Title: Zombie Zoo | Author: Melanie Abed | Illustrator: Hisham Abed | Genre: Middle Grade | Publisher: Oculus Print (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9952813-0-6

Publisher’s Book Summary: Thirteen-year-old Felix Fizzystyxx is an aspiring naturalist who observes the world from his hidden tree fort at Wayward Amok Orphanage. When he witnesses glowing green goo and strange behavior in the orphanage, his life as a quiet observer ends. He partners with Ninja, an intense, shadow-dwelling orphan who trusts her instincts and operates alone, to investigate. Together they discover that the orphans — and soon the entire town of Spinachi on the island of Tub — are turning into wood-eating zombies controlled by a hive mind.

With the help of their eccentric mentor Doc Brunne, Felix and Ninja trace the cause to Noctiluna, rare bioluminescent organisms deliberately introduced into the town’s water supply, and race to find a cure before the whole town — including Doc himself — is lost to the transformation. Zombie Zoo kicks off the Adventures in Tub series with a debut story guaranteed to keep readers turning the pages.

My Thoughts: From freaky zombies to floating cows, Zombie Zoo is an action-packed adventure taking young readers on a quest to solve the mysteries of a puzzling glowing goo. The characters of Felix and Ninja are complex and multi-faceted with unique personality quirks that they must overcome. But while they may not always see eye-to-eye, they bond over a common goal of saving the town (and themselves!) from an organism that turns their friendly townsfolk into zombies.

This first book in the Adventures of Tub series gives readers detailed insights into the main characters personalities and hints of their backstories. The story builds escalating tension all the way through to the exciting climax as Felix and Ninja piece together clues about the all too bizarre happenings in Spinachi. The author skillfully weaves together biology themes, behavioral and personality nuances as well as thoughtful introspection that comes together in this multi-layered survival story. This is an upper middle grade adventure story that will challenge and entertain confident readers.

Bonus materials: Don’t miss the fabulous Activities Kit and loads of extras created especially for young readers!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Abed is a behavioral expert turned story weaver. She believes dragons are real but hiding, and finds thunderstorms equally delightful and terrifying. A tea-loving bookworm, she champions young minds and writes to help kids discover their superpowers are real.

Website: www.melanieabed.com | Instagram: @bymelanieabed

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Emmy-winning director Hisham Abed has established himself as a visionary creative force in television, directing commercially successful shows including Netflix’s Queer Eye and Disney’s High School Musical, and shaping the visual aesthetic of MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills. Beyond his directorial achievements, Hisham Abed is an accomplished illustrator whose detailed artwork brings imagination and style to every project he touches.

Website: www.hishamabed.com

Giveaway: Ten lucky readers will each win a signed paperback copy of Zombie Zoo. One grand prize winner will receive an epic swag haul: a signed hardcover copy, bookmark, postcard, sticker sheet, Tub Explorer Pin, a sample of Tub’s Green Goo, and a Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Green Goo Kit.

Giveaway link: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/zombie-zoo-by-melanie-abed-book-giveaway. Good luck!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, August 14, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Monday, August 17, 2026 @tamiscripps Instagram Reel about Zombie Zoo

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Zombie Zoo

Thursday, August 20, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book List featuring Zombie Zoo

Friday, August 21, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Monday, August 24, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Guest Post about Zombie Zoo

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Thursday, August 27, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Friday, August 28, 2026 Mary Lanni Reads Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Monday, August 31, 2026 @KidsLittleFreeLibraryIsLori Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Zombie Zoo

Thursday, September 3, 2026 @ablueboxfullofbooks Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Friday, September 4, 2026 Life is What It’s Called Author Interview with Melanie Abed

Monday, September 7, 2026 Writer with Wanderlust Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Melanie Abed

Thursday, September 10, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Friday, September 11, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of Zombie Zoo

Disclosure: A sincere thank you to the author for a review copy of the book read in partnership with The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.