I continue to really enjoy these books -- surprisingly gentle, despite the zombie theme, and strong on friendship and family. ( )

That little zombie ballerina, whose story began in the eponymous Zombelina, returns in this second picture-book devoted to her dancing adventures, this time trying out for the role of Clara in The Nutcracker. Elated when she gets the part, but sympathetic to her friend Lizzie Snow, who also wanted to dance Clara, Zombelina practices hard, and enjoys the performance. Then Grandpa Phantom starts playing tricks, and our zombie heroine must make a difficult choice, to ensure that the show goes on...

Like its predecessor, Zombelina Dances the Nutcracker features a rhyming text that is fun to read aloud - "It's me, Zombelina, at tryouts today... / in the old opera house with my CORPSE de ballet. / I'm here for The Nutcracker. It's my audition. / And I know I'm going to be STIFF competition" - as well as cute-as-a-button artwork. For a zombie story, Kristyn Crow's tale is fairly gentle and heartwarming, emphasizing teamwork and sacrifice for the greater good. Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first story about Zombelina, as well as to those looking for fun picture-books featuring the ballet The Nutcracker. ( )

A cute twist of a story, the use of monsters in a story that act human is very interesting and sweet.