Zombies have a special place in our hearts. They’re a beloved staple in many forms of media – from monster movies to popular TV shows like The Walking Dead and Z Nation, to more unconventional takes such as iZombie and Santa Clarita Diet. They even feature prominently in comic books and novels. It’s no surprise that these types of stories are geared towards adults and teens, as zombies are meant to evoke fear and our natural instinct is to shield children from things that are frightening.
However, kids also enjoy being scared – and there’s a range of zombie-themed books for young readers that let them join in on the fun. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 25 such titles.
Zombie Picture Books
Peanut Butter & Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee, Illustrated by Charles Santoso
While typical undead residents of Quirkville are driven by an insatiable hunger for human brains, one peculiar zombie stands out – Reginald. Unfazed by the conventional desire to consume grey matter, he yearns for something far more unexpected: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In his mind, a world where zombies universally share this taste bud preference would be a utopia of sorts, with the potential to bring about an era of collective happiness.
I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin LeFranc and Tyler Parker
Abigail and Her Pet Zombie: An Illustrated Children’s Beginner Reader Perfect For Bedtime Story by Marie F. Crow
In a departure from the traditional menagerie, 9-year-old Abigail’s pet collection stands out for its unconventional centerpiece: a pet zombie. This is just the beginning of an extraordinary story.
I’m Undead and Hungry!: Meet a Zombie (Monster Buddies) by Shannon Knudsen, Illustrated by Chiara BucCheri
Meet Roscoe, a fictional zombie tasked with unraveling the mysteries of the undead. His expertise lies in shedding light on the origins of zombies, their diverse appearances across various cultures, and the processes involved in creating these reanimated creatures. From folklore to fiction, Roscoe’s knowledge is vast and varied, making him an ideal guide for delving into the world of zombies.
My Mama Says There Aren’t Any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things by Judith Viorst, Illustrated by Kay Chorao
The notion that Nick’s mom can’t recall her son’s preferred ice cream flavor raises questions about the reliability of her assertions. Can someone who struggles to recall their child’s favorite dessert truly be trusted on matters like the existence of monsters? This scenario is likely to resonate with many parents, evoking memories from their own childhoods.
Bartholomew Buggins: A Zombie with Different Cravings by Crystal Marcos, Illustrated By Marie Marcos
Meet a lovable little zombie who’s not your typical undead creature. This endearing character is the star of an award-winning rhyming book designed specifically for young readers. The story follows this little guy as he navigates his desire to make friends, despite being, well, dead. With its humorous and whimsical tone, this charming tale is sure to delight kids and leave them grinning from ear to ear.
No Zombies Allowed by Matt Novak
In the world of Witch Wizzle and Witch Woodle, tales of mischievous creatures like zombies, ghosts, and vampires are commonplace. As the witches prepare for their annual Halloween shindig, they’re deliberating on a crucial question: who to invite to join in on the spooky celebrations.
Harley Farley’s First Halloween: A Zombie Book by Donna Munoz, Illustrated by Daniel Corral
In the first installment of a thrilling Halloween series, a spooky adventure unfolds as Eddie discovers a zombie in his own backyard. Joining forces with Harley, Eddie’s new buddy, they embark on a journey filled with laughter, friendship, and learning. This charming tale is complemented by interactive activities and coloring pages, making it an ideal read for young trick-or-treaters.
Zombelina by Kristyn Crow, Illustrated by Molly Idle
Zombelina’s passion for dance is unmatched, as she takes every opportunity to twirl and leap across the floor. She decides to take a ballet class alongside human girls, and her exceptional skills leave them all wondering if they’re dancing with a mortal or a monster. However, on the day of her first recital, Zombelina’s nerves get the better of her, and her zombie-like groans betray her undead nature.
But with the unwavering support of her loving family, she musters up the courage to take the stage once more, ultimately winning over the hearts of everyone in attendance. This marks the beginning of a thrilling series that will have readers rooting for this reanimated ballerina.
