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Good Night, Baddies
Get to know the softer side of your favorite fairy tale baddies as they return home from a full day of scheming to enjoy a yummy dinner together and help one another get ready for bed.
Wolves, today was not so good.
You didn’t catch Red Riding Hood.
You huffed and puffed without success.
But brush your fangs, please, nonetheless.
Wicked witches. Evil queens. And big, bad wolves. By day they’re such baddies! But cozy at night at home among friends? Why, they couldn’t be nicer! Inspired by the mischief-makers from classic folk and fairy tales, this picture book shows that even the baddest baddies can have big hearts.
Wolves, today was not so good.
You didn’t catch Red Riding Hood.
You huffed and puffed without success.
But brush your fangs, please, nonetheless.
Wicked witches. Evil queens. And big, bad wolves. By day they’re such baddies! But cozy at night at home among friends? Why, they couldn’t be nicer! Inspired by the mischief-makers from classic folk and fairy tales, this picture book shows that even the baddest baddies can have big hearts.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2016
1 person is currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 23, 2017
A short rhyming piece that explores the bedtime routines of some nefarious characters from children's stories. How they, too, must get ready for bed after a long day, including routines and bedtime stories. While they terrorise things on a daily basis, they are also subject to things that make them leap up in the night. A cute piece that Neo enjoyed, though he is pretty sure that wolves do not need to brush their fangs!
March 22, 2020
Snow White's evil stepmother, the wolves who hunted Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, the Troll who laid in wait for the Three Billy Goats Gruff - all of these fairy-tale baddies return home at night to the castle they share, relaxing and enjoying a congenial evening together away from the demands of villainy...
With a rhyming text that entertains and involves, and colorful, appealing artwork that grabs the reader/listener's attention, Good Night, Baddies would make for an excellent read-aloud, especially at bedtime. Children who love the classic fairy-tales will get a particular thrill out of seeing the villains of those stories appear in a story of their own, all together. Recommended to anyone looking for fun new bedtime books, as well as to those who appreciate fractured fairy-tales.
With a rhyming text that entertains and involves, and colorful, appealing artwork that grabs the reader/listener's attention, Good Night, Baddies would make for an excellent read-aloud, especially at bedtime. Children who love the classic fairy-tales will get a particular thrill out of seeing the villains of those stories appear in a story of their own, all together. Recommended to anyone looking for fun new bedtime books, as well as to those who appreciate fractured fairy-tales.
June 11, 2020
Even fairy tale bad guys have their close-of-day rituals before settling down to bed. There are baths to take, and stories to read . . . and perhaps even a lullaby will be crooned. I loved this wonderful sleepy-time book, with darling illustrations by Juli Kangas.
May 1, 2019
Here's a cute bedtime book with a fairy tale twist!
This rhyming picture book takes a look at bedtime for a bunch of storybook villains. After they retire to their crumbling castle after a day of evildoing, they go about getting ready for bed, just like everyone else. The evil queen sets aside her poisoned apple and puts on her nightie. The wolves brush their fangs. The witches check under the nervous giant's bed for... princesses!
The whole premise is pretty cute, and the writing and rhythm of the rhyming text is pretty strong. This would be a fun book to read aloud at bedtime.
Fun and colourful illustrations bring all the nighttime rituals to life.
I'm not sure what else to say about this one. I've read a number of bedtime books now... and this is one of the stronger ones.
This rhyming picture book takes a look at bedtime for a bunch of storybook villains. After they retire to their crumbling castle after a day of evildoing, they go about getting ready for bed, just like everyone else. The evil queen sets aside her poisoned apple and puts on her nightie. The wolves brush their fangs. The witches check under the nervous giant's bed for... princesses!
The whole premise is pretty cute, and the writing and rhythm of the rhyming text is pretty strong. This would be a fun book to read aloud at bedtime.
Fun and colourful illustrations bring all the nighttime rituals to life.
I'm not sure what else to say about this one. I've read a number of bedtime books now... and this is one of the stronger ones.
October 20, 2016
You'll never look at the fairytale villains the same way again. When it comes time to get ready for bed, the baddies have a soft side. Kids will love seeing the baddies from their favorite bed time stories in a whole new way. They're actually really nice and go through the same routine they do when getting ready for bed. What a great bed time story. Between Underwood's engaging story telling, and rhyming text, and Kangas's colorful, fun illustrations, this is a book that will easily hold even the shortest of attention spans. I'd recommend adding this book to your bedtime story collection.
June 6, 2016
This book is a real treat. All the "baddies" from fairy tales are here--wolves, trolls, witches, dragons--but the most adorable baddies you've ever seen. A delightful, gentle, warm-hearted story that children are sure to adore. Not just for the clever twist on old tropes, but also because children will be able to match many of the characters to specific fairy tales they've heard, which invites the child (and parent) to enjoy the story on multiple levels. This one's a winner.
August 28, 2019
Villainous fairy tale characters prepare to go to sleep after a day of nefarious schemes and evil deeds. We see Red Riding Hood's wolves, Snow White's evil queen, Rumpelstiltskin and other notorious fairy tale character's routines and nightly activities before going nighty night. A witch reads the Bad News Newspaper and witches check under the bed of a giant for princesses. The rhymes are witty and the illustrations are spooky. Perfect for bedtime on Halloween.
"Sun dips down; The day has gone.
Witches, wolves, and giant yawn.
Queen and dragon, troll and gnome:
tired baddies head for home."
"Sun dips down; The day has gone.
Witches, wolves, and giant yawn.
Queen and dragon, troll and gnome:
tired baddies head for home."
February 25, 2019
This is such a fun book! Deborah Underwood knows just how to spin fairy and folktales into a fun, new, and fresh manner. This book is told in verse, filled with adorable cuteness and means of deconstructing what it means to be a baddie. What exactly do they do when the day is done, when the tormenting is over for the time being? They relax, get some food, and a good night's rest. Honestly? Iconic. This book is good for ALL ages, hear me out--don't miss this.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
July 3, 2019
Goodnight Baddies, tucked into bed.
But the witch said,
"Stay up until the dawn."
All of them were bad, except a gnome in it that has a treasure that he couldn't find.
But the witch said,
"Stay up until the dawn."
All of them were bad, except a gnome in it that has a treasure that he couldn't find.
August 25, 2019
Super-cute premise, great rhymes, overall a delightful spin on the bedtime book.
May 19, 2018
After a second read of this one years after release, I wanted to add a few comments: This story is so clever and brings a chuckle to think of baddies in this calming light! Especially as children fear baddies at night, to think about baddies being a afraid of other baddies (or the victims they pursued coming back to haunt them) allows kids to have a chuckle and relax before bedtime. The thought of a princess under a bed as being scary is hilarious! Deborah Underwood's unique and diverse range of work amazes me. Juli Cangas's illustrations are fantastical and perfect.
March 22, 2017
Very clever. Love it.
July 5, 2017
As much as I love my fairytales and any very clever variations that authors can give me as a reader I also at the same time feel sorry for the "villain" as they also have a story to tell. There must be another reason behind their need to do what they do, some weakness, some humanity and maybe some hidden pain that hasn't been looked into but it is these characters that are usually lost since we need someone evil to move the story along.
In this particular book Deborah Underwood does a great job in reminding her readers in poetical format that villains are just as human and may look forward to the same basic comforts as they retire at the end of day. Exploring the various aspects that may make up one's night routine she gently and lovingly puts them to readying for sleep while allowing them off from the hard work of terrorizing that they must do over and over by reading.
There is a beautiful sweetness to the words and they will definitely catch the reader's attention, especially as one studies the pictures in the background. What goodness can Jack be if the giant is scared of a princess hiding under his bed? Or how undeserving is a troll whose location is made to haunt some frivolous billy goats?
All in all I love this book and the thoughtfulness of the characters as they help each other to end off the day. This will be one of those books to add to my fairytale collection to spice things up and hopefully get others just to thinking about that other and oft lesser known side of villains.
In this particular book Deborah Underwood does a great job in reminding her readers in poetical format that villains are just as human and may look forward to the same basic comforts as they retire at the end of day. Exploring the various aspects that may make up one's night routine she gently and lovingly puts them to readying for sleep while allowing them off from the hard work of terrorizing that they must do over and over by reading.
There is a beautiful sweetness to the words and they will definitely catch the reader's attention, especially as one studies the pictures in the background. What goodness can Jack be if the giant is scared of a princess hiding under his bed? Or how undeserving is a troll whose location is made to haunt some frivolous billy goats?
All in all I love this book and the thoughtfulness of the characters as they help each other to end off the day. This will be one of those books to add to my fairytale collection to spice things up and hopefully get others just to thinking about that other and oft lesser known side of villains.
May 17, 2016
The Big Bad Wolf blows the three pigs’ house down. The Giant chases Jack to get back his golden goose. Dragons capture princesses and fight off princes. It’s all in a day’s work for these baddies, but when bedtime calls them home, together they arrive in a big castle—home to all fairy tale villains. Bet you didn’t know that? I didn’t. Then I read Good Night, Baddies. These horrible bad guys and girls are total opposites once they get back home.
Baddies ask about each other’s day. They sit and . . .
To Read the Full Review and View Interior Spreads, Go To: http://bit.ly/GoodNightBaddies
Baddies ask about each other’s day. They sit and . . .
To Read the Full Review and View Interior Spreads, Go To: http://bit.ly/GoodNightBaddies
July 1, 2016
I highly recommend this enchanting new picture book by Deborah Underwood, a sleepy goodnight story in which the villains from all our favorite fairy tales go through their bedtime rituals until they eventually fall asleep. A traditional topic for picture books with a new twist, this book offers adorable full-color illustrations by Juli Kangas, much in the style of David McPhail. A great choice for storytime, with fairly brief rhyming text, although the illustrations deserve being pored over since they are full of witty details. Perfect for ages 4-8, who will get the fairy tale allusions, or younger children who know the traditional folklore.
September 21, 2016
loved the rhyme and all the details in the art.
March 20, 2020
A fun bedtime book, with some not-so-scary baddies ending their day. I'm a fan of Deborah Underwood, and always appreciate her sense of humor. Here, it flows easily with nice rhyming text, not too sing-songy. But the illustrations really complete things, with our classic villains going through nighttime routines like brushing teeth and checking under the bed.
I can see using this in a bedtime/nighttime themed storytime or program (maybe something like our Stuffed Animal Sleepover) but definitely recommending it for parents looking for something a little unique to add to the bedtime story repertoire.
I can see using this in a bedtime/nighttime themed storytime or program (maybe something like our Stuffed Animal Sleepover) but definitely recommending it for parents looking for something a little unique to add to the bedtime story repertoire.
January 27, 2022
This is a cute story with rhyming text that presents a story of the "bad guys" in fairy tales getting ready for bed. The story describes the things bad characters do as more of their "jobs" than their character, so at the end of the day these characters come home and act kindly toward one another, getting ready for bed like any other person/kid and even feeling scared of monsters under their bed.
January 22, 2018
A fun read aloud detailing the "after work" routines of famous bad guys with a focus on bedtime. Watch how they relax and clean up their acts once they are off the clock as villains. Cute, simple, and short - perfect for the preschool crowd. Although, the elementary school crowd might actually enjoy this more because they'll get the irony of the villains being good at home and bad at work. :)
May 7, 2021
Rhyming (and surprisingly calm and polite) bedtime story about famed "evil" fairy tale characters, like the big bad wolf, the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, the witch who poisons Snow White and more! It seems that after all day being vile, they need some time to relax, snooze and smile.
For kids who like "baddies," this would make a good bedtime book.
For kids who like "baddies," this would make a good bedtime book.
June 30, 2025
Lovely rhyming book that tackles the bedtime routines of some nefarious storybook characters. It offers a soft side to their disposition. It shows how after a day of terrorizing, they too need to relax and unwind after the daily demands of villainy.
Beautifully vibrant illustrations really complete this book.
Beautifully vibrant illustrations really complete this book.
February 8, 2026
Fiction
Kindergarten- 2nd Grade
What a fun read! I loved every single part of the book, how they showed the other side of villains and how they go to bed like everyone else. The way the authors included all the villains in the story with different "issues". An example that the giant is scared there was princesses under his bed.
Kindergarten- 2nd Grade
What a fun read! I loved every single part of the book, how they showed the other side of villains and how they go to bed like everyone else. The way the authors included all the villains in the story with different "issues". An example that the giant is scared there was princesses under his bed.
July 29, 2018
This book is likely to entertain most everyone! From the clever end pages, different at front of the book vs at end of the book! To the fantastic start and ending. I'm exploring 'darker' kids books since I've recently met a few authors who love them. This is not really a darker book. It is delightful and explores the personal side of characters we thought we knew! The author & illustrator did fantastic jobs. I smile just thinking about this book! I'm sad it has to go back to the library, but I look forward to reading it again.
August 24, 2018
A cute toddler and up book about all the evil villains from fairytales going to bed for the night. I love the personality changes and the winks at their stories. Not sure if everyone will get all the winks but I still think they'll enjoy it.
October 11, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! The five star review is mine, but my grandson agreed. The illustrations are beautiful, rich and detailed. The story is charming and sweet, will make you think about those “baddies” in a different way. I imagine this could lead to a bigger conversation about how even “unlikable” people have those who love them...
July 19, 2017
Preschool - Fairy Tales Storytime
July 24, 2017
It was a little bit scary.
September 1, 2017
What a sweet look at the classic villains after a long day at being bad!
September 23, 2017
Classic illustrations give this book a warm toasty feeling and paints a whole new look of how 'baddies' end their day.
October 12, 2017
I loved this! Clever, charming! Fun rhythmic meter to the story and delightful illustrations. Really good book for the weirdo or middle child in your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews