fell for is ever strong. Morbid and witty. It kind of reminds me of Wednesday Addams, from the Addams Family, but always with a happy ending.
There are many subtle, funny things sprinkled throughout the book, but here are few things that really tickled me:
> The irony of poor August trying to return his one zombie but instead collecting more.
> How bubbles kept the zombies entertained, much like children.
> How often Claudette's severed limb is used throughout the story.
> Everything about Cyril Saint-Cyr, local historian, tour guide, business owner, and general "personality." (In case you are wondering how to picture him, August describes him as a "decorative plaster garden gnome in a seersucker suit." Which, by the way, reminded me a lot of Lil Gideon from Gravity Falls: Dipper and Mabel and the Curse of the Time Pirates' Treasure!: A "Select Your Own Choose-Venture!"Gravity Falls.)
The second book, if you can believe it, was filled with even more adventure than the first, and as my husband can confirm, I've been dissecting and talking about it with praise since I started reading it, as well as after finishing yesterday night. The author cleverly drops hints and twists throughout the writing, always keeping his audience engaged and interest piqued- not one word is wasted. It makes for a fun and delightful read.
Things I'm looking forward to learning most in the next book...
> Finding out more about Claudette's pearls.
> Discovering more about the mysterious white alligator.
> Chasing down the culprit, who will remain anonymous for obvious reasons.
> Digging deeper into the lives of the Malveau's family secrets, particularly, Orchid.
> Finding out more about Miz Hydrangea's past.
> Learning about Octavia Motts and Jupiter Goodnight.
February 10, 2021
August DuPont’s zombie problems are far from over. Traveling to Croissant City in search of the Zombie Stone, August and his zombie companion Claudette are reunited with friends and foes, encounter a mysterious giant white alligator, and gain four new zombie problems. Set against the dazzling backdrop of Mardi Gras, August’s zombified adventures are as wild as the parade he finds himself a part of.
K.G. Campbell returns to his delightfully macabre middle-grade series with book two, The Zombie Stone. Once again, Campbell offers readers an endearingly quirky story full of likable characters, fun settings, and whimsically, wackily, and wonderfully weird misadventures!
Campbell infuses this series with so much wit, refreshing imagination, engrossing storytelling, engaging worldbuilding, and irresistible characters. Readers will be excited to reunite with August and Claudette and join them on their wild and funny excursion to Croisant City. Thrilling water mishaps, spectacular and colorful Mardi Gras fun, a sprawling city full of the unexpected, an unforgettable parade, and zany zombie hijinks await readers in this unputdownable story.
Humorous, heartfelt, and wonderfully offbeat, The Zombie Stone is another fantastically fun book in the charming and clever Zombie Problems series!
K.G. Campbell returns to his delightfully macabre middle-grade series with book two, The Zombie Stone. Once again, Campbell offers readers an endearingly quirky story full of likable characters, fun settings, and whimsically, wackily, and wonderfully weird misadventures!
Campbell infuses this series with so much wit, refreshing imagination, engrossing storytelling, engaging worldbuilding, and irresistible characters. Readers will be excited to reunite with August and Claudette and join them on their wild and funny excursion to Croisant City. Thrilling water mishaps, spectacular and colorful Mardi Gras fun, a sprawling city full of the unexpected, an unforgettable parade, and zany zombie hijinks await readers in this unputdownable story.
Humorous, heartfelt, and wonderfully offbeat, The Zombie Stone is another fantastically fun book in the charming and clever Zombie Problems series!
January 29, 2021
My 10 yr old daughter and I are big fans of K G Campbell - his beautiful and clever writing as well as exquisite illustrations. I only wish they were in color - don't see that often in novels, though. Currently loving his Zombie series, reading the 2nd called The Zombie Stone. High recommend! Great writing creating rich sense of place and strong character development. My daughter reads alone enjoying the adventures and misadventures of the quirky characters and I enjoy reading aloud with her as well. The writing is lyrical and I love the written and illustrated images he has created of these real and fantastical places in the bayou down south. Especially fun right now in winter and in the pandemic! We think the characters are hysterical and sweet, most of them anyways. I also love the depiction of multigenerational relationships. The relationship between August, the hero, and his great great aunt is precious and heartwarming. Love the zombie theme, it's topical and handled in such a novel and fun way. Happy reading!
February 21, 2021
If you are looking for a #readaloud or a book for your young reader that will have them crawling all over it like #zombies...look no further than the amazing @kgcampbellauthor!
My wee ones have hypnotized by #kgcampbell's picture books for years & now his mastery of quirky characters are rampaging through the #kidlit world in his trilogy #zombieproblems.
With the second book, #thezombiestone just coming out, this is an amazing time to dive into the world of August DuPont & the characters of #locusthole
Campbell builds a Wes Anderson like world in the swamps of Louisiana & starts to conjure a suspenseful sauce of magic, jealousy, legacy, zombies, a white alligator & butterflies from page 1.
As August's zombie problem from book 1, also known as his great-great-aunt Claudette just won't leave, book 2 focuses on trying to find #thezombiestone. The suspense & humour continue as the #zombieprobs just get worse.
If your kids love #halloween #ghouls #witchcraft #zombies #mystery & zanny #adventure, you need to dive into Zombie Problems.
#checkitout
#loveyolibrary @knopfteen
@knopfkids
My wee ones have hypnotized by #kgcampbell's picture books for years & now his mastery of quirky characters are rampaging through the #kidlit world in his trilogy #zombieproblems.
With the second book, #thezombiestone just coming out, this is an amazing time to dive into the world of August DuPont & the characters of #locusthole
Campbell builds a Wes Anderson like world in the swamps of Louisiana & starts to conjure a suspenseful sauce of magic, jealousy, legacy, zombies, a white alligator & butterflies from page 1.
As August's zombie problem from book 1, also known as his great-great-aunt Claudette just won't leave, book 2 focuses on trying to find #thezombiestone. The suspense & humour continue as the #zombieprobs just get worse.
If your kids love #halloween #ghouls #witchcraft #zombies #mystery & zanny #adventure, you need to dive into Zombie Problems.
#checkitout
#loveyolibrary @knopfteen
@knopfkids
January 30, 2021
KG Campbell has kept the momentum going in the 2nd of his "Zombie" series. Much of the bewitching atmosphere created in Vol1 has been successfully continued with some familiar, and charming, characters reappearing. But plenty of new as well, and fresh, imaginitive plotting as we're coming to expect from KG Campbell. And those illustrations! Nothing short of superb 🎨
So, much here to keep younger readers involved and interested and plenty for any grown-ups who find themselves saddled with "book at bedtime" duties to enjoy 📖
So, much here to keep younger readers involved and interested and plenty for any grown-ups who find themselves saddled with "book at bedtime" duties to enjoy 📖
May 25, 2021
Man it’s tough to end on a cliffhanger like that! So many clues!
This is such a fun story for kids who like zombies. While there were an absolute ton of big words to explain to them, they enjoyed every minute of this story. Probably better for older kids than mine who are 7 and 8, but the content is so cool and little kid friendly and there are just so few good zombie books that way.
And me as an adult? I loved it. I’d read it without the kids! 😄
This is such a fun story for kids who like zombies. While there were an absolute ton of big words to explain to them, they enjoyed every minute of this story. Probably better for older kids than mine who are 7 and 8, but the content is so cool and little kid friendly and there are just so few good zombie books that way.
And me as an adult? I loved it. I’d read it without the kids! 😄
February 3, 2021
Loved the first book "A Small Zombie Problem" and this one continues the fun. I love the writing and the illustrations are each a work of art. The story is compelling and has kept me reading way past bedtime, and I've literally laughed out loud many times. Can't wait for book three to see what happens to August and his friends and of course the Zombies!
February 2, 2021
I loved the first book and relish the second and can’t wait for the third. The books are amazing. I’d recommend them for any age that’s how entertaining and delightful they are. You don’t want it to end. Three cheers to beautiful writing and illustrating.
May 30, 2023
If I could give this more stars, I absolutely would. Zombies, pirates, and butterflies abound in this humorous, sometimes-spooky atmospheric adventure. My kids and I loved the first book, as well, and were looking forward to continuing the series.
February 2, 2021
Excellent!!!
March 30, 2021
Second in the series....not that great.
This will be the last that I read.
This will be the last that I read.
July 12, 2021
Loved reading this to me girls! Very fun mix of macabre and humour.
January 12, 2022
A delightful series--laugh out loud funny, chock full of brilliant characters. You will fall in love with the zombies!
Read
February 4, 2023Good book. Sad that it is the second one . Well I read the next one?? We will see ...
April 18, 2024
me and my kids are enjoying this series
October 18, 2024
I gave it a 3.25 stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews