Zombie Mommy
#5 of 6 in Pals in Peril Series
What’s inside...
In the fifth installment of M.T. Anderson’s Pals in Peril series, Lily Gefelty and her friends return home from their Delaware crime-stopping adventures only to find out that her mom has mysteriously been possessed by a zombie with world domination ambitions. As they embark on another action-packed adventure, they encounter killer tarantulas, vampire boys, and a series of challenges exacerbated by bad weather. With the aid of a monk and Jasper Dash’s Holy Water Extruder Gun, the team faces the dark night and fierce enemies, toggling between moments of laughter and screams, in their quest to save Lily's mom and potentially the world.
Character compass
Lily Gefelty
Jasper Dash
Katie Mulligan
Mrs. Gefelty
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story show love and care for each other?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the main character?
How do you think the main character felt when facing challenges?
What does being brave mean to you, based on the story?
How can we help each other overcome fears, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by summarizing the story together with your child, ensuring they understood the key elements.
Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the story, encouraging them to express themselves freely.
Relate the story's scenarios to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their connection to the narrative.
Praise your child for their insights, which promotes their confidence and encourages further discussion.
Finish with asking your child how they might incorporate lessons from the story into their daily life, making the reading experience actionable and relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Zombie Mommy', children see the main character learn to understand and accept their mom's unique quirks after she turns into a zombie.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be accepting and empathetic towards others' differences in real life, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses clever thinking to navigate the challenges of having a zombie for a mom, teaching kids the importance of thinking on their feet.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply critical thinking to overcome obstacles they encounter in their own experiences.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The child in the story takes on new responsibilities at home due to the unusual situation, illustrating the importance of being dependable and self-reliant.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of taking responsibility for their tasks and chores in their family life.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: Despite the bizarre circumstances, the family grows closer together, emphasizing the unbreakable bond of family.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of nurturing family relationships and spending quality time together in a child's daily life.