The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
#15 of 20 in The Bad Guys Series
on Goodreads (1,507)
What’s inside...
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!
They may look like Bad Guys, but these wannabe heroes are doing good deeds... whether you like it or not in this New York Times bestselling illustrated series.
WEIRD?! Nothing weird EVER happens in The Bad Guys. Like, you would NEVER see a chain-saw monster confronting a velociraptor who has eaten an elderly piranha, or the disturbing antics of a deranged dentist running amok with an oversized drill. NOPE. None of that nonsense here. So relax and be entirely unsurprised by the Bad Guys’ next adventure!
Discussion points
What do you think makes someone a 'bad guy'? Can a 'bad guy' do good things?
How did the characters work together to solve problems in the story?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters in the book?
What was the funniest part of the book for you, and why?
How did the story change the way you think about heroes and villains?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, fostering their imagination and engagement.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. Discuss their drawing, focusing on why they chose that particular moment or character.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations, helping your child understand the relevance of the story to their own experiences.
Praise your child’s responses to encourage a deeper conversation about the story, even if their interpretations are different from your own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!', the characters work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, teaching children the importance of working collaboratively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team activities at school or helping out with family projects at home, learning to collaborate and value each person's contribution.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in the book, including a shark and a piranha, demonstrates that everyone can contribute regardless of their differences. This encourages children to accept and value diverse perspectives and abilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this lesson by making friends with peers who might seem different from them, discovering new viewpoints and building inclusive communities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Integrity
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of being responsible and making right choices even when faced with challenges. The characters strive to do the right thing, reinforcing the value of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can implement this lesson by taking responsibility for their actions and choosing honesty in their everyday interactions, shaping them into trustworthy individuals.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: As the characters tackle adventurous and sometimes scary situations, the book shows the importance of facing fears and the growth that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by encouraging children to try new activities that they might initially find intimidating, helping them to grow in confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: Throughout the book, humor is used to lighten the mood and bond the characters, teaching children the coping mechanism of laughter in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to use humor to navigate difficult situations, relieve stress, and enhance social interactions, fostering a positive outlook on life.