Bee-ware the Buzz: A Review of "The Zombees" by Justin Colón

If you love Halloween tales that mix giggles with goosebumps—and a healthy dash of science—then The Zombees by Justin Colón is your next must-read. Paired with Kaly Quarles’s charming and creepy illustrations, this picture book offers a buzzing blend of humor, rhyme, and horror-lite that’s perfect for young readers ages 5 to 12.

Thank you to the author, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, for the book and my honest review. Be sure to read my full review below and enter a giveaway for a chance to win the book!

About the book:

Title: The Zombees Author: Justin Colón

Illustrator: Kaly Quarles

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Genre: Picture Book

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Synopsis:

A swarm of zombie bees invades an unsuspecting town on Halloween night in this delightfully spooky 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!

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My Review of "The Zombees" by Justin Colón

The story kicks off with a mysterious, eerie buzzing sound coming from the local graveyard. And before you know it—THE ZOMBEES! These undead insects rise from the ground and cause spooky chaos all over town. Told in engaging rhyming verse, Colón keeps the action moving quickly while sprinkling in clever wordplay and a deliciously creepy twist or two. Kids will be simultaneously squealing with laughter and peeking behind their fingers.

But The Zombees isn’t just spooky fun—it’s smart, too. Hidden in all the buzz and chaos are clever nods to STEM concepts. Whether it’s how bees function, their role in ecosystems, or the idea of zombification (both real and imagined), the book opens up natural pathways for curious minds to ask questions and learn more. Teachers and caregivers will appreciate the book's potential as a classroom conversation starter during October—or any time of year!

page from "The Zombees"

A Page from "The Zombees"

A Page from "The Zombees"

A Page from "The Zombees"

A Page from "The Zombees"

The highlight of this picture book, though, may just be the artwork. Kaly Quarles’s illustrations are absolutely adorable in the creepiest possible way. Each page bursts with expressive faces, rich Halloween hues, and imaginative, giggle-worthy zombie-bee designs. The Zombees manage to be more cute than creepy, which helps keep the story perfectly age-appropriate for younger readers who want spooky stories without nightmare fuel.

As for what I loved? Pretty much everything. The concept is fresh and fun, the rhymes roll off the tongue with ease, and the balance between spooky and silly is pitch-perfect. This is the kind of book that will get requested over and over again at bedtime—and not just in October. And let’s not forget the ending (no spoilers!)—a hilarious twist that wraps everything up with a wink.

If I had to nitpick... well, I really can’t. The Zombees delivers on every promise it makes: fun, fear, laughter, and learning. It’s an ideal Halloween pick for both reluctant and eager readers, and a fabulous addition to any school library or home bookshelf.

Final Buzz: The Zombees is creepy-cute Halloween perfection—full of heart, humor, and science smarts. Don’t sleep on this undead delight!

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Meet the Author and Illustrator:

Justin Colón

Justin Colón is a professional actor and children's book author. His previous picture books include The Quacken (illustrated by Pablo Pino) and Impossible Possums, (illustrated by James Rey Sanchez). A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains—something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at JustinColonBooks.com.

Kaly Quarles studied interior design and worked in architecture before landing in illustration. Her love for historic shopfronts, Victoriana, and vintage ephemera runs deep. When Kaly isn’t drawing with a cat in her lap, she’s hunting for obscure antiques, watching or reading historical fiction, or hosting one-woman pastry-eating contests.

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) hardcover copy of The Zombees by Justin Colón. Open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends on August 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.