"When the Zombies Come" is a heartfelt and inspiring story written by Carol Young that navigates the challenging issue of depression. It follows the character, Alice Astrid, who metaphorically transforms into a zombie when she experiences depressive episodes. With the support and understanding from her mother, Alice learns to manage her depression and eventually overcomes her struggles, symbolizing her victory over the 'zombies'. The book is a testament to the power of resilience, understanding, and love in overcoming mental health challenges.

The author uses the metaphor of a zombie to describe the feeling of depression from her own personal experience. The story shows how Alice, the protagonist, learns to cope with her depressive episodes and eventually triumphs over them. The book provides practical advice on managing depression, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking help, and staying positive. Despite the challenges, the story promotes the message that with the right support, overcoming depression is possible. The author encourages children experiencing similar struggles to seek help and assures them that they are not alone in their journey. The book ends with a powerful quote from Fred Rodgers emphasizing the importance of giving and receiving help.