The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

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

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Janie Cheaney

Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.

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8 Comments

  1. David Fowler on December 27, 2021 at 8:53 am

    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.

    • Janie Cheaney on December 27, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      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.

    • Leah on April 19, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      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

  2. Jason David on January 9, 2022 at 1:33 pm

    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

    • Janie Cheaney on January 11, 2022 at 4:13 am

      I have checked out some of the later Bad Guys titles from the library and hope to look at them soon!

  3. Jason JD David on January 19, 2022 at 5:17 am

    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

    • Janie Cheaney on January 19, 2022 at 12:17 pm

      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.

  4. Jason JD David on January 28, 2022 at 4:54 am

    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

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