Everything There Is To Know About The Bad Seed Book Series

The Bad Seed Book Series from Jory John (illustrated by Pete Oswald) are fun reads that kids will love but most importantly each title delivers an important, impactful message. Read on for everything you need to know about this fantastic series!

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About The Author

Jory John is and American children’s book author. His books are well known for covering difficult topics, incorporated into dark humor. John is a New York Times bestselling author with The Good Egg and The Bad Seed reaching the first and second positions. Previous to his publishing career John worked as a programs director at 826 Valencia before he left to pursue his writing – his first title was published a year later – All My Friends Are Dead. Since then he has written and published a great many fantastic book series and standalone titles, including the Bad Seed series!

The Bad Seed Series In Order

The Bad Seed Series is also known as The Food Group Series. Written by John Jory and illustrated by Pete Oswald The Bad Seed series are fun reads for children but the books also incorporate an important message for children to learn. The Bad Seed teaches Self Acceptance, The Good Egg Self-Care, The Cool Bean Self Esteem, The Couch Potato Self Management, The Smart Cookie Confidence and The Sour Grape Forgiveness And Compassion. For the full details on each title read on below!

the bad seed series

The Bad Seed

This is a book about a bad seedA 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! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be—happy?

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 readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

the bad seed series

The Good Egg

From the bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, a timely story about not having to be Grade A perfect!

Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed.

But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten.

As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect.

So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change…

Dynamic duo Jory John and Pete Oswald hatch a funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).

the bad seed series

The Cool Bean

The “too-cool-for-school” third picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, Jory John and Pete Oswald

Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool.

And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . .

Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool beans show him how it’s done.

With equal measures of humor, wit, and charm, the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald craft another incredible picture book, reminding us that it’s cooler to be kind.

the bad seed series

The Couch Potato

Feeling fried? Peel yourself on the couch and meet your new pal-tato! The winning fourth picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad SeedThe Good Egg, and The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald, will get you and your kids moving!

The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn’t have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen?

Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root to true happiness.

The Smart Cookie

Be a smart cookie—and don’t miss the fifth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from creators Jory John and Pete Oswald! 

This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?

Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!

The Sour Grape

Don’t miss the sixth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series that’s ripe with humor from Jory John and Pete Oswald!

The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn a sour grape sweet?

Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!

An Extra Serving In The Bad Seed Series

The following titles are linked to The Bad Seed Series and they also come with stickers that can be used to decorate anywhere!

The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape!

Based on the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Good Egg, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: The Great Eggscape!

The Great Eggscape is when the Good Egg and his pals escape their carton and drop into the store for a morning of fun, enjoyed by everybody.

Well, almost everybody.

Shel (an egg) isn’t a huge fan of group activities, especially when he’s made to be “It” for a game of hide-and-seek. Nevertheless, Shel doesn’t want to let his friends down, so he reluctantly plays, anyway. But after a morning of hiding and seeking, somebody’s still missing. Will the dozen eggs friends ever be reunited?

Find out in this hilarious egg hunt adventure that reminds us to break out of our shells and help our friends in need!

The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky

Based on the New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Bad Seed, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky!

Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course!

Can he get a costume together in time? Or will this seed return to his baaaaaaaaad ways?

Find out in this hilarious, charming, and thought-provoking continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series.

The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets

Based on the New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: As Cool as It Gets! Includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own holiday cards and gifts.

When the Cool Bean picks the name of the coolest of the cool beans, Beanadette, out of a hat for the annual gift exchange, he’s not feeling very merry or festive—he’s feeling pressure! Beanadette is definitely expecting the coolest present of all. Will the Cool Bean find the perfect gift in time for the party?

Find out in this hilarious, charming, and cozy continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in The Bad Seed series?

There are 9 books in total in The Bad Seed series (also known as the food group series). There are 6 books in the main series, along with 3 other titles that come complete with stickers.

  1. The Bad Seed (2017)
  2. The Good Egg (2019)
  3. The Cool Bean (2019)
  4. The Couch Potato (2020)
  5. The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! (2020)
  6. The Smart Cookie (2021)
  7. The Sour Grape (2022)
  8. The Bad Egg Presents: The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky (2021)
  9. The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets (2022)

What grade level is The Bad Seed?

The grade level for The Bad Seed series is Kindergarten or ages 4-7.