Review: Zombie Kid Diaries Volume 3 – Walking Dad / Author: Fred Perry / Publisher: Antarctic Press Inc / Release Date: Out Now
Zombie Kid Diaries is, oddly enough, aimed at children. It takes the format of a child’s diary, filled with fun illustrations. Our hero is young Bill Stokes, a boy who became a zombie following a bizarre pharmaceutical incident. He and his mother (who is also a walking corpse) live under the radar; Bill still goes to school and his mum works as the world’s most effective supermarket security guard.
The plot of the third book in the series features the return of his deadbeat father who has an exploitative and not-very-nice scheme in mind for his son. The bulk of the narrative is Bill simply living the life of a young boy who likes hanging around with his friends and playing video games. It just so happens that he’s also a member of the undead horde. Much of the humour is derived from Bill’s desperate attempts to keep his secret from his friends (nobody knows he’s a zombie) and the fact that his diet is so gross that his flatulence is a lethal weapon. That’s about as sophisticated as it gets.
The book talks frankly about growing up and dealing with estranged parents in a humorous but helpful manner. It’s hardly a guidance handbook but it doesn’t skirt around real world issues either. It’s entirely suitable for young people and it’s very well written; Perry writes in a language kids of all ages can understand.
Those of you who are looking for a character-filled alternative to the Wimpy Kid books, or are simply planning to train the next generation of horror movie fans may want to get this for their kids. It isn’t deep or complex enough to be terribly satisfying for adults, but it’s perfect for kids with a slightly twisted bent.
