Review: August of the Zombies (A Small Zombie Problem #3) by K.G. Campbell

 

It started out as a small zombie problem. Then four more zombies tagged along. Now there are too many to count! From the acclaimed illustrator of Flora & Ulysses comes the exciting conclusion to the Zombie Problems trilogy.

After facing an alligator attack and a paddle boat accident in search of the zombie stone, August comes out unscathed…but empty-handed. At least Claudette is still by his side, along with a few more zombies. Of course, it isn’t long before a few zombies becomes a horde, and August has so many questions: What is he supposed to do with all of these zombies? What is his Aunt Orchid hiding? Will his life ever be like Stella Starz (in her own life)? And most importantly, will he ever find the zombie stone and get everything back to normal? ~ goodreads

Source: Finished hardcover copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Reviews for A Small Zombie Problem (book #2)  , The Zombie Stone (book #2)

A brief (non spoilery) series recap: 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 fearful 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 great, great aunt, in the form of a child zombie.

From Goodreads A Small Zombie Problem (book #1) "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.

FYI: the series must be read in order, as each book builds upon the other

Review: August of the Zombies is the conclusion to this decidedly quirky and macabre mid-grade series about an ever growing band of zombies following a sweet but awkward boy named August.

For the entirety of the series, August has wished these zombies would just go away so he could be *normal* & fit in. None more than his great-great Aunt Claudette who, in in her decayed childlike form, relentlessly follows August everywhere.

I have a soft spot for Claudette and while I understood how she was cramping August's style and social life - I wished he could see the opportunity it presented. She was unrelentingly loyal and to be able to meet your family and learn from the past is a gift. 

I got my wish and then some with this final installment.

My one (minor) criticism of the series is that it often branched off into so many adventures. I couldn't see how the pieces would fit in the end or why they mattered but Campbell dovetailed it all together nicely.

There are gruesome zombie bits, wild adventures, plenty of laughs, a beautiful coming of age - found family story with a surprisingly touching exploration of grief leading to the resolution to August's "small zombie problem". 

What I was not prepared for was how emotional this story got. Especially the second half. I actually teared up reading the last page 😢 I'm getting a little verklempt again just thinking about it - but it also puts the biggest smile on my face. Perfect ending - for everyone!

Another thing I wanted to touch on, although I'm not a parent, is how the author never talked down to the (targeted MG) reader. The vocabulary and concepts are designed to provoke questions and further discussion and would make a wonderful group/bedtime read. 

It is also a bit gorey (zombies losing body parts and the like), there are natural disasters and discusses death and grief (beautifully IMHO) but may be a bit much for some children. Or like I mentioned above - read with your child and be ready to answer questions.

As always the illustrations (also by Campbell were lovely.