Dave Bardin

Brian is not like most zombies. For one thing, he loves books. For another, he actually uses his brain. When a dangerous zombie horde gathers, Brian knows trouble is coming. He needs a plan that is smart, fast, and strange enough to work. Somehow, meatballs may be part of the answer. This funny early chapter book mixes monster adventure with silly problem solving, making it spooky in the playful way younger readers can enjoy. With a clever zombie hero, a wild horde, and a food-filled twist, the story is a good match for kids who like gross humor, light scares, and unusual heroes.

When a wildly unpredictable time machine continues to completely malfunction, two ordinary fifth graders find themselves accidentally thrown into one of the most spectacular historical events of all time. Liam and Elsa must navigate the bustling, glittering grounds of the massive World's Fair, trying their hardest to blend in while desperately searching for a way back to their own century. Surrounded by incredible early inventions, towering Ferris wheels, and historical figures who are nothing like they learned about in school, the duo quickly realizes they are not the only ones hunting for something valuable. A legendary hidden treasure is rumored to be stashed somewhere within the grand pavilions, and a dangerous group of rivals is already hot on their trail. To safely escape the past and fix the chaotic timeline, Liam and Elsa will need to utilize their futuristic wits, dodge suspicious security guards, and solve a massive historical puzzle before the fairgrounds close for good.

A completely broken time machine is about to cause the ultimate historical disaster. When a simple attempt to fix their malfunctioning device goes horribly wrong, Liam and his brilliant friend Elsa find themselves tumbling wildly out of control through the absolute deepest layers of human history. Instead of landing in a helpful past century, they are violently thrown all the way back to the incredibly dangerous dawn of time. Surviving prehistoric environments and dodging massive, hungry creatures is only the very first part of their massive problem. The very fabric of the timeline is beginning to physically unravel right before their eyes, and they are the only ones equipped to patch it up. To finally get back home and rescue their trapped parents, these two resourceful fifth graders must outsmart ancient threats, invent clever new gadgets out of absolutely nothing, and hold onto their sense of humor while racing against history itself.

A witch, her sister, and a magical brew can make friendship very complicated. This early chapter book brings together witches, magic, monsters, and a touch of sibling trouble in a story built for young readers who like spooky fun without too much fright. The fantasy elements keep the plot lively, while the friendship theme gives the story a warm center. With playful illustrations and an accessible chapter-book style, Witch's Brew is a good fit for children ready for longer stories but still drawn to quick action, funny magical mishaps, and characters who must figure out how to handle each other.

Mina is a vampire with a very un-vampire problem: she would much rather eat vegetables than drink blood. Keeping that secret is hard enough, but then Mina’s parents invite humans to dinner to test her vampire skills. Now Mina has to get through the meal without revealing who she really is, or what she really likes. This funny early chapter book turns a spooky creature story into a light, kid-friendly tale about being different, keeping your nerve, and finding your own way. With monsters, food jokes, and a heroine who does not fit the usual vampire rules, it is a playful choice for readers who enjoy gentle scares and silly surprises.