'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 20 December 2020

Review: Zombie School Teachers

Since his debut in 2015 with My Dead Bunny, and his more recent release, There's Something Weird about Lena, Sigi Cohen has established himself as the author of wildly fun, gross picture books that do not take themselves at all seriously.

His most recent book, Zombie School Teachers, continues this trend with a dark theme told in rhyme, infused with lashings of humour. Cohen makes fun of a target that his readers will appreciate: school teachers!

The teachers suddenly start acting very strangely – lurching around the classrooms, grunting and trying to feed on the students! 

Even the principal gets in on the act.

It takes some action by the quick thinking kids to get themselves out of this mess with their brains intact.

This over-the-top tale is a silly bit of fun. The illustrations area celebration of gross detail – green tongues, bloodshot eyes and flying limbs abound – which is sure to delight its audience. The zombie teachers pop up various states of decay feasting on brains and chasing innocent children, but (spoiler alert!) are no match for the speedy class.

However, the resolution relies on adult intervention, so this book is not as satisfying as his previous works.

Although the story and illustrations are clearly meant to be funny rather than scary, it is nevertheless best for primary, rather than preschool aged children.

Title: Zombie School Teachers
Author: Sigi Cohen
Illustrator: Matty Mitchell
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 Octoner, 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780648804925
For ages: 5 +
Type: Picture Book for Older readers