Toos and the Zombies by Karen Belciglio and Kyle F. Anderson
Toos, the charismatic calico cat, stars in his second adventure as his human family embarks on a perilous journey to Chicago to combat a zombie epidemic. With an uncanny knack for slipping out of his crate, Toos proves himself to be an invaluable ally, lending his feline instincts to the mission whenever possible.
If I Were a Zombie by Kate Inglis, Illustrated by Eric Orchard
As the narrative unfolds, a tale of sibling rivalry emerges, as two youngsters engage in a lighthearted game of one-upmanship. Their imagination runs wild as they take turns conjuring fantastical scenarios, transforming themselves into zombies, robots, and ninjas. The cherry on top? It’s all told in rhyming verse, making this whimsical tale a delightful treat for young readers.
There’s a Zombie in the Basement by Stan Yan
As the night wears on, Milo’s imagination runs wild with the thought of the mysterious creatures lurking in the darkness of his basement. The fear of these invisible monsters has taken hold of him, making it impossible for him to drift off into a peaceful slumber. And as he tosses and turns, he can’t help but wonder how anyone else will be able to rest when his own worries are so all-consuming.
The Very Hungry Zombie: A Parody by Michael Teitelbaum, Illustrated by Jon Apple
With a playful nod to its inspirations, this zombie takes on a unique personality, indulging in his favorite snacks – including clowns, astronauts, and the obligatory brains. The result is a lighthearted tale that cleverly incorporates humor geared towards adults, accompanied by vibrant illustrations and engaging text that will captivate readers of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. This charming, family-friendly story offers a delightful experience for everyone.
Zombie Chapter Books
Day of the Field trip Zombies: School Zombies by Scott Nickel, Illustrated by Cedric HoHNSTADT
The inaugural installment in the School Zombies series, this novel follows Trevor and his classmates on a field trip to an aquarium, where they encounter Dr. Brainium – a character with some suspicious undertones. The good doctor’s true nature is soon revealed as he transforms all of the students into radio-controlled zombies, leaving Trevor as the sole hero tasked with rescuing them from their undead state.
This is merely the beginning of a recurring theme in the series, as Trevor faces off against the forces of mindless mayhem time and again.
The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer, Illustrated by Steve Wolfhard
In this thrilling series, reluctant readers are in for a treat! The story kicks off at Zack Clarke’s sleepover, where a zombie outbreak suddenly turns the evening into a battle for survival. As the chaos ensues, Zack’s sister and their neighbors become infected, leaving him to defend his home against hordes of undead with only his sister’s best friend Madison and trusty pal Rice by his side.
The trio must rely on quick thinking and bravery to escape the house alive and execute their plan – but will they make it out unscathed?
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara, Illustrated by Marek Jagucki
Tom’s confidence in reviving his goldfish Frankie with a battery has reached new heights. Drawing inspiration from his older brother’s eccentricities, he believes that having a backup plan – specifically a hypnotic zombie goldfish – will prove invaluable when disagreements arise. This marks the beginning of a thrilling series that promises to be a wild ride.
Plants vs. Zombies: Lawnmageddon by Paul Tobin
In the world of Plants vs. Zombies, the beloved game has spawned a thriving book series. The dynamic trio of Crazy Dave, Patrice, and Nate Timely must band together to thwart the impending Lawnmageddon, as hordes of undead zombies threaten to overrun their neighborhood. With the arrival of an unexpected plant hero in the second installment, this epic battle is far from over. In fact, it’s just the beginning of a long-term quest that will keep kids engaged and eager for more.
The Last Kids On Earth by Max Brallier, Illustrated by Douglas Holgate
In a post-apocalyptic world where monsters have taken over, Jack Sullivan has retreated to his treehouse sanctuary, sustaining himself on a diet of Oreos, Mountain Dew, and endless video game sessions. The streets of his hometown are now overrun with hordes of undead zombies and other terrifying creatures, making it impossible for him to face the danger alone.
