  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/15/2020 It’s a crazy world out there, but when teddy bears start coming to life to rob you and turn your parents into slugs, you know you’re in trouble. The trouble begins with a visit to Create-a-Ted, where step-siblings Lisa Marie and Vernon make a Bearvis (Elvis Bear) for their father’s birthday present and free Halloween bears for themselves: Lisa Marie’s a carefully fashioned witch, Vernon’s a monstrosity that only a troubled tween could dream up. That night, every Halloween bear wakes up as evil as its outfit, except for jovial Bearvis, and begins pillaging the neighborhood. As Lisa Marie, Vernon, and Bearvis face off against the bears in their house, “more were gathering outside, like the ranks of the world’s most adorable army.” The ensuing hilarious horror show forges sibling bonds and pits good against evil—human and teddy alike. Clever writing and cartoonish illustrations strike just the right tone, as events unfold over the course of one night. This trilogy starter is filled with tricks and treats, action and absurdity, and massive kid appeal. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Booklist - 04/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist. School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 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 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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