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The ZomBees
A swarm of zombie bees invades an unsuspecting town on Halloween night in this delightfully spooky and highly charming picture book from the author of The Quacken—perfect for fans of Creepy Carrots and Los Gatos Black on Halloween.
What’s that creepy buzzing sound coming from the graveyard ground?
ZOMBEES!
When these undead insects invade, they send everyone fleeing in fright.
Are they hunting for a snack?
Do they like the taste of veins?
Have they come to eat your brains?!
Find out in this rhyming Halloween tale with an unexpected twist!
What’s that creepy buzzing sound coming from the graveyard ground?
ZOMBEES!
When these undead insects invade, they send everyone fleeing in fright.
Are they hunting for a snack?
Do they like the taste of veins?
Have they come to eat your brains?!
Find out in this rhyming Halloween tale with an unexpected twist!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 4, 2025
I love the art in this book! I also love that it’s going to teach young children the word “fetid.” This book was a wild ride, but perfect for introducing little ones to the lifelong magic of spooky season! There were also fun puns.
August 19, 2025
Rhyming, punchy text makes this a FUN read aloud. Perfect for Halloween season, and even all year round, this story with a twist ending, is Buzzing with excitement!
August 12, 2025
Very cute book with a slight twist at the end.
July 22, 2025
My children and I have LOVED all Justin’s books. BUT Zombees has been our favorite one yet. Halloween is a family favorite holiday in our household and the spooky fun storyline has made this book another fav in our nightly rotation. Keep them coming Justin we love your imagination.
October 2, 2025
Make bees less scary while celebrating the spooky parts of Halloween by reading THE ZOMBEES. This rhythmic story uses a rhyming scheme to share a night of spooky trick-or-treating.
The zombees emerge from the graveyard ready to invade. Are they coming for a snack, your blood, or maybe your brains? Once kids realize what is really going on, they are sure to giggle and wonder if maybe bees aren’t so scary after all.
It’s quite difficult to rhyme all the way through a children’s story and find a humorous way to tell a story that might otherwise be scary. The illustrations are silly and spooky and show all the fun of Halloween. Prep your kids for Halloween night by showing them that Halloween is about dressing up and having fun…just like the bees.
The zombees emerge from the graveyard ready to invade. Are they coming for a snack, your blood, or maybe your brains? Once kids realize what is really going on, they are sure to giggle and wonder if maybe bees aren’t so scary after all.
It’s quite difficult to rhyme all the way through a children’s story and find a humorous way to tell a story that might otherwise be scary. The illustrations are silly and spooky and show all the fun of Halloween. Prep your kids for Halloween night by showing them that Halloween is about dressing up and having fun…just like the bees.
August 21, 2025
This book is perfect for little readers that may enjoy Halloween without all the scariness. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud with the vibrant illustrations. The twist at the end will be sure to delight all readers.
September 5, 2025
I love this wordplay, Halloween-themed picture book in the vein of the Food Group series. The reveal at the end is cute, and I can't wait for the sequel!
Thank you for the hardcopy, Simon & Schuster Kids!
Thank you for the hardcopy, Simon & Schuster Kids!
June 3, 2025
A cute and fun book perfect for the spooky season! I enjoyed this one - it has a fun plot, and the illustrations are fantastic.
July 31, 2025
I absolutely adored this book & the illustrations!
September 3, 2025
Hurry, run! The "zombees" have risen from their graves on Halloween night and they're after you!
This is a fun, group read aloud with rhyming text and bold, vivid illustrations.
This is a fun, group read aloud with rhyming text and bold, vivid illustrations.
September 4, 2025
So cute Halloween story with ZomBEEs. Adorable.
September 4, 2025
super fun and clever spooky read!
September 16, 2025
Very cute! May be a little scary for the younger preschoolers with mentions of the Zom-bees eating veins and brains, but overall a delight, with clever illustrations and upbeat rhymes.
August 16, 2025
So cute
August 3, 2025
Spooky but not too spooky. Good for readers who want a book that seems scary but is really cute.
July 13, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Here in America, we have passed Independence Day so we can started celebrating Halloween, right?!? My husband was out of town this weekend and I seriously almost pranked him by decorating the house for Halloween (I did put up one decoration and am going to see him how long it takes him to find it). The book birthday of this one came just in time for Summerween!
ZomBees is a marvelously illustrated book that pops off the page, with a fun story that endear itself to the hearts of readers…of all ages! Full of tricks and treats, this one embodies the Halloweens spirits without being too spooky. ZomBees is definitely one to be read and reread! And a ZomBee might be this year’s cutest Halloween costume…just saying!
📖 Book Review 📖 Here in America, we have passed Independence Day so we can started celebrating Halloween, right?!? My husband was out of town this weekend and I seriously almost pranked him by decorating the house for Halloween (I did put up one decoration and am going to see him how long it takes him to find it). The book birthday of this one came just in time for Summerween!
ZomBees is a marvelously illustrated book that pops off the page, with a fun story that endear itself to the hearts of readers…of all ages! Full of tricks and treats, this one embodies the Halloweens spirits without being too spooky. ZomBees is definitely one to be read and reread! And a ZomBee might be this year’s cutest Halloween costume…just saying!
July 23, 2025
This book was a fun Halloween read. My 10 year old loved the name. The illustrations were very cute.
May 23, 2025
Silliness with a touch of spooky thrill creates a fun read for those darker hours...with laughter on the side.
A young girl heads to the cemetery on Halloween to find a very creepy atmosphere. Green things are rising from the ground and they are...Zombees! She heads back to the streets, where Trick-or-Treaters are underway and warns of the upcoming terror, which sets everyone into action in the most delightful ways. As the horror of what these Zombees might eat spreads and strikes chills, a huge surprise turns everything on its head.
This is a cute, fun, and energetic read with a satisfying twist. These Zombees carry a touch of odd creepiness mixed with silliness to make humor with a dab of uneasiness come across wonderfully. The reactions are even over-the-top to promise giggles. The illustrations make the atmosphere sit with the imaginative and well-created Zombees and scenes. These add visual humor to enhance every two-page spread.
The text carries a lyrical feel and leads the readers through the girl's adventures. It's kept short...two-lines per page...to keep even reluctant listeners engaged. The rhymes flow smoothly without feeling forced and build each moment so that the illustrations can take it from there.
It's a cute read with just the right amount of eerie possibility to create delightful chills and laughter.
A young girl heads to the cemetery on Halloween to find a very creepy atmosphere. Green things are rising from the ground and they are...Zombees! She heads back to the streets, where Trick-or-Treaters are underway and warns of the upcoming terror, which sets everyone into action in the most delightful ways. As the horror of what these Zombees might eat spreads and strikes chills, a huge surprise turns everything on its head.
This is a cute, fun, and energetic read with a satisfying twist. These Zombees carry a touch of odd creepiness mixed with silliness to make humor with a dab of uneasiness come across wonderfully. The reactions are even over-the-top to promise giggles. The illustrations make the atmosphere sit with the imaginative and well-created Zombees and scenes. These add visual humor to enhance every two-page spread.
The text carries a lyrical feel and leads the readers through the girl's adventures. It's kept short...two-lines per page...to keep even reluctant listeners engaged. The rhymes flow smoothly without feeling forced and build each moment so that the illustrations can take it from there.
It's a cute read with just the right amount of eerie possibility to create delightful chills and laughter.
September 9, 2025
The ZomBees is my current fall favorite! Justin Colon has created a clever story oozing with spooky tricks and treats. This book is just buzzing with humor, heart, and Halloween fun, and it has a terrific twist ending. The spot-on rhyme, rhythm, and meter make it the perfect read-aloud for zombie-lovers of all ages. And the incredible illustrations by Kaly Quarles are simply glowing!
July 13, 2025
This was hilarious! Be on the look out for zom bees for Halloween!!!
