Trick or Treat with Justin Colón!

Hi, bee-utiful readers, writers, and eerie-book enthusiasts of all sorts! What could possibly top a book about zombies? A book about zom-bees, of course! 🐝💀 We’re buzzing with excitement to welcome Justin Colón as he unveils his creepy-cute new picture book, The Zombees. This rhyming romp through the graveyard is equal parts spooky and silly. Follow along as a swarm of zombie bees descends on an unsuspecting town one Halloween night, bringing plenty of shivers, giggles, and repeat reads for kids and grown-ups alike.

Want to know more about Justin and his frightfully fun book PLUS want to know if he's passing out a Trick or a Treat? Read on if you dare... 👻

Q: Thanks for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit for our Annual Trick-or-Treat Event! We’re thrilled to have you and hear all about your book that’s perfect for spooky season! Please tell us a little bit about how the idea for this book came to you. Which came first, the idea or the title?

A: Thanks for having me again, Lynne Marie and Heather!

It was early winter during the pandemic and I was brainstorming ideas to pitch my editor at Simon and Schuster for the second book in an existing two-book deal. I came up with two titles, The Zombees and Vampurr. The title for both came first. However, the character concept and premise of each character was essentially built into its title. I suppose you could say we have a classic ‘chicken or the egg’ conundrum on our hands.

Anyway, you can also see illustrator Kaly Quarles spooky art come to life by checking out the animated trailer below and the animated book cover, too!

Q: Zombees is a fun romp through the graveyard, written in rhyme! Please tell us a little bit about how you learned to write poems. What do you recommend to writers wanting to try their stories in rhyme?

A: Well, I learned on the fly. Rhyme was never even on my radar. It came many months (nearly eight to ten) after I wrote and shared an earlier version with my agent and editor. The opening stanzas of the book popped into my head, pretty much fully formed, while I was in the shower. The language was spooky and fun and I felt really excited and hopeful with what I already had. The rest pretty much flowed from there. It’s like the story was meant to be in rhyme all along.

I’ve always heard not to write in rhyme unless the story requires it and you are strong with rhyme and meter. But, we all have to start somewhere. Still, I exhausted all options in prose before I even considered or attempted writing the story in rhyme. In fact, I made sure the story came first, then the rhyme. The rhyme itself was pretty easy for me. The meter is what I knew could be a bit trickier, so I gave additional attention to it. I sought critiques from rhymers within the kidlit community, and they generously allowed me to ask them questions and pick their brains. Throughout that process, I encouraged them to pick apart any and every aspect of the rhyme and meter to ensure it was all working. I’m pleased to share that it all paid off, and The Zombees even earned me my first starred review (it’s School Library Journal).

One piece of advice I would offer to anyone wanting to write in rhyme is to lean into the expertise of fellow rhymers (and even non-rhymers). There’s always something to learn.

Q: The word play for this book is so fun! What is your process for integrating fun language into your stories? 

A: Whether prose or rhyme, I read the language aloud as I craft it, ensuring it both excites my inner child and is pleasing to the ear. I’m also always thinking about how the language serves the story and aids its tone, mood, pacing, character development, etc.

Q: Do you have any other spooky picture books in the works?

A: I do! It’s titled VAMPURR, and it publishes July 6th with FSG/Macmillan (but you can pre-order now). Illustrator Lenny Wen knocked it out of the graveyard. Below is a sneak peak of the cover and some opening text:

For fans of Creepy Crayon!, Vampurr is a spooky and hilarious picture book about an adopted vampire kitty who finds the purr-fect home. A fang-tastic read aloud!

MEET Aurther fur shines blacker than a raven's feathers. Her eyes glow greener than a witch's brew. But most unusual of all are her long, needle-sharp fangs. This is her story...

This sounds PUUURRRFECT! Thanks so much for sharing.

Q: What’s one question you wished we would’ve asked you?

A: You should have asked me one thing about Kaly Quarles and her work that blew my mind. 

Kaly, from the day she was hired ‘til the day she delivered final art, illustrated the entire book in only three months. THREE MONTHS! She was pretty much hired on the spot. There wasn’t even time for courting other illustrators due to a tight deadline. My agent and I both suggested Kaly, and she was hired within a few days. Kaly worked closely and quickly with our editor, Kendra Levin, and art director, Lucy Ruth Cummins, to meet a significantly sped up timeline. And she delivered! I know she’s stayed busy since, so be sure to keep an eye out for her other projects, too!

BONUS: What’s both your favorite and least favorite candy? I.e. what would you be thrilled to receive in your candy bag, and what would you desperately try to trade?

A. I would be super stoked to receive the old school Werther’s chocolates. With all that wonderful toffee, hazelnut, and milk chocolate, they had the perfect crunch. I could eat an entire bag within minutes. But alas, they discontinued them many, many years ago. Still, I wouldn’t be opposed to eating a long-expired bag of them. Just sayin’.

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: I’m offering up a treat! I’ll send one reader a signed/personalized copy of The Zombees, along with some spooky swag. 

Thanks so much for such an Eerie-sistible treat! And thanks again for giving us a closer look at your book. We can't wait to check it out!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Justin's book giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank him for stopping by and 2) share his post on social media. Zombie GIFs are extra sweet, too!

Please Note: Books/giveaways will be shipped in the U.S. only.

*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:

• One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht and/or

• A Query Critique from Agent  Lynnette Novak with The Seymour Agency 

Winners will be drawn and announced on or about 10/22. 

About Justin Colón:

Justin Colón is a professional actor, children's author, and creator of creatures. His debut picture book, The Quacken, was named a Kid's Indie Next List book and is 2025-2026 nominee for state and international awards in Canada, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah. His other books include Impossible Possums, Impossible Possum for Mayor, The Zombees, and Vampurr. A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains—something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in NY, but you can visit him at justincolonbooks.com.

For more about Justin's, check out the below links:

IG: @justincolonbooks

Bluesky:  @justincolonbooks

Amazon (for book reviews and purchases): Amazon.com: Justin Colón: books, biography, latest update

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