The Lurking Lima Bean (Night Frights #2) by Joe McGee

 

What worked:

The book is modestly spooky, so it’s a good introduction to ghost stories. The concept of lima beans being able to change people into mindless, slobbering zombies is silly, but the author is still able to create an air of eeriness. The problem begins on page one when Madeline refuses to eat the vegetables at dinnertime. It’s not clear if the dark and stormy night is a factor, but it adds a ghostly touch to the setting. The power goes out, grandma gets possessed, and then Madeline can’t find anyone else who hasn’t been infected. Most of the book finds her running from the zombies, trying to figure out how to stop them, and how to warn the rest of the town.

The plot moves very quickly and isn’t overly complicated. Motivated readers can finish it in one sitting. Lima-bean possessed zombies take over the school and Madeline’s neighborhood, and she constantly evades them to find a cure. The zombies all tell her to “Eat. Your. Lima. Beans.” which shows that Margaret is the target of their sole obsession. Figuring out how this all started isn’t important; maybe the lima beans are upset by Madeline’s rejection. She finally finds a couple of allies, as they frantically try to avoid the zombies. The solution to the problem is clever, but as in Night Frights #1, the author leaves the resolution less than clear. Is the problem actually gone forever?

What didn’t work as well:

The story doesn’t go into great depth or description, so experienced readers will find it difficult to make an emotional investment. It’s hard to make personal connections to the characters and events when there’s minimal detail about them. However, the story is simply entertaining and amusing. The format of the book is very similar to The Haunted Mustache, the first book in the Night Frights collection. Both books have a fun-factor value, and they will appeal to their target audience. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.

The Final Verdict:

Revenge of the vegetables! The fast-paced, simple, spooky story will appeal to a wide range of young readers. It will result in eerie satisfaction, and I recommend you give it a shot!