Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, rhyming story of a girl outsmarting some baddies.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A ghost, a troll, and a witch are sure they're the meanest around and take great delight in being THE BADDIES. When a girl moves into the cottage next door, they compete with each other to see who can be the meanest, scariest, baddest baddie of all. Each of them tries to scare her and steal from her, but her bravery shines in ways they don't expect and might not be able to overcome.
Is It Any Good?
With expressive, colorful illustrations and a rhyming story that's a delight to read aloud, this fun tale is a pitch-perfect story of bravery and heart. The Baddies reminds readers that joy and bravery can happily defeat mean-spirited bullying, and that kindness can bring contentment. The playful word choices are funny to read, with lots of places to add sound effects and laughter. Kids will reach for this silly baddie story over and over.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which character in The Baddies they think would be better to have as a neighbor. Do you think it would be fun to have the girl or the baddies? Why?
What would you do if you knew someone was trying to scare you?
What other books about monsters have you enjoyed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Axel Sheffler
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : August 1, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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