This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages
Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 6-8
Recommended for: ages 6-10
Mr. Wolf is unhappy about his reputation and has finally decided to do something about it. (Of course, that rep might just be deserved, but we’re not going there.) So he invites his fellow baddies—Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark—to dinner to discuss his plan. They’re going to become good guys! It’s not going to be quite as easy as he thinks, because 1) his friends aren’t completely sold on the idea and 2) they still like to eat—maybe even each other. But goodness prevails, however hilariously, on their first rescue operation. It even kinda-sorta feels good. Will it stick? Watch for further episodes. Thoughtful readers might think about this: can villains really change by deciding to be “good”?
Also available: The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable. Other titles coming soon.
NOTE: I’m not happy with the continuation of the series. I can’t read all of them–even though they are very quick reads–but #11, 12, & 13 get into demon possession and other weird stuff. The early volumes seemed fun and harmless, but I wouldn’t recommend the series as a whole. See comments below.
Overall Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
- Worldview/moral value: 3.5
- Artistic value: 3.5
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.
8 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I wish there would be an ongoing review of this series as it leads into some very dark places, with some very, very gross kids humor. Please consider looking at where this series has gone since your first review, as it is fast becoming extremely popular in the secular world, and I believe the series has taken some dark turns since your first review.
David – Thank you for the heads-up. We simply don’t have time to look into all the volumes of a series, and we’ve encountered other promising beginnings that have wandered into problematic territory. However, since these books are short, I’ll take a look at the last one and add a note to the original review.
I agree with you David. My son just brought home “The Bad Guys in Dawn of the Underlord” and after skimming through the book I’ve come to the conclusion that he will no longer be reading any books from Aaron Blakey’s series. It seems as if the writer is asking children to open doors that leads to darkness. Matthew 18:6
Janie – I know U must be Busy busy but an additional review of Bad Guy series would be really appreciate as my great grandson has asked for this for his recent BDay … Thank you … God Speed … JD
I have checked out some of the later Bad Guys titles from the library and hope to look at them soon!
Janie … I do hope to receive an update on the “continued” series of The Bad Guys and if they remain suitable from a Christian perspective for 8 to 12 year olds … TY … JD
I’m not happy with the continuation of the series. I can’t read all of them–even though they are very quick reads–but #11, 12, & 13 get into demon possession and other weird stuff. The early volumes seemed fun and harmless, but I wouldn’t recommend the series as a whole.
Janie … Thank You so very much … I’ll stick to 1 thru 6 the early part of series and let my children about the demon possession.
It will give me a good reason for a Bible study … Thank you again … May God Speed … JD