Instead, he recruits an unlikely team comprising his former school bully, his pet monster, and – much to his excitement – his long-held crush. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to reclaim their town from the clutches of monstrosity. But this is only the beginning of a multi-book saga, as they’ll need to face numerous challenges and battles to restore order to their community.
Zombie Kid Diaries Volume 1: Playing Dead by Fred Perry, Illustrated by David Hutchinson
Bill Stokes’ life takes a drastic turn when his mother, struggling to make ends meet after his father’s imprisonment, volunteers for medical research projects that inadvertently bring a highly contagious zombie virus into their home. As the virus takes hold and Bill finds himself reanimated as an undead being, he must navigate the challenges of middle school while confronting the harsh realities of his new existence.
The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses by Ty Drago
As the streets of another unsuspecting town become overrun with corpses, Will Ritter’s quest for safety leads him to an unlikely alliance: the Undertakers, a group of resourceful teenagers who have banded together to wage war against the hordes of undead that threaten their community. This inaugural installment in a gripping series sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that explores the resilience and determination of youth in the face of unimaginable horror.
Runway Zombee (Science Squad) by J.A. Watson (Amanda Humann), Illustrated by Arpad Olbey
Raksha’s summer vacation was anything but relaxing as she juggled working on the Science Squad’s last badge and preparing for a trip to Hawaii. The opportunity to attend a prestigious fashion camp, however, was too enticing to pass up. As she prepared for the runway show, Raksha faced a daunting task: balancing her passion for science with her desire to shine in the world of fashion.
With zombie bees on the radar, she knew she had to find a way to complete her collection in time and prove that even science geeks can be fashion queens.
Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk by megan McDonald, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
In a thrilling installment, book 7 in the popular Judy Moody series brings us Stink, a character who’s as excited as his friends are about the next release in the Nightmare on Zombie Street series. As midnight approaches, Stink and pals congregate at the bookstore, all geared up to grab their copies of the latest installment. To add an extra layer of excitement, they’re busy crafting zombie costumes for a Midnight Zombie Walk that will follow.
Amidst all this undead enthusiasm, Stink starts to wonder if the zombies he’s reading about are more than just fictional creations – could they be lurking in the shadows, looking for him? The anticipation is palpable as Stink and his friends prepare for their spooky adventure.
Better Off Undead by James Preller
Adrian Lazarus’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a severe bike accident without wearing his helmet. But, true to his name, death couldn’t hold him back. He returned to school and quietly blended into the background once more. However, amidst this normalcy, chaos reigned. The bee population was dwindling, forests were ravaged by fire, and a deadly flu had begun to spread across the nation.
Adrian’s ordinary routine took an extraordinary turn when he and some unlikely companions noticed a drone persistently following him. Their instincts told them that unlocking its secrets would reveal the answers they sought.
Kate Walden Directs: Night of the Zombie Chickens by Julie Mata
At just 7th grade, Kate is already focused on making her mark in the film industry with what she hopes will be her breakout project. Her best friend Alyssa is the lead actress, and she excels at finding creative ways to take down the undead fowl that populate their zombie-infested world. However, when Alyssa undergoes a transformation into an actual living-dead creature, everything takes a drastic turn.
Suddenly, Kate finds herself shunned by her peers, forced to rely on a dash of cinematic magic to restore balance and reclaim her friend’s humanity.
Zombie Town by R.L. Stine
Mike and Karen’s love for monster movies was put to the ultimate test as they watched Zombie Town on the big screen, but their fun turned into a thrilling nightmare when the undead started shambling out of the cinema! As they frantically fled through the streets, they encountered hordes of zombies at every turn. Mike hoped that reaching his home would provide them with a safe haven, but his optimism was short-lived.
A chilling tale from a renowned horror master, this experience will leave readers on edge.
Got some enthusiastic young zombie fans looking for some spine-tingling reads? What kid-friendly zombie books should we add to our list?