Kristyn Crow

That little zombie ballerina, whose story began in the eponymous Zombelina, and then continued in Zombelina Dances the Nutcracker, returns in this third picture-book devoted to her adventures. Zombelina loves school, especially show-and-tell. When Morty, the new boy in class, experiences stage fright during his first show-and-tell, Zombelina steps in to help him, befriending him at recess as well...

Like its predecessors, Zombelina: School Days features an entertaining tale told in rhyme - "I show more leap on the school bus and / twirl down the aisles... / I swivel my hips, and I stretch out in style. / Today's show-and-tell day, and nobody knows, / my hip-hop's to DIE for! I break like the pros!" - and colorful, appealing artwork. Somehow, illustrator Molly Idle manages to make her zombie character cute, something that bemuses me, as I usually do not care for this particular kind of monster. Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first two books about Zombelina, and to anyone looking for children's stories that address new children at school, and how to help them feel welcome. show less

That little zombie ballerina, whose story began in the eponymous Zombelina, returns in this second picture-book devoted to her dancing adventures, this time trying out for the role of Clara in The Nutcracker. Elated when she gets the part, but sympathetic to her friend Lizzie Snow, who also wanted to dance Clara, Zombelina practices hard, and enjoys the performance. Then Grandpa Phantom starts playing tricks, and our zombie heroine must make a difficult choice, to ensure that the show goes show more on...

Like its predecessor, Zombelina Dances the Nutcracker features a rhyming text that is fun to read aloud - "It's me, Zombelina, at tryouts today... / in the old opera house with my CORPSE de ballet. / I'm here for The Nutcracker. It's my audition. / And I know I'm going to be STIFF competition" - as well as cute-as-a-button artwork. For a zombie story, Kristyn Crow's tale is fairly gentle and heartwarming, emphasizing teamwork and sacrifice for the greater good. Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first story about Zombelina, as well as to those looking for fun picture-books featuring the ballet The Nutcracker. show less

I love this book! A little boy is just a "sittin' by a swamp just hummin' a tune," when he hears "Splish splash rumba-rumba bim bam BOOM! Splish splash rumba-rumba bim bam BOOM!" He takes off running and is soon summoned by his sister, brother, and cousins in turn. Each arrives with the same message and receives the same response, "'Ma said to fetch you 'cause it's time for bed!' ‘QUICK! HIDE! There's a monster in the swamp!' I said."
The refrain is so catchy that children won't be able to show more resist chiming in! The artwork is rich with the deep blues, purples and greens of an evening in the swamp. Pamintuan's illustrations are able to convey fear with humor as the children hang upside from the willow tree where they have taken refuge from the swamp monster. Of course, the book has a humorous surprise ending. A perfect choice for storytime! Great fun! show less

Zombelina by Kristyn Crow is another delightful ballet themed picture book. Zomebelina like many young girls is enrolled in ballet classes. She has a recital coming up and is enthusiastically practicing. She's also the only zombie in her class.

Most of the book is about the lead up to the recital. Zombelina shows her unique interpretation of the different ballet standards. Many of these center on the problems zombies face, namely, detachable body parts.

The last couple pages though change over show more to the recital. What was to be a joyous event isn't so. Even the most enthusiastic of students can get a case of stage fright, especially when there's a less than receptive audience. Though the other parents aren't thrilled to see a zombie on stage, her family is enthusiastic, boisterous and supportive.

I love the gentle message of doing something for yourself and enjoying it without expecting to be the star of that thing, or even doing a thing well. I also love the reminder that family support for personal projects is vital. show less