Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Zombies

Sam Wu has faced plenty of challenges in his short life – the dark, ghosts, spiders and sharks – but when his worst enemy, Ralph Zinkerman the Third, admits that he has a zombie werewolf living in his basement, Sam’s bravery is put to its greatest test ever. Luckily, he has a team of friends to help him tackle the horrors that lurk beneath Ralph’s enormous mansion.

This is the latest in a funny, energetic series that children aged around seven will love. Like the others in the series, it is highly illustrated and each page is bursting with visual interest. Beneath the humour, there are positive messages about team-work, acceptance and friendship. Sam has to get to grips with the idea that his worst enemy might actually become his friend. Another well-handled theme which will resonate with readers is wealth disparity – Sam and his friends are amazed, though not cowed, by Ralph’s enormous house.

The Sam Wu series stands out from other series because of its warm-hearted, gentle hero and its focus on making friends. It would be a great choice for children who find Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Horrid Henry a bit too cynical.