This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I also consider the author one of my Goodreads friends so whenever I read one of her books I feel anxiety that I might not like it and I was anxious about this one because I do not like zombies. At all. Ever. I’d told her that but she reassured me that I might be fine with this book, and she was right, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

This is so cute. It’s sweet and very amusing. I was pleasantly surprised by how funny it was (text and pictures) and I was smiling and sometimes chuckling most of the way through the story. I appreciate the mix of adorable and creepy and funny.

This book begs to be read multiple times. The short rhyming story is great and I wanted to read it through without interruption (which I did during my second reading.) There are so many details in the illustrations to look at on every page that I needed to read/view them together and separately too so I could notice all the fun details.

I especially recommend this for reading aloud to one child or a group of children. I actually think this is a perfect read aloud book. I think it’s best if listeners can listen to the story rhyme uninterrupted while simultaneously looking at the pictures on the page. I think that young children will love the vibrant illustrations and get a kick out of the story. I also highly recommend this to slightly older children who are independent readers because they will get so much out of the many details in the illustrations, including their text parts. They can read and peruse the illustrations at their own pace, and can probably better appreciate some of the humor.

When I first saw the art, even though I liked the colorfulness, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the art style. The pictures fit the rhyme so well though I started really liking them. They befit the story perfectly, right down to mood and tone. I ended up enjoying the illustrations the more I viewed them. Colorful, whimsical, downright funny, and cute, and creepy too, at least for me.

I appreciated the mentions and illustrations of the cat, tree growing, mint tea, writing poems, and especially reading a book, and so much else too.

I love how a talented sisters team created this book. I appreciated how the author explains at the start why this story was told and then written. It could actually make a fun and helpful bibliotherapy book for fearful kids, at least ones who are scared of zombies, or maybe generic monsters. It will also be a winner with kids who love zombies and monsters and potentially scary topics.

I love the highly entertaining, illustrated “about the author” “about the illustrator” page in the back.

There is an interactive question in the back so kids can go back and participate in a search. There is additional content at a website page for the book. (http://crystalmarcos.com/bb/buggins.html) I’ve added it to the book’s information page. I took a quick peak and think it’s a great additional perk for readers of the book.

I read the book several times and liked it better and better with each reading. If other adults feel that way it will be a pleasant book for parents and teachers and librarians to read over & over & over again to children, and since children sometimes want multiple readings of the same book that’s a big deal.

Unfortunately, most libraries won’t offer this because it’s independently published. Any local people with kids they think might have interest are welcome to borrow my copy to see if it’s one you want for your home library or even just to read to your kids. Just email me or message me and ask.

4-1/2 stars ( )