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Zombie in Love #1
Zombie in Love
Tall, dead & handsomeMortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror film, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2011
13 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Kelly DiPucchio
54 books261 followersKelly is the award-winning author of several children’s books, thousands of To-Do lists, and a few recipe cards. Two of her books, Grace For President and The Sandwich Swap, were New York Times bestsellers.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
February 3, 2022
Yes...even zombies are looking for love. But sometimes you can look in the wrong places and get frustrated. But just remember: there is 'zomebody' out there for everyone! (Sorry...that was so bad!) This would be a great gift for that zombie fan in your life - a great Valentine's gift to let them know that they can eat your heart out (sorry again - I'm done!)
October 10, 2025
You know a genre is popular when it makes its way into children’s picture books!
“Zombie in Love” by Kelly DiPucchio is a humorous zombie love story. Poor Mortimer is looking for a sweetheart. He tries everything the dating books suggest but all the human girls run screaming when he makes his approach. Can Mortimer the zombie find love in our world?
Although not necessarily a bedtime story for young children, this charmingly creepy picture book will appeal to fans of Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride or The Nightmare Before Christmas. –Erin J.
“Zombie in Love” by Kelly DiPucchio is a humorous zombie love story. Poor Mortimer is looking for a sweetheart. He tries everything the dating books suggest but all the human girls run screaming when he makes his approach. Can Mortimer the zombie find love in our world?
Although not necessarily a bedtime story for young children, this charmingly creepy picture book will appeal to fans of Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride or The Nightmare Before Christmas. –Erin J.
August 4, 2015
TALL, DEAD, & HANDSOME
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
Saturday, Cupid's Ball,
Punch Bowl, 7:00 P.M.
Mortimer is lonely.
Helives resides in his house with his rotting pet dog and his little army of worms, but he longs for more... female companionship.
Women just seem to be repulsed and frightened by him.
Did I mention he's a zombie?
His boxes of chocolate (rife with insects) and hearts (ripped from human cadavers) don't seem to have the romantic affect on women that he intends them to have.
He does his best to improve himself - taking his dog for walks in the park, working out, learning to dance - but to no avail. Women still shun him.
It's obvious he needs someone a little more like himself. That's when he places the ad in the newspaper.
Mortimer puts a lot of time and effort into preparing himself for the dance: buying a new suit, usingbreath mints death mints, pinning an air freshener to his lapel where a human would pin a carnation...
But when he gets to the dance, still no luck. Women avoid him and run screaming from him.
Giving up all hope of ever finding love, a dejected Mortimer shuffles towards the exit.
Then he hears a crash behind him, and sees a woman on the floor in a puddle of punch. An especially GRAY-skinned woman. An especially DEAD-looking woman. They smile at each other...
Well, I won't tell you what happens next but suffice it to say it's a happy ending.
...
This is a perfect child's-first-zombie-book, and they'll be enchanted. Highly recommended.
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
Saturday, Cupid's Ball,
Punch Bowl, 7:00 P.M.
Mortimer is lonely.
He
Women just seem to be repulsed and frightened by him.
Did I mention he's a zombie?
His boxes of chocolate (rife with insects) and hearts (ripped from human cadavers) don't seem to have the romantic affect on women that he intends them to have.
He does his best to improve himself - taking his dog for walks in the park, working out, learning to dance - but to no avail. Women still shun him.
It's obvious he needs someone a little more like himself. That's when he places the ad in the newspaper.
Mortimer puts a lot of time and effort into preparing himself for the dance: buying a new suit, using
But when he gets to the dance, still no luck. Women avoid him and run screaming from him.
Giving up all hope of ever finding love, a dejected Mortimer shuffles towards the exit.
Then he hears a crash behind him, and sees a woman on the floor in a puddle of punch. An especially GRAY-skinned woman. An especially DEAD-looking woman. They smile at each other...
Well, I won't tell you what happens next but suffice it to say it's a happy ending.
...
This is a perfect child's-first-zombie-book, and they'll be enchanted. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2013
Zombie in Love. Do I need to say more? Haha… Look at that title and cover! It says “Laura” all over it! :D
Mortimer, our zombie hero, is determined to find love. A girl or ghoul to spend his un-dead days with. He’s tried it all—from gifts to personal ads with no luck. But his tender, open, slightly moldy heart is determined to meet his sweetheart at the Cupid’s Ball. With silly, sweet, clever zombie humor and fun, Mortimer’s search for love will hit your funny bone and heart.
I have to share his personal ad. It killed me! :D
TALL, DEAD, & HANDSOME
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you’re not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I’m the guy who you’ve
looked for and I’m dying to meet you!
I don’t know how Scott Campbell did it, but the expression and emotion captured in Mortimer’s eyes will make you “awww” all over the place. The hope and love on his face is adorable and so, so sweet! Every tall, filled to the brim with gross-slimy fun page will make you smile. Brilliant zombie knick-knacks, laughs and details stand out in every corner. An “I Love Brains” coffee mug, worms, odor swirls and so much more made me laugh out loud. Was that an air freshener on Mortimer’s lapel? Haha…
Kelly DiPucchio and Scott Campbell’s Zombie in Love is a must read for any zombie fan! Young, old, or un-dead!
December 4, 2014
I don't like zombies and I don't much care for love, but maybe it's the whole "two negatives make a positive" thing that made me adore this book. I especially like the worms. They made me giggle.
Update:
Dec. 4, 2014
OMG!
I just found out they had a baby! Or, more likely, STOLE a baby because, come on, making a baby when all the reproductive parts are dead is going to be difficult.
Zombie in Love 2 + 1
Update:
Dec. 4, 2014
OMG!
I just found out they had a baby! Or, more likely, STOLE a baby because, come on, making a baby when all the reproductive parts are dead is going to be difficult.
Zombie in Love 2 + 1
July 29, 2017
"Mildred was drop-dead gorgeous."
Mortimer was certain to meet the girl of his dreams and why not? After all, he had read all the books and done all the research.
Love at the first bite is exactly how zombies' love stories would end or should I say begin?
Loved the illustrations and the efforts Mortimer took.
Mortimer was certain to meet the girl of his dreams and why not? After all, he had read all the books and done all the research.
Love at the first bite is exactly how zombies' love stories would end or should I say begin?
Loved the illustrations and the efforts Mortimer took.
September 30, 2011
This is such a great book, but weird at the same time. On the one hand, It’s kind of depressing to read, over and over, how much more successful than me the undead are at romantic relationships. On the other hand, this guy really does try harder than me, so I shouldn’t complain, and this is a sweet book. But, back on the first hand, it’s a sweet picture book for kids about a zombie, sooooo . . . Do we really want to be teaching our children about how endearing zombies are? I ask you.
No, I do not ask you: I tell you! This is no way to prepare children for the zombie apocalypse! Children need to know that zombies are terrifying, flesh-eating monsters. That is really the most important thing they need to know about zombies. There are a few other things that might be helpful, though, so, kids: #2: If you grow up to be an activist, do not release lab animals if they look crazed. #3: If you grow up to become a scientist, do not develop a zombie virus. (Trust me! It’s not worth it!) #4: Shoot for the head or neck. #5: Even if it’s your friend, don’t hesitate to shoot.
Those are the most important things I can think of. This book takes a different track, which I can . . . respect. It took the zombies-are-huggable track. It seems like a suspect moral message to me. But, it is such a cute book, and the illustrations are so great! I am torn. Just because it is fiction, though, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an obligation to warn kids about the dangers of the zombie apocalypse.
______________________
A book fairy gave me a free copy of this lovely book. Thank you!
No, I do not ask you: I tell you! This is no way to prepare children for the zombie apocalypse! Children need to know that zombies are terrifying, flesh-eating monsters. That is really the most important thing they need to know about zombies. There are a few other things that might be helpful, though, so, kids: #2: If you grow up to be an activist, do not release lab animals if they look crazed. #3: If you grow up to become a scientist, do not develop a zombie virus. (Trust me! It’s not worth it!) #4: Shoot for the head or neck. #5: Even if it’s your friend, don’t hesitate to shoot.
Those are the most important things I can think of. This book takes a different track, which I can . . . respect. It took the zombies-are-huggable track. It seems like a suspect moral message to me. But, it is such a cute book, and the illustrations are so great! I am torn. Just because it is fiction, though, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an obligation to warn kids about the dangers of the zombie apocalypse.
______________________
A book fairy gave me a free copy of this lovely book. Thank you!
December 21, 2016
My students LOVED this story! They thought the illustrations were hilarious and that the book was written similar to a graphic novel.
July 27, 2019
Mortimer is a lonely zombie looking for love in this humorous picture-book monstrosity. Although he does everything just right, and according to the book of advice he has read - he offers girls chocolates, hearts and rings - nothing seems to work. Then he places an advertisement in the newspaper, hoping that special someone will find him at Cupid's Ball. Will he find his true love, or is Mortimer doomed to an eternity alone...?
I will confess that of all the ghosts and ghouls popular in the monstrous canon of horror fiction, zombies are not a particular favorite. I find them horrifying - and not in an entertaining way. Despite that fact, I was able to appreciate the humor of Kelly DiPucchio's tale, even as I winced at some of the illustrations. It really is amusing to watch Mortimer attempt to win over human women with his zombie antics, and I think young children, provided they enjoy gross humor, will enjoy being "in the know," as to the reasons our zombie hero doesn't at first succeed. Recommended to anyone looking for sweeter monster tales for the picture-book set, that still have some fun gross-out moments.
I will confess that of all the ghosts and ghouls popular in the monstrous canon of horror fiction, zombies are not a particular favorite. I find them horrifying - and not in an entertaining way. Despite that fact, I was able to appreciate the humor of Kelly DiPucchio's tale, even as I winced at some of the illustrations. It really is amusing to watch Mortimer attempt to win over human women with his zombie antics, and I think young children, provided they enjoy gross humor, will enjoy being "in the know," as to the reasons our zombie hero doesn't at first succeed. Recommended to anyone looking for sweeter monster tales for the picture-book set, that still have some fun gross-out moments.
February 5, 2023
Such a cute, spooky story! I found it shelving kids books and added it to our Valentine's Day display. The illustrations are exactly my vibe.
July 4, 2012
Though it is funny in a quirky way, I am not sure whether this book is suitable for children below 10 years old.
Parents need to know that this sweet, silly zombie love story has gruesome elements suited to the subject matter: worms, severed limbs, a detached heart, a severed finger, a plate of eyeballs, a keyboard made of finger bones, and a picnic in a graveyard with brain as the entree.
The pictures are somehow cute, but once again, parents should be aware that the story and pictures might be disturbing. Please accompany your kids while reading this.
Parents need to know that this sweet, silly zombie love story has gruesome elements suited to the subject matter: worms, severed limbs, a detached heart, a severed finger, a plate of eyeballs, a keyboard made of finger bones, and a picnic in a graveyard with brain as the entree.
The pictures are somehow cute, but once again, parents should be aware that the story and pictures might be disturbing. Please accompany your kids while reading this.
May 3, 2015
Wow, I understand why this won the awards it did. Fantastic. Cannot wait to share it with my students. Zombies.. brain eating... limbs falling off... love story... what isn't to enjoy about that? Of course my 5 year old turning the pages and saying "ew" was also terrific. I just love this series, I’m DYING to share it with kids… Happy to add to the collection, especially with the zombies the kids already deal with in all their computer games!
January 15, 2015
Aw, poor Mortimer! He's lonely, and all he wants is somebody to love.
I get you Mortimer, I get you.
I get you Mortimer, I get you.
January 12, 2015
My favorite part was when they had a picnic in the graveyard and ate brain cake.
April 21, 2019
Really cute!
This zombie wants love in his life so bad. It has a happy ending! I liked that the little worms and dog followed him around everywhere!
This zombie wants love in his life so bad. It has a happy ending! I liked that the little worms and dog followed him around everywhere!
February 8, 2024
yeah, i giggled. its funny!
September 4, 2011
Mortimer is a lonely zombie looking for love. He tries everything he can think of to impress the ladies - from a box of delicious worms, a diamond ring fresh from the grave and even offers up a heart (newly deceased), but nothing works. What’s a ghoul supposed to do? Mortimer decides puts a personal ad in the local paper in the hopes that the perfect girl will see it. But does Mortimer’s dream girl show up at Cupid’s Ball or is Mortimer doomed to stalk the earth alone?
I LOVE Zombie in Love! My friends will all tell you that I have a thing for zombies. I’m not sure what it is but I find them to be endlessly fascinating and zombies seem to be having a renaissance right now with the popularity of The Walking Dead and books like Warm Bodies and Ashes. However, these are all made for and older audience, leaving kids out of the zombie fun (yes, zombies are fun). Luckily for your children (and me), Kelly DiPucchio had the brilliance to write a zombie love story perfect for children and adults alike.
Zombie in Love is a sweet and funny love story full of quiet humor and visual gags and each page was a delight to read. The story is one that both children and adults will enjoy. Kids will undoubtedly like the gross factor of this book. There are plenty of hanging limbs, open wounds and protruding bones to giggle and poke fun at. There’s even a cute zombie dog and friendly worms to keep Mortimer company on his quest for love. Scott Campbell’s whimsical illustrations are the perfect compliment to DiPucchio’s story. I would be happy to read this aloud to a child and am, in fact, plotting to get a few copies as gifts for some recently born babies. This book is a great read for any child or zombie loving adult!
I LOVE Zombie in Love! My friends will all tell you that I have a thing for zombies. I’m not sure what it is but I find them to be endlessly fascinating and zombies seem to be having a renaissance right now with the popularity of The Walking Dead and books like Warm Bodies and Ashes. However, these are all made for and older audience, leaving kids out of the zombie fun (yes, zombies are fun). Luckily for your children (and me), Kelly DiPucchio had the brilliance to write a zombie love story perfect for children and adults alike.
Zombie in Love is a sweet and funny love story full of quiet humor and visual gags and each page was a delight to read. The story is one that both children and adults will enjoy. Kids will undoubtedly like the gross factor of this book. There are plenty of hanging limbs, open wounds and protruding bones to giggle and poke fun at. There’s even a cute zombie dog and friendly worms to keep Mortimer company on his quest for love. Scott Campbell’s whimsical illustrations are the perfect compliment to DiPucchio’s story. I would be happy to read this aloud to a child and am, in fact, plotting to get a few copies as gifts for some recently born babies. This book is a great read for any child or zombie loving adult!
March 26, 2011
Loved it. Cute, funny and original. Mortimer tries and tries to find love, but the girls just don't seem to like him. Mortimer's zombie grossness is tempered by the soft watercolor illustrations, as well as his genuine sweetness, and little readers will have hope for him. They will also have fun noticing details in the artwork, and laughing out loud at Mortimer's efforts (and some failures). I just can't wait to read this for a storytime. It would be especially good for Valentine's Day or Halloween.
I used this for a Silly Saturday storytime with wonderful results. The younger children weren't afraid because they didn't pick up on some of the grosser details. The older children laughed like crazy and scooted right up to the front to see the illustrations better. Even the parents were laughing along and rooting for Mortimer.
I used this for a Silly Saturday storytime with wonderful results. The younger children weren't afraid because they didn't pick up on some of the grosser details. The older children laughed like crazy and scooted right up to the front to see the illustrations better. Even the parents were laughing along and rooting for Mortimer.
November 22, 2011
Zombie in Love combines my favorite things -- humor, fun horror, a great story and terrific artwork.
Scott Campbell's illustrations are fabulous. My favorite is the one that follows these words: "Each time a girl approached the table, Mortimer would smile. Like this:" (It's a hilarious closeup of Mortimer's face.) Campbell's illustrations add much humor to the already fun, funny and poignant text.
I became familiar with Kelly DiPucchio's books when I discovered Grace for President, and I've been a huge fan ever since. Zombie in Love is my new favorite!
This book would make a great gift not only for kids, but for adults on Halloween or Valentine's Day or . . . any day.
Treat yourself to Zombie in Love. It's truly a picture book to dismember, um, remember.
Scott Campbell's illustrations are fabulous. My favorite is the one that follows these words: "Each time a girl approached the table, Mortimer would smile. Like this:" (It's a hilarious closeup of Mortimer's face.) Campbell's illustrations add much humor to the already fun, funny and poignant text.
I became familiar with Kelly DiPucchio's books when I discovered Grace for President, and I've been a huge fan ever since. Zombie in Love is my new favorite!
This book would make a great gift not only for kids, but for adults on Halloween or Valentine's Day or . . . any day.
Treat yourself to Zombie in Love. It's truly a picture book to dismember, um, remember.
December 15, 2012
I went to the bookstore today and saw this and couldn't help but buying it for my niece (I have no idea if she'll like it but I think its hysterical).
TALL, DEAD, & HANDSOME
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
Life is lonely for Mortimer the zombie and he is doing everything he can to meet a girl, but its just not working. This is his story.
Very funny, especially if you look closely at the pictures (which are very well done). I recommend for any zombie loving parents. Or if you have an addiction to children's books :)
TALL, DEAD, & HANDSOME
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films, and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
Life is lonely for Mortimer the zombie and he is doing everything he can to meet a girl, but its just not working. This is his story.
Very funny, especially if you look closely at the pictures (which are very well done). I recommend for any zombie loving parents. Or if you have an addiction to children's books :)
May 14, 2015
An utterly charming story of Mortimer, a zombie who just wants to find his true love. Scott Campbell's illustrations are amazing - his attention to the smallest details adds so much to the few words. My favorites were his dog and worm companions (especially the one in the hat), and of course the zombie version of the Pina Colada song.
Very much looking forward to Zombie 2 + 1. May be adding this to my personal book collection!
Very much looking forward to Zombie 2 + 1. May be adding this to my personal book collection!
September 16, 2011
Hilarious and weirdly touching book about Mortimer, a lonely zombie looking for love. Many jokes and puns hidden in the illustrations-- Mortimer shops for a new suit (at a funeral home), goes to the gym (and leaves a limb on the free weights), and so on.
May 26, 2012
Oh, dear, the kids were cracking up at this one! Very cute, very funny, surprisingly touching, and fun pictures! I never expected to feel sympathetic toward a zombie, but Mortimer just gets under your skin.
December 12, 2011
You know, this is so not my book...but it is really, really well done.
November 4, 2012
Super cute book to read on Valentine's Day. The word play is engaging, and the kids would get a kick out of the illustrations.
November 7, 2015
Gruesomely cute. I think, this is the perfect thing to say about this book.
February 23, 2015
Read this to several classes in the school library and didn't get tired of it. Fun book with a clever story of a Zombie finding his sweetheart. Cute illustrations.
July 7, 2016
I bought this book on impulse. I wanted a change of pace and this book gave me the change that I want. I've read it less than five minutes.
July 5, 2017
Kind of silly and cute story of a zombie looking for love.
October 12, 2022
If you like taking walks in the graveyard
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
OMG HOW ADORABLE!!!
and falling down in the rain.
If you're not into cooking,
if you have half a brain.
If you like waking up at midnight,
horror films and voodoo,
then I'm the guy who you've looked for
and I'm dying to meet you!
OMG HOW ADORABLE!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews