The Bad Seed

Outline

The Bad Seed (2017) tells the funny and touching story of a sunflower seed who believes he is bad: he is always late, never listens, and tells long jokes with no ending. As he remembers what made him this way, he decides he can choose to change, one small step at a time. Jory John’s picture book, illustrated by Pete Oswald, teaches children that behaviour is not destiny.

• A mistake or a bad habit does not define who a person is.
• The seed believes he is bad because he is always late, never listens, and tells endless jokes.
• Remembering what made him act this way helps the seed understand himself.
• Change happens through choice, one small step at a time.
• Every new choice is a chance to grow kinder, because behaviour is not destiny.

Jory John is an American author of children’s books known for humorous stories with warm messages. He is the author of the Food Group series, which includes The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and The Cool Bean. His books have become bestsellers and favourites in classrooms and homes.