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Jory John
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Pete Oswald
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The Bad Seed (The Food Group) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 29, 2017

by Jory John (Author), Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 22,045 ratings
Teachers' pick
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★ A New York Times bestseller! ★ An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year selection
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Goodnight Already! series

This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! 

With Jory John's charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 7
    The Food Group
  3. Print length
    40 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    AD390L
  7. Dimensions
    9.1 x 0.6 x 11.1 inches
  8. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  9. Publication date
    August 29, 2017
  10. ISBN-10
    006246776X
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0062467768
  12. See all details
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From the Publisher

The Food Group
The Big Cheese Banner 1
The Big Cheese The Bad Seed The Good Egg The Cool Bean
The Big Cheese The Bad Seed The Good Egg The Cool Bean
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
483
4.6 out of 5 stars
22,045
4.7 out of 5 stars
10,947
4.7 out of 5 stars
9,529
Price $17.99 $12.46 $12.19 $9.92
Read all the Food Group books! The Big Cheese is an irresistible hunk of cheddar who realizes there's more to life than winning. This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? The Good Egg is a verrrrrrry good egg, indeed! Until one day he begins to crack (quite literally) from the pressure of always having to be Grade A perfect. Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool. And then there’s the uncool has-bean. ..Always on the sidelines. Is he cool enough to be their friend too?
Themes Self-Awareness & Sportsmanship Self-Acceptance Self-Care Self-Esteem
The Couch Potato The Smart Cookie The Sour Grape
The Couch Potato The Smart Cookie The Sour Grape
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
6,126
4.8 out of 5 stars
3,600
4.8 out of 5 stars
1,887
Price $13.41 $11.82 $10.96
Read all the Food Group books! The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen? This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries. Could a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be all she needs? The Sour Grape holds grudges for everything! But could a bunch of forgiveness be enough to turn this sour grape sweet?
Themes Self-Management Confidence Forgiveness & Compassion
The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool As It Gets The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! The Bad Seed Goes To The Library The Good Egg and the Talent Show The Food Group Audio Collection: The First Bunch Unabridged CD
The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! The Bad Seed Goes to the Library The Good Egg and the Talent Show The Food Group Audio Collection: The First Bunch Unabridged CD
See Details
Customer Reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
655
4.8 out of 5 stars
2,324
4.7 out of 5 stars
5,162
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,533
4.9 out of 5 stars
672
5.0 out of 5 stars
6
Price $5.79 $8.79 $9.89 $4.99 $4.99 —
Have another serving of The Food Group The Cool Bean is excited for the holiday party, but will this bean find the perfect gift in time for the gift exchange? The Bad Seed conspires to postpone Halloween when he can’t find the perfect costume in time for the big night. If he can’t enjoy his favorite holiday, NOBODY can! Every Sunday the Good Egg and his cartonful of friends gather for their favorite game…THE GREAT EGGSCAPE!!! The Bad Seed borrows a library book and gets grumpy when it’s time to return it. The Good Egg is worried because he doesn’t have an act for the talent show. A jam-packed audio collection, featuring six charming stories about learning and self-discovery.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—Corn kernels, pistachios, peanuts, and other seeds gasp and point as a "baaaaaaaaaaad seed" goes by. When others mumble about him, he can hear them because he has "good hearing for a seed." The bad seed tells "long jokes with no punch lines," lies "about pointless stuff," and never puts things back where they belong. But he did not start out that way; it was only after a traumatic experience that he became "a different seed entirely." Through a mixture of watercolor textures and digital paint, Oswald creates a faded cityscape background. The seeds, on the other hand, have stronger colors and expressive faces. (Their sticklike arms and legs and large eyes make them reminiscent of the California Raisins.) The contrast between the bright, sunlit field and the dark interior of a sunflower seed bag highlights the protagonist's downturn in fortune. 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. 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. 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. VERDICT This charmingly illustrated book would be a comical read-aloud and useful for class or family discussions about manners, behavior, and reputation.—Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

Review

“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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Illustrated edition (August 29, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 006246776X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062467768
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD390L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.1 x 0.6 x 11.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 22,045 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
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  1. Jory John

    Jory John

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    Jory John is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor recipient.

    Jory’s work includes the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, "The Good Egg," and the #2 New York Times bestselling picture book, "The Bad Seed." He is also the author of the popular picture books, "Penguin Problems" and "Giraffe Problems," the award-winning Goodnight Already! series, the New York Times bestselling Terrible Two series, the recent picture books "Quit Calling Me a Monster!" and "Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back?" and the international bestseller "All my friends are dead," among many other books for both children and adults. Jory's forthcoming picture books, in 2019, include "That's What Dinosaurs Do!", illustrated by his frequent collaborator, Pete Oswald.

    Jory’s books have won numerous state book awards, most recently the North Carolina Children’s Book Award, the Florida Sunshine State Reading Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award of Vermont, the Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award, the Volunteer State Book Award of Tennessee, the North Dakota Library Association Flicker Tale Award, the South Carolina Children’s Book Award, the Oregon Spirit Book Award Honor Prize, and his work was shortlisted for the Texas Bluebonnet Award. His books were also twice-nominated for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in England.

