Story originally published in The Gage Project book on April 19, 2012. Written for and dedicated to Gage Bailey. Detective Smarts of Crazy Name Town has a problem. Doctor Boring and his receptionist have been bumped off, and the only clues at the scene are some olives, tomatoes, mushrooms and sprinkles of oregano. With the townsfolk dropping like flies and strange figures stumbling down the streets, Officer Dewdrop has an idea. All royalties from this paperback will be donated to children's charities in the UK. If you enjoy this story, why not try The Gage Project collection of stories, jokes and verse for young readers. It is published by Inknbeans Press and is raising money for children's charities. It also contains more of my work too. Juvenile fiction aged 10+/YA/adult. “I really liked this story. It was funny and the author did a great job of making ‘zombies’ out of something most kids love: Pizza! The names she used (Detective Smart) and the fact that a mystery was woven into a zombie book made it so much more fun. It will make you laugh, make you hungry, and make you want to read it again and again!” (Gage Bailey, age 14) “Part zombie apocalypse and part young adult crime mystery and fully hysterical, this short work delivers many grins and chuckles as Detective Smart matches what passes for wits with a town of Pizza Zombies with limited vocabulary.” (Ed Drury) “A really fun read for kids and kids at heart! I really don’t like zombies, but then who does? These were a taste (ok, pun intended) of zombies without the gore. Just right for tender hearts and chickens like me.” (Linda Rae Blair) “ The author has a wonderful sense of humour as shown by the character’s names (Officer Dewdrop, Joe Mango, Bob Banana, Chief Egg), and the mystery involved (why are people turning into walking pizza zombies?). If you are in the mood for some silliness and need a good laugh, Day of the Living Pizza is the book for you.” (Greta Burroughs) “I couldn’t help it, I found myself laughing aloud many times as I read this story. The idea of someone running down the street screaming while a giant pizza man chased her was both funny and scary.” (Ey Wade) “ Vickie Johnstone will brighten your day with Day of the Living Pizza.” (Gregory S Lamb)
Biography
Chapter 1
“Can I have a large, deep-pan pizza with chicken, bacon, peppers, mushroom and olives... well just a few olives?”
“Sure,” replied the pizza delivery guy. “Hold on... we’re out of chicken. Do you want a different topping instead?”
“Ahhh,” sighed Andy. Chicken was his favourite. He always had chicken. Should he ring his old, usual pizza company? But then he’d heard that this new place served the best pizza in Crazy Name Town, and he was really hungry. He smiled to himself. He’d take a chance. “Ok, can I have pepperoni instead and no bacon. I don’t think they go together.”
“Sure. Sorry about that. Your pizza will arrive in about 45 minutes. Thanks for your order. Bye.”
The line went dead. “Bye,” mumbled Andy, and put his mobile phone into his pocket. Now it was time to dig out a good DVD to watch. But, first things first. With a grin, he opened the fridge and took out a beer. Leaning against the door, he clicked open the can and took a sip. Ahhh. Some things were better than chicken. Well, some things. Not many, but some. Now, to find that perfect DVD, he thought.
“I’m on a highway to hell,” sang AC/DC from the speakers as Andy headed into the lounge. Perfect accompaniment, he thought, smiling.
My Review:
This is the perfect zombie book for kids! What a great way for kids to get paranormal and science fiction in a fun and non scary way! I loved horror when I was younger, but there were not any books like this. Maybe that is why I love Scooby. I laughed and so did my niece. We have pizza night every Friday, and now when we do we talk about this book. It is a short read, and if read in groups then it is not over powering. I also love that this book was written for charity. I also liked that the kids have to think and follow the clues to solve the mystery.
I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!
Ebook version published on October 31, 2012. Book 2 in the Smarts & Dewdrop Series. After his previous oregano-sprinkled adventure, Detective Smarts is still finding it hard to look at a pizza, never mind eat one. But there is a new mind boggler to solve - who is the mysterious, dark figure causing the townsfolk's legs to go all wibbly wobbly? Smarts and sidekick Dewdrop are hot on the trail. Book 1 in the series is Day of the Living Pizza. For readers aged 10+. "Don't worry, Smarts & Dewdrop will persevere until they get to the bottom of the situation-and please readers with a happy ending (if those readers can stop laughing long enough, that is)." - Mallory Anne-Marie Haws "Humor and clever word play are the hilarious attributes Indie author Vickie Johnstone's readers will laugh out loud over when they read the novella Day of the Pesky Shadow. The setting for this story is Crazy Name Town, where every character has a name that made me chuckle while reading all about a shadow that didn't seem to be attached to a person. I simply couldn't stop reading until finding out how this story was going to end. There were pleasant surprises throughout, including the ending." - PDX Author "The names, places and plot are very silly, but then again, they are supposed to be. The book is written for young people with some good lessons on friendship intertwined throughout the story, but overall it is just a fun story for readers of any age. If you are in the mood for some silliness and need a good laugh, Day of the Pesky Shadow is the book for you." - Lady Wings
My Review of book 2:
After the first book I was not sure what this book was going to be about. I liked this book as much as book 1, if not more. I love the puns like "Mr. Shady" (he was questioned by police). This book talks about good versus evil, and was also really funny. Once the Shadow identity was discovered, I had to tell my niece. We were both waiting to see who it was, and I couldn't wait. We are now rereading the book, and enjoying it at a slower pace. The wordplay keeps adults interested, and the silliness keeps the kids interested. Great bedtime book! Helps kids problem solve and learn about town involvement. I am giving this book a 5/5. However I was given a copy to review, and all opinions are my own!
Giveaway:
I am giving away a print copy of Day of The Living Pizza!!
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