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Stink #7
Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk
“The farce is as broad as the Atlantic, with enough spookiness just below the surface to provide the all-important shivers.” — Kirkus Reviews
Guts! Brains! Eyeballs! There's only one week before the new book in the Nightmare on Zombie Street series comes out. Of corpse Stink will be first in line at the Blue Frog Bookstore to buy his copy and join the town's Midnight Zombie Walk! Until then, Stink and his friends keep busy making ketchup-stained zombie costumes, trying to raise money to buy the book, and racking up points for Virginia Dare School's race to one million minutes of reading. But with all that talk about the undead, Zink — that is, Stink — starts to wonder: is he being hunted by zombies? He does have a very delicious — er, superb — brain, after all. Readers will just have to open ze book and zee! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!
Guts! Brains! Eyeballs! There's only one week before the new book in the Nightmare on Zombie Street series comes out. Of corpse Stink will be first in line at the Blue Frog Bookstore to buy his copy and join the town's Midnight Zombie Walk! Until then, Stink and his friends keep busy making ketchup-stained zombie costumes, trying to raise money to buy the book, and racking up points for Virginia Dare School's race to one million minutes of reading. But with all that talk about the undead, Zink — that is, Stink — starts to wonder: is he being hunted by zombies? He does have a very delicious — er, superb — brain, after all. Readers will just have to open ze book and zee! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
203 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Megan McDonald
333 books732 followers"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," says Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, the Stink series, and THE SISTERS CLUB. "I'm certainly moody, like she is. Judy has a strong voice and always speaks up for herself. I like that."
For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."
Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."
More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.
Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.
For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."
Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."
More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.
Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 14, 2019
I think this would be a good book to read. Once you start to read it you will probably want to keep on reading. If can't find a good book look for this one.
June 28, 2019
Handed to me by an eight year old, so it had to be read. Reading contest and a zombie book release are the major plot points. Like a lot of kid-lit these days, there is bad behavior on the part of the main characters that gets brushed over. I suppose that if you're eight, this is a very cool book.
June 1, 2017
Caleb (age 5): "[zombie language] Zhis is one of zhe most amazing zooks I've ever zead."
June 9, 2012
I read this with Rowena, and this was a fun, fun read. I love Stink and Judy and their school, and I loved reading about a boy who loves to read and about his troubles with getting enough money to buy the new zombie book and to go on the Midnight Zombie Walk (which was really at ten o'clock).
Highly recommend for moms and dads to read this one with their new readers.
Highly recommend for moms and dads to read this one with their new readers.
August 8, 2012
( Stink and Webster ) In the whole book they went to a Zombie Walk ( a spookey corn maze ). And they were scared so much that they hugged each other for no fear. When the book ended they went to there houses and yelled "BEST ZOMBIE WALK EVER"
November 9, 2018
This is the book that helped my 8 year old grandson (GS) transition from very simple graphic novels to chapter books. He's gone on to read several more books in the series, and his Dad and I are happy. :) It may not be great literature, but if kids don't get to be good readers who enjoy books, they'll never make it to the great books.
Most of these seem to be written on a third grade level, so it's perfect for GS, whose reading skills are adequate for a 3rd grader but not strong. With lots of book in the series - Stink: The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown was his second choice - readers can solidify skills while working their way through them all. The chapters are short, which helps him feel like he makes lots of progress in the 20 minutes he reads every day.
I'm not rating it for what I thought of the book, but for how my reluctant-reader GS would rate it.
Most of these seem to be written on a third grade level, so it's perfect for GS, whose reading skills are adequate for a 3rd grader but not strong. With lots of book in the series - Stink: The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown was his second choice - readers can solidify skills while working their way through them all. The chapters are short, which helps him feel like he makes lots of progress in the 20 minutes he reads every day.
I'm not rating it for what I thought of the book, but for how my reluctant-reader GS would rate it.
April 21, 2017
Stink and his friends must figure out a way to get enough money to buy the most recent book in the zombie series that everyone is reading at the moment. Only if they buy the book can they join in the freaky fun of a Midnight Zombie Walk hosted by the Blue Frog Book Store.
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
April 22, 2018
The students at Virginia Dare Elementary are trying to reach their goal to read for one million minutes before the Midnight Zombie Walk during the Nightmare on Zombie Street, Book Five release in seven days. Stink and Webster have to think of ways to earn enough money to purchase the new book. Thrills, spooky tales, recipes, brains, and scary things all about Zombies invade this adventure of reading.
September 8, 2023
This is a great book for an emerging reader. Large print and pictures help ease the new reader from picture books to novels. It features zombie talk so if your child has nightmares or doesn’t like that kind of topic, this book isn’t for your child. It had a few gross things, but it’s to make the book more fun. It’s not a scary book, but some kids might take it that way. It is funny in places. I recommend this book for boys.
June 24, 2021
This was cute and silly, loved the puns. I also loved how Megan McDonald makes the act of reading part of the plot of this book. I may have to buy the Spanish version when it comes out so that I can gift it to nephews/nieces.
May 4, 2017
Stink is a brave kid. He wanted to go to a zombie place and get the book but he doesn't have enough money. He raises enough money.
May 7, 2018
Totally awesome!
April 7, 2020
Read this with my 7 year old son, who loved it
October 6, 2020
Loved it!
November 9, 2022
Really enjoying reading about Stink and his friends with my almost 7yo! We especially liked the part where he was true to his feelings towards the end:)
November 25, 2022
Yes please! I want to work at Virginia Dare Elementary. What a great reading challenge presented in this fun Stink adventure. Stink and his friends are just as likable as Judy and hers.
April 24, 2024
I like it
June 5, 2024
It was ok. The students could not really relate to the story.
October 20, 2024
Stink is a fan fave in our house, but this one was a bit bottom tier for us.
June 13, 2025
I really like the Stink series, but zombies are too creepy for me. There was just too much gruesome detail in this one, especially Stink's comics.
July 25, 2025
I think the book 📕 was a five star 🌟 book 📖 because it was very spooky 👻.
October 22, 2016
I love Stink!
December 19, 2016
In his 7th story, Judy Moody's little brother Stink is counting down the days until the release of Book 5 in the Nightmare on Zombie Street series. His whole school is excited, in fact, because they've been reading the zombie books as part of their goal to reach one million minutes of reading. As the night of the release party and zombie walk approaches, zombies begin turning up in the strangest places - even the cafeteria - and Judy and Stink battle it out to see who can scare who the worst. Each chapter begins with a creepy tombstone printed with the chapter title and ends with a suggestion for a fun, zombie-related activity.
I haven't read all of the Judy Moody books, or all of the Stink books, but what I have read, I have always enjoyed. This book, with all its boy-friendly creepiness and gross-out humor, was another fun read. I liked the way McDonald created a fictional phenomenon similar to Twilight or Harry Potter to go along with her zombie theme, and I thought it was great that the characters showed such enthusiasm for reading, without really beating the reader over head with that concept. I also thought it was a nice twist to have Mrs. Moody involved in some of the zombie activities, and the siblings' attempts to frighten each other using an old ventriloquist's dummy struck just the right balance between scary and silly.
Despite the main character's name, which I know turns off some of the parents who visit my library, these books are perfectly appropriate for elementary school readers in grades one to three. This particular story doesn't just appeal to kids' fascination with gore and guts, but also emphasizes the importance of reading for pleasure. Stink has a good relationship with his family, a very realistic relationship with his sister, and a wonderfully vivid imagination. Read-alikes for this book include Zoo Breath from Graham Salisbury's Calvin Coconut series and Scab for Treasurer by Trudy Trueit.
I haven't read all of the Judy Moody books, or all of the Stink books, but what I have read, I have always enjoyed. This book, with all its boy-friendly creepiness and gross-out humor, was another fun read. I liked the way McDonald created a fictional phenomenon similar to Twilight or Harry Potter to go along with her zombie theme, and I thought it was great that the characters showed such enthusiasm for reading, without really beating the reader over head with that concept. I also thought it was a nice twist to have Mrs. Moody involved in some of the zombie activities, and the siblings' attempts to frighten each other using an old ventriloquist's dummy struck just the right balance between scary and silly.
Despite the main character's name, which I know turns off some of the parents who visit my library, these books are perfectly appropriate for elementary school readers in grades one to three. This particular story doesn't just appeal to kids' fascination with gore and guts, but also emphasizes the importance of reading for pleasure. Stink has a good relationship with his family, a very realistic relationship with his sister, and a wonderfully vivid imagination. Read-alikes for this book include Zoo Breath from Graham Salisbury's Calvin Coconut series and Scab for Treasurer by Trudy Trueit.
August 30, 2012
Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk (Stink #7) book by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is a Stink story of the Zombie craze at school, a reading marathon, and a Zombie Walk in conjunction with a new series book release.
Reynold's illustrations were created digitally, Each chapter title is written on a tombstone. At the end of each chapter is a page with zombie related information or jokes or wordplay. My favorite images are cover, verso, Evil Eye Charlie, Zombie Lunch Lady, Zombie Charlie,
Cruela de Zombie, and Zombie Walk spread.
The large text size and book length makes this a good choice for beginning chapter book readers. The humor and puns should attract readers, and appeal to reluctant readers. It's a little gross and silly, but not too scary. I do like the theme of encouraging kids to read. This is the first Stink book I've read. I need to read another to get a better idea of this series.
I'm not a zombie fan. I don't particularly like the idea of kids adding words to classics like The Very Hungry Caterpilar. I'm not sure getting K-3rd kids into popular culture that may be more appropriate for older kids is a great idea, but if it gets them reading, it is going to be acceptable to many. Despite these quibbles, this should be a popular book, especially for Judy Moody fans. 3.5 stars for now, which I may adjust after reading another in this series.
For ages 6 to 8, zombies, chapter book, humor, transitional readers, series, puns, realistic fiction, reading, and fans of Megan McDonald.
Reynold's illustrations were created digitally, Each chapter title is written on a tombstone. At the end of each chapter is a page with zombie related information or jokes or wordplay. My favorite images are cover, verso, Evil Eye Charlie, Zombie Lunch Lady, Zombie Charlie,
Cruela de Zombie, and Zombie Walk spread.
The large text size and book length makes this a good choice for beginning chapter book readers. The humor and puns should attract readers, and appeal to reluctant readers. It's a little gross and silly, but not too scary. I do like the theme of encouraging kids to read. This is the first Stink book I've read. I need to read another to get a better idea of this series.
I'm not a zombie fan. I don't particularly like the idea of kids adding words to classics like The Very Hungry Caterpilar. I'm not sure getting K-3rd kids into popular culture that may be more appropriate for older kids is a great idea, but if it gets them reading, it is going to be acceptable to many. Despite these quibbles, this should be a popular book, especially for Judy Moody fans. 3.5 stars for now, which I may adjust after reading another in this series.
For ages 6 to 8, zombies, chapter book, humor, transitional readers, series, puns, realistic fiction, reading, and fans of Megan McDonald.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2012
For a few years now I have intended to read one of the Judy Moody novels by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds. It is definitely my loss that I have not made the time to do so yet. Stink is Judy's little brother and each has their own series and a few carry-over novels. If the Judy Moody or the other Stink books are as good as this one, I am in for a lot of good reading.
This book was really fun to read, and young readers will get a kick out of the story and comedy in it. Stink and his friends are desperately awaiting the release of Nightmare on Zombie Street Book 5, Creature with the Cootie Brain, a book in the Zombie series they have been reading. Their school is trying to get to a million minutes read and maybe they even get a little scared. The chapters are:
Vomitocius
The Smellatorium
What about B.O.B.?
Curse of the Zombie Baloney
Zombie Lunch Lady
Nightmare on Croaker Street
Cruella De Zombie
The (Ten O'Clock) Midnight Zombie Walk
In 153 pages of text and illustrations, Reynolds and McDonald tell a hilarious tale. This book was a great read and has hooked me so much I am planning on reading both series soon. Check them out; great book for young readers or to read with young readers.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.
This book was really fun to read, and young readers will get a kick out of the story and comedy in it. Stink and his friends are desperately awaiting the release of Nightmare on Zombie Street Book 5, Creature with the Cootie Brain, a book in the Zombie series they have been reading. Their school is trying to get to a million minutes read and maybe they even get a little scared. The chapters are:
Vomitocius
The Smellatorium
What about B.O.B.?
Curse of the Zombie Baloney
Zombie Lunch Lady
Nightmare on Croaker Street
Cruella De Zombie
The (Ten O'Clock) Midnight Zombie Walk
In 153 pages of text and illustrations, Reynolds and McDonald tell a hilarious tale. This book was a great read and has hooked me so much I am planning on reading both series soon. Check them out; great book for young readers or to read with young readers.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.
October 25, 2014
My son received this book for free at family night as his school. He's seven so zombies are only like the greatest thing ever to him right now. Bedtime came and he asked if we could read together. I told him ten minutes, with the intention of reading maybe one chapter with him and then turning out the lights and tucking him in. We both got so caught up in the book that we finished it the same night, long past bedtime.
It was entertaining and even I was turning the pages, looking forward to what Stink and Webster were going to get up to next in their efforts to raise money so they could buy the fifth nightmare on zombie street book and attend the zombie walk. It held both of our interests from start to finish and that's saying something for my son.
We took turns reading pages and it was at a level that he could read through with ease and understand, but it wasn't a story that drove me nuts like others he likes to pick out. All in all, it was an enjoyable book and I will definitely be looking into getting him more Stink stories because I loved seeing him excited about a book. It made the book nerd in me do a happy dance.
It was entertaining and even I was turning the pages, looking forward to what Stink and Webster were going to get up to next in their efforts to raise money so they could buy the fifth nightmare on zombie street book and attend the zombie walk. It held both of our interests from start to finish and that's saying something for my son.
We took turns reading pages and it was at a level that he could read through with ease and understand, but it wasn't a story that drove me nuts like others he likes to pick out. All in all, it was an enjoyable book and I will definitely be looking into getting him more Stink stories because I loved seeing him excited about a book. It made the book nerd in me do a happy dance.
April 30, 2012
For a few years now I have intended to read one of the Judy Moody novels by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds. It is definitely my loss that I have not made the time to do so yet. Stink is Judy's little brother and each has their own series and a few carry-over novels. If the Judy Moody or the other Stink books are as good as this one, I am in for a lot of good reading.
This book was really fun to read, and young readers will get a kick out of the story and comedy in it. Stink and his friends are desperately awaiting the release of Nightmare on Zombie Street Book 5, Creature with the Cootie Brain, a book in the Zombie series they have been reading. Their school is trying to get to a million minutes read and maybe they even get a little scared.
...
Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.
This book was really fun to read, and young readers will get a kick out of the story and comedy in it. Stink and his friends are desperately awaiting the release of Nightmare on Zombie Street Book 5, Creature with the Cootie Brain, a book in the Zombie series they have been reading. Their school is trying to get to a million minutes read and maybe they even get a little scared.
...
Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.
July 27, 2014
Genre: Realistic Fiction (Fiction)
Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading Level: Approximately Level M
Summary: Stink and his best friend Webster are counting down the days until the Midnight Zombie Walk, a promotion of the local bookstore to celebrate the publication of a new book in a famous zombie series. The week is filled with zombie talk, zombie makeup, and zombie stories and finally the great zombie walk itself.
Why I Liked/Disliked the Book: Megan McDonald did a great job with the zombie theme! The book is filled with zombies galore! There are even instructions on how to make zombie party themed food and drink. It's cute how the kids are both fascinated with the zombie stuff and scared by it, too!
What This Book Made Me Think About: How much fun you can have with a fantastical theme.
Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading Level: Approximately Level M
Summary: Stink and his best friend Webster are counting down the days until the Midnight Zombie Walk, a promotion of the local bookstore to celebrate the publication of a new book in a famous zombie series. The week is filled with zombie talk, zombie makeup, and zombie stories and finally the great zombie walk itself.
Why I Liked/Disliked the Book: Megan McDonald did a great job with the zombie theme! The book is filled with zombies galore! There are even instructions on how to make zombie party themed food and drink. It's cute how the kids are both fascinated with the zombie stuff and scared by it, too!
What This Book Made Me Think About: How much fun you can have with a fantastical theme.
June 7, 2016
I haven't had the chance to read a Stink novel until I saw this zombie one. I see the appeal from kids since it is full of play on words and silliness. I was happy to see that Stink and his sister Judy aren't in a hate relationship that is some times portrayed between siblings. Parents were much involved in the kids lives and friends were important to have which is something all kids strive to have.
Although many puns were in here and I am a fan, some were just a little too corny for me. Maybe that is the appeal to children. For this reason and for a few moments where I thought the story was jumping around a bit and how nothing more was touched on about Charlie showing up randomly, I give this story a 2 instead of 3 out of 5. BUT I would recommend this to kids, even those who aren't into zombies.
Although many puns were in here and I am a fan, some were just a little too corny for me. Maybe that is the appeal to children. For this reason and for a few moments where I thought the story was jumping around a bit and how nothing more was touched on about Charlie showing up randomly, I give this story a 2 instead of 3 out of 5. BUT I would recommend this to kids, even those who aren't into zombies.
June 3, 2012
Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
Ds loves this series of books. This is the first time he did the reading aloud as his reader. They are a little hard for him and halfway through a chapter I'll take over and read a few pages for him to take a breather, then he'll finish up the chapter himself. This one was a lot of fun with the zombie theme but not having any actual supernatural events. The reading theme and the excitement over a new book in a popular series was fun as well. Not a lot to actually say in this review as we happily received everything we expected in a Stink book and enjoyed it to the max. These books are keepers on ds's shelves, which is a very highly coveted spot indeed; only a select few make the cut. Looking forward to the next book.
Ds loves this series of books. This is the first time he did the reading aloud as his reader. They are a little hard for him and halfway through a chapter I'll take over and read a few pages for him to take a breather, then he'll finish up the chapter himself. This one was a lot of fun with the zombie theme but not having any actual supernatural events. The reading theme and the excitement over a new book in a popular series was fun as well. Not a lot to actually say in this review as we happily received everything we expected in a Stink book and enjoyed it to the max. These books are keepers on ds's shelves, which is a very highly coveted spot indeed; only a select few make the cut. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews