Book Review: 'Return of ZomBert' by Kara LaReau

✰✰✰✰ ZomBert is back along with Mellie and Danny in the spooky second installment of this series. Bert is settling into a cozy life with Mellie and her family. He knows he needs to rest and recuperate, and with Mellie's care, Bert is growing smarter and healthier every day. He's even beginning to understand words. However, he hasn't forgotten about the ones he left behind in the lab when he escaped. As he tries to figure out a way to return to the lab and keep his promise to the other animals, Mellie decides to enter him in the YummCo Best Pet Contest. 

While going to school and working odd jobs to pay for Bert's care, Mellie befriends an elderly neighbor who's husband used to work at YummCo. Mrs. Witt confides in Mellie that some things at YummCo aren't what they seem. As Mellie works with Bert to learn tricks for the upcoming contest, Danny continues his filming project. When Bert's big day comes, Mellie hopes he has what it takes to win the contest, but the competition is steep. In the blink of an eye, Bert is whisked away and finds himself exactly where he wants to be...in the lab. It's just not how he planned it. Now Bert must figure out how to save himself as well as the others, while Mellie and Danny are left to wonder what happened to Bert.

The Bottom Line: This quick read leads the reader through several twists and turns and ends in a nail-biting cliffhanger. The story is told via multiple points of view, including the cat's, which makes for really interesting reading. The characters face challenges together and grow in friendship. Middle grade fans of mystery and horror will enjoy this next tale of The ZomBert Chronicles.

Details: Return of ZomBert written by Kara LaReau & illustrated by Ryan Andrews. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 161 p. ISBN: 978-1536201079 [NOTE: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]