The Bad Seed
A story about transformation and self-acceptance
Jory John author Pete Oswald illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Published:2nd May '19
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£12.99(9780062467768)
A humorous tale about a mischievous seed discovering the power of change and acceptance, The Bad Seed offers a heartwarming message for all ages.
In The Bad Seed, readers are introduced to a seed with a notoriously bad reputation. He embodies all the negative traits one can imagine—bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. This little seed has been misbehaving for as long as he can remember, cutting in line, staring at others, and ignoring the rules. His behavior sets the stage for a humorous yet poignant exploration of identity and change.
The story takes a turn when this mischievous seed begins to reflect on his actions and contemplates a different path. What happens when he decides he wants to be happy? This journey of self-discovery is both entertaining and relatable, making it a perfect read for children and adults alike. The narrative is enriched by Jory John's charming writing style and Pete Oswald's vibrant illustrations, which bring the seed's world to life.
Ultimately, The Bad Seed delivers a powerful message about transformation and acceptance. It encourages readers to embrace their true selves and highlights the idea that change is always within reach. Through humor and heart, this delightful tale reminds us that, regardless of our past, we all have the capacity for growth and positivity.
“The BEST read-aloud book of the year...Seriously.” -- Mel Schuit, Let’s Talk Picture Books (blog)
“This is kid-book humor at its best, both warmhearted and frisky—the kind that leaves adults, too, cracking up and grateful.” -- New York Times Book Review
★ “This is a story that opens up dialogue about our reactions to life experiences, the consequences of our choices, and the chance to make a change for the better.” -- School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “This charmingly illustrated book would be a comical read-aloud and useful for class or family discussions about manners, behavior, and reputation.” -- School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “Young readers will find the list of all the seed’s offenses amusing, and the illustration of the flies and stench surrounding him (he never washes his hands or feet) is sure to elicit laughter.” -- School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “Even the very youngest can follow along as the pictures provide evidence of the seed’s bad behavior and the reactions of those around him.” -- School Library Journal (starred review)
“John gives the seed a sympathetic backstory (packaged as a snack food, he barely escaped being eaten) that, along with his eventual determination to change his stripes, should keep readers engaged.” -- Publishers Weekly
“Working in digitized watercolors, Oswald makes this antihero’s angst vivid and touching, and the world the seed moves in—a metropolis populated by seeds that include peanuts, coconuts, and corn kernels—adds a playful counterpoint of background detail and comedy.” -- Publishers Weekly
“The watercolor illustrations provide plenty of comic effect.” -- Booklist
“Young readers will enjoy watching the dramatic seed intimidate his nervous neighbors, and might not even realize they’re learning a lesson about good behavior in the process.” -- Booklist
“Oswald’s illustrations of seeds, legumes and nuts match John’s silly, appealing story.” -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
ISBN: 9780062914989
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 191g
40 pages