How to Be a Zombie: The Essential Guide for Anyone Who Craves Brains - Hardcover

Serena Valentino is the author of the novel Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen, as well as a writer for the comic book series GloomCookie and Nightmares & Fairytales. She lives in San Francisco and is pretty sure she's spotted some zombies leaving the nightclubs in her neighborhood late at night.

Using the tone of a self-help manual, this impressively designed book offers a guide to getting the most out of the zombie lifestyle—whether you’re an undead yourself or just a fan. As the introduction points out, “Zombification is just the first step in a superfun and exciting adventure.” Indeed! The chapter headings say it all: “Roam Alone or in Packs?” “Put Your Best (Most Horrific) Face Forward.” “Décor for the Decaying.” “Lend Me a Hand: Fun with Prosthetics.” Broken down in easy-to-digest chunks, the tips leave no gravestone unturned, though some of the jokes are groaners (moaners?): for example, to battle rigor mortis, “consider taking up yoga.” More impressive, actually, is the book’s nonfiction component, which offers up well-researched lists of movies, books, music, comics, board games, video games, and events for zombie fanatics. There’s also makeup tips (use pieces of rice for maggots) and even—steel yourself—recipes. The grungy and bloody layout, which incorporates movie stills but is mostly original photography and digital collage, gives a first-rate sheen to an overall to-die-for package. Grades 7-10. --Daniel Kraus