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Writer's pictureLynne Marie

Trick or Treat with Kelly DiPucchio!



Welcome, readers, writers, and all you zombie fanatics out there! We have such a treat for you in store. NYTs Bestselling Author, Kelly DiPucchio, is on the blog today sharing her and Scott Campbell's books, Zombie in Love. When Mortimer the zombie is looking for love, he's encountering difficulties only a zombie could understand: his arms fall off at the gym, his dance techniques are too stiff, and several have refused his gifts (including his actual heart!). What's a zombie to do? Will Mortimer ever find love? Want to know more about Kelly and her hilarous Zombie in Love books, PLUS want a chance to win a zombi-riffic treat?! Read on...



Q: Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit, Kelly! We’re thrilled to have you Trick or Treat with us and hear all about your book Zombie in Love. Please share a little about this book’s journey and/or your journey to kidlit.


A: Thank you for inviting me to the party! I like to joke that Zombie in Love was the brainchild of my editor at Simon & Schuster. She asked me if I had any interest in writing a zombie picture book. The Walking Dead series was very popular around this time and zombies were suddenly a big part of pop culture. I love monster picture books and thought it would be a super fun project to be a part of so I jumped at the chance.





Q: In your book Zombie in Love, we are introduced to Mortimer (such a cool name for a Zombie) and his unbeating heart’s problems. What inspired you to mash up Valentine’s Day with Halloween?


A: Initially, my editor suggested a Valentine’s Day theme. After playing around with the idea for a few days, I made the decision to stretch the theme a bit and create more of a love story. That decision really paid off because the book sells throughout the year and peaks twice around Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Scott Campbell was also the perfect choice to illustrate the book because his art really brought Mortimer to life.


Q: How does this book hold a special place in your heart?


A: To be honest, I really wasn’t prepared for how much readers would connect with Mortimer! I’ve had parents of two and three-year-olds write to me to say their child is obsessed with the book which is funny to me because I didn’t expect kids that young to care so deeply about a zombie’s struggle to find truelove. I’ve had couples tell me how the book had special meaning to their relationships when they were dating and now they’re married and reading the books to their children. I’ve had respected colleagues use the book as a mentor text in writing courses and I’ve met talented actors performing the hilarious Zombie In Love Musical on stage. So the book has a special place in my heart because the fans have been so incredibly loyal and kind over the years.




Q: Very serious question: have you ever done a book signing for zombies?






A: Maybe...



Q: What is one of your favorite things about Halloween?


A: It’s ironic because I don’t like dressing up, but I absolutely love to see the creativity and imagination that goes into some Halloween costumes.



Q: BONUS QUESTION: What’s your favorite Halloween Candy?


A: Definitely Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but not the sad miniature ones.



Thanks again for joining us, Kelly! We had so much fun talking zombies with you.




Readers, want to see #SeasonsOfKidLit's Peek-a-Boo Review for Kelly's book? Click here! You can also find our reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.


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


A: A Treat! I will be giving away a signed copy of the sequel, Zombie In Love 2 + 1.



Wow - thanks for such a sweet treat!



Contest Details: To enter to win, this amazing giveaway make sure to 1) share this post on social media to thank Kelly for stopping by and 2) leave your very best zombie GIF below.


#SeasonsOfKidLit's Trick-or-Treat Winners will be chosen on or about November 5th.


*Books will be shipped in the US only*


Note: Those who leave a comment on all posts will be eligible to win one (1) of ten (10) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Agent Mentee Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht.


About Kelly DiPucchio:


Kelly DiPucchio is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 35 stories for children. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold more than one million copies worldwide. Kelly’s titles include Grace For President, Gaston, and The Sandwich Swap – a picture book she co-authored for Queen Rania of Jordan. Her books have appeared on Good Morning America, The Oprah Show and The View and have received numerous starred reviews and awards. Kelly travels the country speaking to kids about the importance of kindness, overcoming adversity and personal empowerment. She lives in southeastern Michigan with her growing family which includes three crazy dogs and two perfect grandchildren. For more information about Kelly and her books visit kellydipucchio.com


For more about Kelly, check out the below links:



Instagram: @kellydipucchio

Twitter/X: @kellydipucchio


For more about Scott Campbell, check out the below links:


Instagram: @scottlava

Twitter/X: @scottlava


To purchase Kelly's books on Amazon or to leave a review for them, click here.

 

A special thanks to David Rodriguez Lorenzo for the amazing custom-signatures!


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41 Comments


Jessica Milo
Jessica Milo
Oct 29, 2023

Love hearing how you came to write ZOMBIES IN LOVE and how it has connected to so many readers!!

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Emily Wade
Emily Wade
Oct 27, 2023

What a fun idea! My 4-year-old son has been playing zombie around the house. I bet he'd enjoy the book. :)

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Sharon Dalgleish
Sharon Dalgleish
Oct 27, 2023

Mortimer! Best name ever for a zombie!

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robin.currie1
robin.currie1
Oct 26, 2023

They made a musical! What a hoot! Zombies in Love and the next one with the daytime baby! Shared on X.


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Thanks, Kelly! I've read Zombies in Love and I love the way you and Scott really bring those zombies to life! Thanks for sharing the backstory on it! My favorite part of Halloween has always been dressing up too! Happy Halloween! I follow you and Scott on Instagram and Twitter/X and shared the post on Twitter/X.


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