Pat the Zombie - Update - December 5, 2010

I mentioned Pat the Zombie last month. At that time I did not see a description of the book at the Random House site. It's there now.

Pat the Zombie: A Cruel (Adult) Spoof
by Aaron Ximm and Kaveh Soofi (Illustrator)
Trade Paperback, 20 pages
(April 26, 2011)
A macabre mash-up of the children’s classic Pat the Bunny and the present-day zombie phenomenon, with the tactile features of the original book revoltingly re-imagined for an adult audience.

In the hemorrhagic vein of other zombie parodies, Pat the Zombie presents trusting toddler Judy playing peek-a-boo with a putrefying Paul. Grownup fans of Pat the Bunny (seven million of them) will find their favorite touch-and-feel features disturbingly re-created: Judy reaches for Zombie’s decaying jaw instead of daddy’s cheek; Paul caresses Mummy’s empty eye socket instead of her wedding ring. Ximm’s twisted wit, Soofi’s sick artistic sensibility, and clever packaging that mimics the original book will bring the undead lurchingly to life in this camp popculture romp. Random House


It certainly appears that this will be a touch and feel book like the original Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt.

I found a couple of other books that have parodied the format of Pat the Bunny: Pat the Husband and Pat the Bride from Cider Mill Press.

Pat the Bride: A Parody

by Kate Nelligan

Trade Paperback, 16 pages

(November 2009)

Dorothy Kunhardt's Pat the Bunny is a children's classic, with millions of copies sold. It's inspired numerous spin-offs for both kids and adults-but none as wickedly amusing as this clever interactive book!

Women will have endless fun playing with the lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, pull tabs, and other highly designed elements. It slyly questions how will you get Paul through the wedding of a life time? When will Paul committ already, as our bride isn't getting any younger? Can you help the bride deplete her 401K to get the dress, and shoes, and things she "needs" to get married? Where will you seat Crazy Uncle Larry?

Since many little girls fantasize about one day being the princess or beautiful bride (some do it two or three times!) what's better than celebrating with a toast and this hilarious adult humor parody in this great children's format? Pat the Bride takes amusing aim at the oddities of brides everywhere, making it the perfect gift from girlfriend to girlfriend, as well as for bridal showers and anniversaries. Every bride will recognize the humor in the quirky characteristics played out - and laugh every time.

Pat the Husband: A Parody
by Kate Nelligan
Spiral Bound, 16 pages
(October 2008)

Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny is a children’s classic, with millions of copies sold. It’s inspired numerous spin-offs for both kids and adults—but none as wickedly amusing as this clever interactive book! Every wife, girlfriend, and woman who hopes to be one will treasure it, and have endless fun playing with the lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, pull tabs, and other highly designed elements. It slyly questions who wears the pants in the family, and lets women humor their men by removing the Velcro pants from the female figure and putting it on the male. Or, eager to have hubby say yes to your request? Then just use the tab to make his head nod!

Since all men are really little boys at heart, what better way to celebrate (okay—roast) their peccadilloes than with a kids’ book format? Pat the Husband takes amusing aim at the oddities of guys everywhere, making it the perfect gift from girlfriend to girlfriend, as well as for bridal showers and anniversaries. Every wife will recognize the humor in the quirky characteristics played out about “husbands everywhere”—and find a reason every day to sneak a peek and pat!


Has the "Pat the ..." craze gone too far?