    In addition to the books mentioned here, Jory has written for the New York Times, the Guardian, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Believer, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and BuzzFeed, among many other publications. His work has also been featured in The Best American Nonrequired Reading, The Best of McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Reader's Digest, and more.

    For more than six years, Jory worked as the programs director at 826 Valencia, a nonprofit writing and educational center in San Francisco's Mission District, founded by Dave Eggers. In that time, he conceptualized and edited, "Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters to President Obama," which was featured on "This American Life."

    Find Jory at www.joryjohn.com or on Twitter @IamJoryJohn

    See more on the author's page
  2. Pete Oswald

    Pete Oswald

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Pete Oswald is a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of "The Bad Seed," "The Good Egg," "The Cool Bean," "The Couch Potato," and "The Smart Cookie" all authored by Jory John. Pete’s author debut, "Hike," was shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal and received 5 starred reviews. Pete is an Annie Award-nominated animation production designer best known for "The Angry Birds Movie" franchise, Oscar® Nominated "ParaNorman," and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three kids. Visit him at peteoswald.com.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
22,045 global ratings
An Instant Favorite in our Household!
5 Stars
An Instant Favorite in our Household!
My 3.5 year old daughter loves story time. During these COVID-19 extended days at home, I wanted to get some new books. Both the author John Jory and Pete Oswald the Illustrator of this book are fantastic. This book is part of a three book series. I first purchased the The Cool Beans, followed by the Bad Seed and then finally the Good Egg to complete the set. My daughter's favorite of the three book series is the Bad Seed, followed by the Cool Beans, and finally the Good egg but she likes them all. I highly recommend this entire series.As a mom, I like that the books are also educational. They touch on emotions, feelings, how those emotions/behaviors are received and how you can alter change your emotions. It also gives them great life examples of good, bad and cool behaviors which is great with navigating a toddler through all the different emotions that they go through. She also understands that you can be happy, sad, angry. I like that the Cool Beans touches on kindness and acceptance of others. Kids need kindness!Three Book SeriesThe Cool Beans (My daughter's second favorite)The Bad Seed (My daughter's favorite of the set)The Good Egg (My daughter's third favorite)
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Top reviews from the United States

AMANDA bayyoud
5.0 out of 5 stars cute title and cute story
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great story line for young readers who struggle with anger and making the wrong choice. The book gives and example of someone who used to be so happy and nice to everyone and yet something bad happened to them that changed how they felt about the world. Story continues to show that it takes a constant effort to make good choices and share kindness.
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Jan Lyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Books by Jory John & Pete Oswald
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
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Books were for my granddaughter. She loves all of them! They tell an interesting story and provide the young reader with a lesson to learn.
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Keli
5.0 out of 5 stars Another incredible book
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
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Another great book from this author! Always witty and creative. It’s a book kids love and parents love reading!
2 people found this helpful
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Dijana Marina
5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of our absolute favorite books to read.
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
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This is a great book. I enjoy reading it to my sons as much as they like hearing it. A lot!
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Trevor35
4.0 out of 5 stars Bad Seed
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
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This book is so slay . It teaches a valuable life lesson to all ages. My 3 children ages 7,9,16, and me (44) loved this book. Would recommend.
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a.john
5.0 out of 5 stars The bad seed
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024
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My son loves this book, came in perfect condition!
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kongsworld
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow good story
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
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Short story, but it was very impressive. I would like to tell my cousin's children there is no bad child. You all have a good seed in your mind ^^
2 people found this helpful
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J@YD944
5.0 out of 5 stars Bad seed, really?
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
This little book describes a little seed that went through some bad things in its young life & it changed the little seed’s view of itself. As the seed got older, it began to project to others the bad image it had on itself. It wasn’t nice to others. It was rude & inconsiderate. But then it began to change its attitude & realize it wasn’t so bad after all. It could & did be nice sometimes. So we learn that being bad sometimes doesn’t make us always bad & we can always turn things around & be better. A good story for kids!
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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danielle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Canada on April 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
We absolutely LOVE the food group series! The themes are great for my grade 1 kiddo with ASD and he is captivated by the pictures and language. He has read this probably around 10 times since we bought the bad seed. He is also taking a lot away from his reading too behaviour wise. Great quality as well! I love the hardcover.
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Gabriela
5.0 out of 5 stars Servicio
Reviewed in Mexico on April 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
El libro es simplemente hermoso.
Llego en perfectas condiciones
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy gracioso
Reviewed in Spain on October 8, 2020
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A mi hijo de 8 años le encanta! Fue un acierto.
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S.S.K
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for kids
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2020
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What an absolutely wonderful book. My son (6yrs) loves it and likes to read it almost every night. Great story and illustrations too. Worth every penny.
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Coco
5.0 out of 5 stars Tolles Buch !
Reviewed in Germany on April 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Ich habe diese Buch gekauft, weil es heutzutage viel witzigere Kinderbücher gibt als damals.
Es ist witzig geschrieben und auch die Zeichnungen sind toll, selbst als Erwachsene kann man sich an diesem Buch erfreuen.
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