Night of the Living Ted (Living Ted #1)

A riotous genre-mashing good time.

This trilogy starter is filled with tricks and treats, action and absurdity, and massive kid appeal.

Two siblings get the surprise of their lives when the teddy bears they assembled at their local Create-a-Ted store on Halloween come to life as part of a plush army determined to conquer the town. It's bad enough that Lisa-Marie's witch bear is capable of casting magical spells, such as turning her mother into a slug, but her older stepbrother Vernon's "vampire, pirate, warlock and alien" bear, dubbed Grizz, is pure evil and bent on wreaking havoc. With the town overrun by plush aliens, ghosts, werewolves, and more, and Bearvis, a heroic Elvis-themed bear, by their sides, Lisa-Marie and Vernon must confront the mastermind capable of transforming cuddly toys into wicked monsters. Hutchison's (Anty Hero) series opener capably balances the absurd, the adorable, and an emphasis on family and loyalty as the quarreling siblings learn to work together amid their dire situation. Cosgrove's cartoonish illustrations add a humorous touch to this adventure-packed story just right for reluctant readers. Ages 8-12. (May)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--What do zombies, teddy bears, and two children have in common? Much more than one would think when it comes to this story. This is a creepy tale filled with humorous characters and zany situations. Characters Lisa-Marie and Vernon are stepsiblings who find themselves in the strangest situation of their young lives. On Halloween, the siblings found a store that was giving away free teddy bears, complete with costumes and accessories. Little did Lisa-Marie and Vernon know, there was an evil plot behind these bears. What ensues is a tale of bravery, ingenuity, and determination as the main characters try to defeat the evil villains and save not only their neighborhood but the entire world. Who will win: the children or the zombie teddy bears? This is a quick and easy read, and Cosgrove provides humorous illustrations throughout. VERDICT Readers who are interested in funny and absurd action-packed stories will be entertained by this title. Fans of series such as "Goosebumps," and "Last Kids on Earth," will enjoy this story's zaniness.--Megan Honeycutt, University of West Georgia

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.