Author / Illustrator: Aaron Blabey
Scholastic, 2016
Softcover, 144 Page Chapter Book/Graphic Novel Grades 2-5
Mr. Wolf (as in “Big Bad”) has had enough of being a bad guy. It’s time to transform himself and his friends Mr. Shark, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Piranha into the Good Guys. What could possibly go wrong?
Mr. Wolf (as in “Big Bad”) has had enough of being a bad guy. It’s time to transform himself and his friends. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, as it happens, starting with the refreshments served at the first meeting of The Good Guys Club. (“This is what I’m talking about. How will anyone take us seriously as good guys if all you want to do is eat everyone?”) Even so, Mr. Wolf convinces his friends to start small with a classic kitty-stuck-in-the-tree rescue. And then on to something larger: Freeing 200 puppies locked in the maximum-security pound. The Bad Guys set out to rescue the puppies the only way they can: by planning a heist, of course. With hilarious results.
This is one of the funniest books I’ve read in years, period. The illustrations and text are simple but very effective; Aaron Blabey creates strong, memorable characters and turns them loose in a rollicking plot. There are also plenty of asides and background antics to keep things fresh for multiple reads. I can easily imagine the younger me owning all the books in this series and re-reading them constantly.
This isn’t a “moral of the story” book, but it does open the door for some interesting conversations about labels and personal growth.
So, in summary, I give The Bad Guys five stars. I’d give them six if I could. If you have kids (or if your inner 8-year-old wants a treat), check this book out.