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I'm ...! - Machines at Work
I'm Bad!: A Hilarious Dino Picture Book About a Hungry T-Rex for Kids (Ages 4-8)
From Kate and Jim McMullan, the popular creators of I Stink! and I'm Dirty! —now a streaming animated series—comes a hilarious new picture book about one BAD dino who has just one thing on his dinner. Who’s big? Who’s bad? And who’s hungry? T-Rex, that’s who. He’s the rollicking and rambunctious dino who’s foraging in the prehistoric forest, ‘cause he needs chow right now. When his belly rumbles and grumbles, you’d better watch out! Take cover, fuzzballs. Hide your horns, reptiles. It’s ambush time.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2008
About the author
Kate McMullan
224 books156 followersKate McMullan is an American children's book author.
She is the author of the Dragon Slayers' Academy series. She is married to author and illustrator James McMullan.
She also has books published under the name: Katy Hall.
She is the author of the Dragon Slayers' Academy series. She is married to author and illustrator James McMullan.
She also has books published under the name: Katy Hall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 10, 2017
At times, I wonder if I ought to steal this title for Neo's future memoirs. This tale is all about a T-Rex, showing off how bad he can be. However, when it comes down to it, he is so scary that any and all food options flee in terror. Leave it to someone else to help him out and show is not-s0-bad side. Neo liked this story, the second about dinosaurs today, and reminded me again that we HAVE to go see them. Hmm... where shall I take him?
February 7, 2025
When your a BIG dinosaur and little dinosaurs run away from you it can go to your head...kind of like the MJ song...but then something happens - and you have to think about it. This book would be of particular interest for parents that have a small child who is having problems making friends because it points out that actions have consequences.
May 30, 2008
The creators of I Stink and I'm Dirty, the stories of a garbage truck and backhoe respectively, now turn away from trucks and to another very popular subject: dinosaurs! Here we meet a T-Rex with plenty of attitude, showing off his huge teeth, big claws, stomping feet. But he becomes less impressive as he tries again and again to catch something to eat. It takes his much larger mother dino to come to the rescue with "takeout."
In this book the McMullans continue their trade-mark dialogue style that will have readers flexing, brandishing and showing off with abandon. It is impossible to read their books aloud without style and a new persona. This makes them not only great fun to read aloud, but mesmerizing for audiences. Equally successful are the illustrations that fairly pop from the page with greens, oranges, blues and plenty of action too. The words and illustrations have obviously been created together because they work effortlessly together.
Highly recommended as a staple in your dinosaur story times or units. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
In this book the McMullans continue their trade-mark dialogue style that will have readers flexing, brandishing and showing off with abandon. It is impossible to read their books aloud without style and a new persona. This makes them not only great fun to read aloud, but mesmerizing for audiences. Equally successful are the illustrations that fairly pop from the page with greens, oranges, blues and plenty of action too. The words and illustrations have obviously been created together because they work effortlessly together.
Highly recommended as a staple in your dinosaur story times or units. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
November 17, 2008
OK, so, full disclosure, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the McMullan's first few books (I Stink, I'm Dirty), so am probably not the best person to evaluate this. Have to say though, that I enjoyed it...although, it's not as good as I Stink! I'm Bad is, of course, about a hungry dinosaur, who can't catch any food. I'd say it's good for preschool-1st grade. Pictures are great. I have a toddler dinosaur storytime this week though and I think the subtext would totally lose them (if this gives you a picture). The noises in I Stink are easier for younger storytimes.
still, a fun book.
still, a fun book.
September 18, 2008
Moving on from trucks, the McMullans tackle the next most popular thing for young boys: dinosaurs. The TRex is the main character and several facts are sprinkled throughout the text, which is the usual noisy, rhyming and fast-paced narrative. Humor is also well used--the twist at the end is classic, but still a bit unexpected. Colors are bright and a little messy, which fit the story. One page even uses a little I Spy and the endpapers highlight several dinosaurs.
December 21, 2012
Frankly, I feel fairly indifferently about the author of these books. They are all somewhat formulaic, and a little disappointing. Well, they almost all are. This one is a true winner.
You can see this book being a good one to share regarding bullies, mommies, and all sorts of other badness. (In both the normal, and Michael Jackson use of the word.)
If you are going to read one McMullan book, grab this one.
Recommend.
You can see this book being a good one to share regarding bullies, mommies, and all sorts of other badness. (In both the normal, and Michael Jackson use of the word.)
If you are going to read one McMullan book, grab this one.
Recommend.
September 29, 2016
This book is about a dinosaur who thinks he is so big and strong. He tries to find his own dinner, but has some trouble. I think it is a very cute book, and has awesome illustrations. I would probably use this in a Kindergarten to First grade classroom as an introduction to dinosaurs. It's not really made to give facts about dinosaurs, but it has many different types of dinosaurs, which makes it fun for them.
March 3, 2011
Noise Books celebrate noises all around give children practice in listening to the sounds of our spoken language and what better way to hear noise than with a dinosaur! This book is a great roar!
Early Literacy Skills:
Narrative Skills
Phonological Awareness
Print Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
Early Literacy Skills:
Narrative Skills
Phonological Awareness
Print Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
September 10, 2012
pb16: At first I wasn't to sure about this book I just didn't see myself reading to my kids. However, after reading the end of it I kind of found myself growing to it. The ending was just unexpected and so cute. That I had a change of heart. I feel this book just depends on the person on whether or not they will like it.
April 7, 2011
Another great, cute read-aloud by Kate and Jim McMullan. This book takes us on the journey of a 'big bad' t-rex looking for something to eat but can't seem to catch his prey. In the end, he needs the help of his mom to get dinner; not so big and bad now, huh?
December 6, 2013
This has to be one of my favorite books so far. It is hilarious how the dinosaur talks so bad throughout, and the you find out its a baby dinosaur. It gives a good look at how dinosaurs did eat other animals, which can be kind of a scary thing, but makes it not so scary. I love this book.
April 19, 2016
This book does not offer much in the way of plot. This book functions primarily as a work of voice. The main character is loud, boisterous, and boastful until he is humbled in a surprise ending. Although simple, this book does its job well.
December 11, 2017
Lots of fun. "I love my mom"
October 29, 2008
The illustrations are colorful and exciting. The text is funny but it's kind of strange. Maybe I just think it's strange because of the drawing of a dinosaur carcass that the dinosaur eats in the end. Okay so maybe not strange, it's just unappealing. Perhaps, that's why the dinosaur is so bad as he self-proclaims.
November 3, 2016
My son loves Kate McMullan's books but this one wasn't that great. I guess they all can't be winners. I was thinking she should write one about planes and name it "I'm high!" but immediately started laughing because that just wouldn't work for kids. This book was the I'm high equivalent...it just missed the mark. I didn't even think the dinosaur was that bad. Moving on...
February 20, 2017
The wild illustration and variety of text truly help bring this book to life. This would be a great read a loud to younger children who love dinosaurs. It's funny and the ending reveals that the big, bad t-Rex isn't is scary as the reader might have thought.
December 21, 2018
This was cute and I liked most of it. The artwork was cute and I liked the rhythm and the onomatopoeia.
March 26, 2019
I like the twist at the end that alleviates the bloodthirstyness. Sometimes it is hard for adults (and, more rarely, for little kids) to accept predators.
February 21, 2024
I did not like this book <3
I picked it off the shelf because I thought it might be about labeling kids as "bad" when in reality they aren't, but I was wrong. The only redeeming qualities about this book are that the illustrations are definitely engaging, and there are some facts about T-Rexes. Other than that this book has no substance. The only way I'd add this book to my class library is if our inquiry was about dinosaurs.
I picked it off the shelf because I thought it might be about labeling kids as "bad" when in reality they aren't, but I was wrong. The only redeeming qualities about this book are that the illustrations are definitely engaging, and there are some facts about T-Rexes. Other than that this book has no substance. The only way I'd add this book to my class library is if our inquiry was about dinosaurs.
February 6, 2019
A T-Rex works hard to catch himself some dinner but doesn't have a whole lot of luck. The illustrations are bright and bold, although I think the sarcastic humor might go over the heads of the preschoolers. Not my favorite dinosaur book, but if you're a die hard dino fan or a fan of Kate and Jim McMullin's other books, you'll enjoy this one!
May 19, 2017
My younger brother just had to have the dinosaur book. Haha. The story, sentence structure, and illustrations were okay...but I've seen way better children's books. At the end of the day, though, it entertained my younger siblings, and that's all that really matters.
April 18, 2025
Cute story - same creators of "I Stink" ... more visible in the illustrations than the text. A T-Rex, fearsome! But struggling to get something to eat. Thank goodness Mommy is there. Fold out page adds interest. More dinosaurs pictures/names on the cover insets.
January 9, 2018
I loved "I Stink" and thought this would be a great choice as well. It will be a fun read aloud, and the kids will enjoy it, just not quite as much as "I Stink".
February 21, 2018
Quick read and bright pictures about the T-Rex. Nice for younger ages.
February 25, 2020
A dinosaur book about a young dinosaur trying to find some supper and having a hard time. preschool and up
August 27, 2024
4.2 - Fun read. Great onomatopoeia!
January 28, 2012
I'm Bad! by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Jim McMullan is a look at a bad, hungry dinosaur who needs chow now.
A T-Rex talks tough, looks for food unsuccessfuly, has a tantrum, and finally gets some food. T-Rex compares himself and his species to humans.
The rhyming text includes lots of monologues, humor, action, emotions, and smart alecky talk. A bold and varying size font emphasizes action, with sounds highlighted. This dino uses descriptive, modern language and slang.
The illustrations are colorful with green, orange and yellow predominant. The endpapers name the dinosaurs shown in the story. My favorite images include the cover, title page, the bad breath intro, swivel neck, baby arms, really big, I hate fast food, yipes, I need chow, fold up, and the final image.
This story has a great twist at the end. Dinosaur lovers and especially T-Rex fans should eat this up (pun intended). Some young, sensitive readers or listeners may not appreciate the dinner or dinner time sounds. The twist at the end should amuse many. This is not as satisfying for me as I Stink or I'm Dirty but should still find an appreciative audience, especcialy among dino obsessed boys. It should be a successful read-aloud, whether for groups or one on one.
For ages 4 - 7, dinosaurs, humor, read-aloud, rhyming, and fans of Kate McMullan.
A T-Rex talks tough, looks for food unsuccessfuly, has a tantrum, and finally gets some food. T-Rex compares himself and his species to humans.
The rhyming text includes lots of monologues, humor, action, emotions, and smart alecky talk. A bold and varying size font emphasizes action, with sounds highlighted. This dino uses descriptive, modern language and slang.
The illustrations are colorful with green, orange and yellow predominant. The endpapers name the dinosaurs shown in the story. My favorite images include the cover, title page, the bad breath intro, swivel neck, baby arms, really big, I hate fast food, yipes, I need chow, fold up, and the final image.
This story has a great twist at the end. Dinosaur lovers and especially T-Rex fans should eat this up (pun intended). Some young, sensitive readers or listeners may not appreciate the dinner or dinner time sounds. The twist at the end should amuse many. This is not as satisfying for me as I Stink or I'm Dirty but should still find an appreciative audience, especcialy among dino obsessed boys. It should be a successful read-aloud, whether for groups or one on one.
For ages 4 - 7, dinosaurs, humor, read-aloud, rhyming, and fans of Kate McMullan.
September 7, 2009
McMullan, J., & McMullan, K. (2008). I'm Bad! New York: Joanna Cotler Books.
9780061229725
One big and bad Tyrannosaurus describes himself for the reader, comparing himself to the size and power of a human, doing an excellent job of putting this beasty in perspective. Despite the Tyrannosaurus's size and strength, it still has trouble capturing an animal in it's big huge jaws. It is worth noting that the voice of the Tyrannosaurus is very strong and modern and incorporates some anthropomorphized language ways of viewing himself.
The illustrations are bright, colorful and include many images in the Tyrannosaurus in odd positions. The story also includes a lot of onamonapia that students would probably have fun yelling out during a read aloud.
This picturebook does subtly address the theory that Tyrannosaurus was a scavenger instead of a hunter.
Activities to Do with the Book:
Sharing I'm Bad could be an introduction to research projects on dinosaurs. It could also be a nice addition to a students' collection of books who is already obsessed with dinosaurs. Also, since so much of the book emphasizes the Tyrannosaurus attempting to get food, a teacher could direct discussion to how people get food, whether students have learned to fish from a relative or whether they depend on a waiter or waitress to hand them their meal.
Favorite Quotes:
“Are you bad? I'm REALLY bad. Scare-the-tails-off-all-the-other-dinosaurs bad."
"Did you just call me BABY ARMS?
Long as yours, pal--20 times strong. Think about it...."
"I hate fast food."
9780061229725
One big and bad Tyrannosaurus describes himself for the reader, comparing himself to the size and power of a human, doing an excellent job of putting this beasty in perspective. Despite the Tyrannosaurus's size and strength, it still has trouble capturing an animal in it's big huge jaws. It is worth noting that the voice of the Tyrannosaurus is very strong and modern and incorporates some anthropomorphized language ways of viewing himself.
The illustrations are bright, colorful and include many images in the Tyrannosaurus in odd positions. The story also includes a lot of onamonapia that students would probably have fun yelling out during a read aloud.
This picturebook does subtly address the theory that Tyrannosaurus was a scavenger instead of a hunter.
Activities to Do with the Book:
Sharing I'm Bad could be an introduction to research projects on dinosaurs. It could also be a nice addition to a students' collection of books who is already obsessed with dinosaurs. Also, since so much of the book emphasizes the Tyrannosaurus attempting to get food, a teacher could direct discussion to how people get food, whether students have learned to fish from a relative or whether they depend on a waiter or waitress to hand them their meal.
Favorite Quotes:
“Are you bad? I'm REALLY bad. Scare-the-tails-off-all-the-other-dinosaurs bad."
"Did you just call me BABY ARMS?
Long as yours, pal--20 times strong. Think about it...."
"I hate fast food."
March 22, 2012
Hm. It's tough to review this one. I asked my niece to read Duck! Rabbit! to my nephew tonight, and when they finished that one he asked if she could read him another book. I handed them I'm Bad. She did read the story to him, and he seemed to like it, but I was driving while they read, and I couldn't focus more fully on their reactions.
Here's what I could observe. My niece struggled with this text a bit. Since I didn't see the book, I don't know exactly what was tripping her up, but she indicated that the text is laid out in kind of a confusing way. She said that some of the words seemed complicated. I don't know why they were complicated for her. Maybe they were just unusual, perhaps they were strung together in an odd way, or maybe she just didn't understand the context or meaning of the words. Some of the puns in the story were clearly lost on her.
My nephew seemed quite engaged with the pictures, which were bright and vivid. I noticed that once we got to our destination he had the book and was looking through it all over again, and I even heard him softly repeating some bits of the story to himself. I asked him if he liked the book, and he said he did, but when I asked him if he wanted me to read it to him again, he declined.
So I'm not sure about I'm Bad. Good? Maybe. Not so good? Maybe. My niece declares I Stink to be, "much better."
Here's what I could observe. My niece struggled with this text a bit. Since I didn't see the book, I don't know exactly what was tripping her up, but she indicated that the text is laid out in kind of a confusing way. She said that some of the words seemed complicated. I don't know why they were complicated for her. Maybe they were just unusual, perhaps they were strung together in an odd way, or maybe she just didn't understand the context or meaning of the words. Some of the puns in the story were clearly lost on her.
My nephew seemed quite engaged with the pictures, which were bright and vivid. I noticed that once we got to our destination he had the book and was looking through it all over again, and I even heard him softly repeating some bits of the story to himself. I asked him if he liked the book, and he said he did, but when I asked him if he wanted me to read it to him again, he declined.
So I'm not sure about I'm Bad. Good? Maybe. Not so good? Maybe. My niece declares I Stink to be, "much better."
August 25, 2008
Picture Book - I'm not sure what specific genre this book would be in.
This book was cute. It began with a big ferocious T-Rex who was trying to be scary and who was hungry and looking for food. After many failed attempts at catching his own food, the T-Rex begins to cry. His mother catches him and he denies that he was crying. His mother ends up giving him some food and so he eats it and is happy. I like that you don't really figure out that it is a 'baby' T-Rex until the end.
Act. 1 - Story Board: Illustrations from the book could be displayed on the board. This could help to enable the students better visualize the story and the structure in new ways. It could also be a helpful tool when practicing sequencing.
Act. 2 - Postcard: Students could create a postcard and write to a friend, the author, or to a character in the book. They could also write as if they were the character and write to themselves!
This book was cute. It began with a big ferocious T-Rex who was trying to be scary and who was hungry and looking for food. After many failed attempts at catching his own food, the T-Rex begins to cry. His mother catches him and he denies that he was crying. His mother ends up giving him some food and so he eats it and is happy. I like that you don't really figure out that it is a 'baby' T-Rex until the end.
Act. 1 - Story Board: Illustrations from the book could be displayed on the board. This could help to enable the students better visualize the story and the structure in new ways. It could also be a helpful tool when practicing sequencing.
Act. 2 - Postcard: Students could create a postcard and write to a friend, the author, or to a character in the book. They could also write as if they were the character and write to themselves!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews