Rise of ZomBert

Rise of ZomBert is a middle grade reader level series setup and backstory for the  titular character (an escaped lab cat who may or may not have special powers) and the young girl (Mellie) and her friend (Danny) who encounter and sort-of-adopt the scruffy half dead feline. Due out 14th July 2020 from Candlewick Press, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The narrative is at turns slightly creepy, but doesn't actually edge over into horror or supernatural goings-on. The characters are well rendered and the whole is quite readable and fun. It will be interesting to see how the story develops because, fair warning, it ends *very* abruptly. The art is wornderfully atmospheric and slightly gritty and suits the story very well.

I'll be looking forward to the following books. This would suit readers who have enjoyed Spiderwick, Lemony Snicket's books, or even E. Nesbitt. It's not derivative of any of those in any way, but it has a similar vibe.

Well written, perfect (non-intrusive) art. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.