My Dead Bunny (Sigi Cohen, illus by James Foley, Walker Books)

If you or your little one are tired of reading about cute creatures rendered in pastel hues then this picture book is the very antithesis of such wholesome goodness. The title and cover offer a good idea of what you’re in for: the zombified bunny has a greenish tinge to his fur, frazzled whiskers, unfocussed pink eyes and even a worm on top of his head. Sigi Cohen doesn’t tiptoe around the concept of death either. The book begins, ‘My dead bunny’s name is Brad; his odour is extremely bad.’ Brad was electrocuted when he chewed through the TV cord (his undead condition may have something to do with the fact that the boy and his friends were playing a video game at the time called Zombie Terror 3). Though Brad was duly buried, the boy couldn’t accept his pet’s passing and dug him up, leaving him on the rubbish tip. That night the rabbit returned to terrorise the family. The kids’ ingenious solution to get rid of Brad involves digging up a dead cat. James Foley’s pictures are suitably creepy, in shades of black, green and grey tones. My Dead Bunny is a niche publication aimed at older kids who don’t mind reading about scary things. Younger kids will probably have nightmares. 

Thuy On is a reviewer and books editor of the Big Issue