Children's Book Review: The Student From Zombie Island by Michael J. Moorehead

ISBN 978-1-58985-072-9
$ 15.95
Published by Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications
Published 2007
Hardcover
Web site: http://www.ZombieIslandBooks.com 


Summary:

Flaming red hair, yellow fangs, dragon-like claws, and nasty bad fiery breath

A new kid was coming to school and everyone knew he must be a frightening, horrible, rotten monster!

The rumors are flying! Bust 'em Up Bill hasn't even shown up yet at his new school and already the other kids are scared to death. With a name like his, why wouldn't they be? They say his breath is so bad it will singe your face if you get too close and if he burps near you, it might even set your hair on fire!

Written by Michael J. Moorehead when he was only seven and delightfully illustrated by Kathy Parks, The Student from Zombie Island conveys to young readers a subtle yet important message about the dangers of spreading rumors. With a writing style reminiscent of Shel Silverstein, Michael's story is conveyed in a way that will captivate his young readers.

Michael's favorite animal is the polar bear, and his aspiration is to become an environmentalist so he can protect them by stopping global warming. Our money's on Michael. He's already found a way to stop rumors in their tracks. 




My Review:


I just loved this book!  And, to top it off, it was written by the author, Michael Moorehead, when he was only seven years old.  Your child(ren) will love this cute story of a new boy coming to a school, and rumors starting before he arrives about how he will be.  Even in today's day and age, our youngsters have to deal with gossip and rumors.  It is nice to see someone, especially a young man, write a children's book about why it is important not to start rumors in the first place, and to not judge a book by its cover.  With only his nickname to go on, "Bust 'em Up Bill," the students' imaginations run wild.  Some think he is a wild monster, while others don't want to even sit next to him in class (without even meeting him).  But, when Bill arrives at his new school, everyone is surprised.  He is nothing like they imagined!  


If you are looking for a good book to read with your child this summer, that teaches them about not spreading rumors or listening to gossip, then this is a must-read book.  The illustrations are beautifully done, and so vibrant that your child will not get bored with the story or the pictures.  It will keep them entertained, and want to see what happens at the end and who "Bust 'em Up Bill" is.


About the Author:

When Michael J. Moorehead isn't writing, he's hiking, baking oatmeal cookies, playing video games and participating in Boy Scouts. His favorite animal is the polar bear, and he hopes to one day become an environmentalist. He's concerned about the plight of the polar bears and says he wants to stop global warming to save the majestic white creatures from extinction - but he will have to graduate from junior high school first. Michael lives in Tempe, Arizona, with his mother, a freelance writer and editor for the SanTan Sun News and Arizona Parenting magazine, and his father, an insurance property adjustor, who moonlights as a movie critic for the Wrangler News. 

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.