Summary: Corn kernels, pistachios, peanuts, and other seeds gasp and point as a "baaad 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."

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.

Author and Illustrator Background:

Jory John on writing this book: Jory John is the author of 14 books for children and adults including last year's Red Clover title Penguin Problems. He is also co-author of The Terrible Two comedy chapter book series with Mac Barnett, which won the Vermont DCF Award. He is a two-time E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor recipient.

In addition to being an illustrator, Pete Oswald is an Annie Award-nominated animation production designer best known for The Angry Birds Movie film series and Oscar® Nominated ParaNorman, in addition to multiple animated studio films. He is also known for his work as a children's book author, illustrator and painter.