July 15, 2025
Aside: this is the second zombie-related book I've read in a row, how odd for the middle of July!
It's Halloween and the normally quiet graveyard by Honey Hills is abuzz. Literally, as strange creatures begin to rise from the tombs and wend their winding way through town. Could these flying apparitions be... bees? But bees aren't that sickly shade of green, nor do they have that strange, lingering smell.
As terrified trick-or-treaters run through the streets searching for safe haven from the zombees coming at them, the big smokers are called in to protect them. Who will survive this night of mischief and mayhem? And will the townsfolk be able to get to the bottom of this zombee outbreak and put a stop to it before anyone gets hurt?
Given that this is a kid's book, the answer is yes, and in the most heartwarming, relatable way possible. The way that the book makes the idea of zombie bees feel age-appropriate for young readers developing their vocabularies is well suited for its target audience, with just enough scares to give them a thrill but not enough to induce outright fear.
The fact that it's in verse helps, of course, bringing to mind Roald Dahl's more playful output. Justin Colon's pitch perfect poetry here is matched with superlative skill by Kaly Quarles' wonderful illustrations. The layouts are absolutely fantastic, with the pictures punctuating each couplet in such a way as to enhance both rhythm and meaning. As a professional book critic who's seen and read thousands of books, I'm hugely impressed with the quality of craft put into this entire product.
I highly recommend this picture book in the lead-up to Halloween, or for any kid who likes a (mildly) scary story year-round. It's especially great for introducing young readers to excellent but still accessible poetry.
The Zombees by Justin Colón & Kaly Quarles will be published tomorrow July 15 2025 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
It's Halloween and the normally quiet graveyard by Honey Hills is abuzz. Literally, as strange creatures begin to rise from the tombs and wend their winding way through town. Could these flying apparitions be... bees? But bees aren't that sickly shade of green, nor do they have that strange, lingering smell.
As terrified trick-or-treaters run through the streets searching for safe haven from the zombees coming at them, the big smokers are called in to protect them. Who will survive this night of mischief and mayhem? And will the townsfolk be able to get to the bottom of this zombee outbreak and put a stop to it before anyone gets hurt?
Given that this is a kid's book, the answer is yes, and in the most heartwarming, relatable way possible. The way that the book makes the idea of zombie bees feel age-appropriate for young readers developing their vocabularies is well suited for its target audience, with just enough scares to give them a thrill but not enough to induce outright fear.
The fact that it's in verse helps, of course, bringing to mind Roald Dahl's more playful output. Justin Colon's pitch perfect poetry here is matched with superlative skill by Kaly Quarles' wonderful illustrations. The layouts are absolutely fantastic, with the pictures punctuating each couplet in such a way as to enhance both rhythm and meaning. As a professional book critic who's seen and read thousands of books, I'm hugely impressed with the quality of craft put into this entire product.
I highly recommend this picture book in the lead-up to Halloween, or for any kid who likes a (mildly) scary story year-round. It's especially great for introducing young readers to excellent but still accessible poetry.
The Zombees by Justin Colón & Kaly Quarles will be published tomorrow July 15 2025 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
September 30, 2025
Justin Colón’s The ZomBees is a delightful addition to the growing canon of spooky-silly Halloween picture books. With playful rhymes and just the right amount of fright, it fits comfortably alongside favorites like Creepy Carrots and Los Gatos Black on Halloween—but its heart-stealing twist sets it apart.
From the first eerie buzz to the graveyard swarm, this book builds tension in a way that is both fun and accessible for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, enhancing the suspense without overwhelming. But it’s the ending—sweet, surprising, and entirely unexpected—that elevates The ZomBees from charming to unforgettable.
Though the publisher’s summary hints at a twist, I still wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love it. This one is sure to be a hit for storytimes, classroom read-alouds, and any young reader with a fondness for the spooky and the sweet. A must-have for Halloween collections.
From the first eerie buzz to the graveyard swarm, this book builds tension in a way that is both fun and accessible for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, enhancing the suspense without overwhelming. But it’s the ending—sweet, surprising, and entirely unexpected—that elevates The ZomBees from charming to unforgettable.
Though the publisher’s summary hints at a twist, I still wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love it. This one is sure to be a hit for storytimes, classroom read-alouds, and any young reader with a fondness for the spooky and the sweet. A must-have for Halloween collections.
October 30, 2025
Why has no one thought of bee zombies before? I don't know but the execution of the idea here is delightful and perfect for sharing at Halloween. Young readers/listeners will delight in some spooky shivers when they see the zom-bees fly off to experience Halloween celebrations. The girl starts to panic when she sees them before running to the library seeking shelter. The over-the-top reaction of both the girl and the adults (beekeepers, anyone?) makes the book a fun, dramatic read aloud. The rhyming text works well for reading out loud. Luckily, these bees do not have nefarious intentions and wish to enjoy the holiday celebrations as much as anyone else. And they will definitely be prepared for next year. A slightly spooky story based on a clever idea leaving readers/listeners with new pictures of bees forever after. Highly recommended for Halloween story times.
July 18, 2025
Something is coming through the graveyard in Honey Hills with a buzzing sound. With moans and green skin, the Zombees fly by with their Zombee Queen. Are they here to eat our brains? Get help! But when the people in bee veils show up, the Zombees share the real reason they are there. Told in bold rhymes and with a rollicking rhythm that matches the fast-paced tale, this picture book is a joy to share aloud. The bright illustrations that give clues to what is actually happening will make this book worth reading a few times to see all those touches.
Let’s hope this one gets lots of buzzz. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Let’s hope this one gets lots of buzzz. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
July 4, 2025
"What's that creepy buzzing sound coming from the graveyard ground?"In the story a girl heads the cemetery on Halloween night. To her surprise, she finds green things rising from the ground...ZomBees! As they invade, theories pop up of what they might do (will they hunt for a snack? or eat your brains?). The town scurries and beekeepers show up to the rescue....only to find out a reveal at the end! This Halloween story told in rhyme is such a hit!
October 20, 2025
Summary: There is buzzing in the Honey Hills Graveyard. Bees in green? They're zombees chasing everyone in town on Halloween night. Why and what do they want?
Comments: A fun and not scary Halloween story that would make an excellent read-aloud for preschool - 2nd grade. Spooky at just the right level.
Rhyming text.
The bright illustrations against a black background were created digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Comments: A fun and not scary Halloween story that would make an excellent read-aloud for preschool - 2nd grade. Spooky at just the right level.
Rhyming text.
The bright illustrations against a black background were created digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
October 28, 2025
It's Halloween and a trick-or-treater is scared silly by a swarm of zombees. "Have they come to EAT YOUR BRAINS?!" I love that the trick-or-treater races to the library for shelter and gets the librarian to call for help. With bright and colorful illustrations, a breezy rhyming text, and a delightfully unexpected conclusion, this book simply begs to be read aloud on Halloween. A must-read for little ones who want a funny Halloween story with just a tiny bit of spooky.
January 8, 2026
I'm not sure why more people haven't read this book, but it is a comical book about bees dressing up as zombies which I think would be perfect for Halloween- and would get a giggle out of your little one. I found it quite humorous. The art style isn't my type of - well art. However, the plot, the pacing, is brilliant. I don't like the paper that this book was printed on, however- again- this is a pretty decent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
My first reaction to this book is that it was perfect for kids who like spooky stuff but can't actually handle really scary stuff. That's still true, but I think this book misses its mark and is just vaguely confusing; what are kids supposed to get out of this story? Nobody trick or treats at the bees' house so they were delivering candy? I dont know, it just seems weak.
October 15, 2025
Ok that's talent. I don't like Halloween or zombies, but I enjoyed this book. Don't miss the details in the pictures - the cat side-kick, the fact that the place to go for help is the library, the Model T (?) costume on a kid in a wheelchair, etc. I'm not quite sure I understand the ending, though - what's up with the laboratory?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews