Browsing the beginning chapter books: The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Genre: Humor; Comic

Protagonists: Animals (primarily male)

Reading level: 400s

Series: Currently 16 with 1-2 new titles each year.

Originally reviewed in February 2021

Review: This is pure snark from beginning to end. A hyperactive wolf has decided he doesn’t want to be a bad guy anymore, so he collects some other famous villains to form a club to do Good Deeds. It’s an uphill struggle, first to rescue a kitten and then dogs from the pound, but the Bad Guys eventually decide they are up for this Good Deeds stuff, in their own, sharp-toothed, style.

Black and white pencil sketches fill this beginning chapter graphic novel with partially-eaten rap sheets for the various characters and their distinct personalities. Beginning with Mr. Wolf’s manic enthusiasm, the story introduces cool, sardonic Mr. Snake, sinister Mr. Piranha, and dim but volatile Mr. Shark. Their bulbous eyes and toothy smiles bring out the personality of each and readers will giggle along as the club starts out in their classic car, looking cool, and searching for good deeds to do.

Verdict: Hilarious fun. If you really wanted to you could parlay it into a lesson about not judging by appearances, but since none of the creatures are exactly innocent…. It’s probably better not to. Just enjoy the snark and share it with readers who like the wit and humor of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

Revisited: This series is at 16 books and counting and I purchased multiple copies of the first titles. Its early popularity has only increased and kids of all ages love the series. A few female characters were added later on, but it still focuses primarily on male characters. The Plot has expanded far beyond the first book, but loyal fans (among whom are included older kids, teens, and adults) are still reading eagerly each new addition.

ISBN: 9780545912402; Published 2016 by Scholastic; purchased for the library