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Bad Boys #1
Bad Boys: A Witty Picture Book About Two Wolves and Clever Sheep for Kids
Wally and Willy are on the lam again. But as Willimina and Wallanda, they're free and clear . . . or are they? These cleverly disguised wolves think they can fool an entire flock with their womanly wool-wear, but three savvy sheep expose their plan. It looks like another close shave for these baa-aad boys!
40 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 16, 2018
Hoping for a tasty meal, two wolves dress in sheep's clothing, AND DRAG, to infiltrate a flock of sheep. Adults will chuckle at the sheep names - Betty Mutton, Trudie Ewe, and Meryl Sheep - while kids enjoy the funny story. There's a cute ending, and no one ends up on a serving platter with a side of mint jelly.
January 5, 2020
Hilarious! Sheep and wolf puns galore!
January 31, 2020
Willy and Wally were bad boys. Very bad boys! When the two wolves find themselves pursued by some very angry enemies, they decide to disguise themselves as sheep, and "go on the lam." Transforming themselves into Willimina and Wallanda, two of Little Bo Peep's lost sheep, they join the local flock. But a wise old ovine matron named Betty Mutton is soon on to them, and decides to teach them a lesson they won't soon forget...
When I saw this picture-book on the shelf at the local library, this past weekend, I was intrigued. I've enjoyed some of Margie Palatini's other send-ups of classic story themes - her exploration of Aesop, in Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes , her take on witches, in Piggie Pie! - and thought her vision of "the big bad wolf" might be amusing. I even thought that Bad Boys, together with its sequels ( Bad Boys Get Cookie! and Bad Boys Get Henpecked! ), might be in the vein of Daniel Pinkwater's hilarious Bad Bears books. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this one, and although I picked up on the puns, I simply wasn't as amused as I'd expected to be. Perhaps I expected more of a revision of the "bad" wolf idea, but although Willy and Wally aren't successful in their efforts, they are still up to no good, in the end. Margie Palatini fans might still want to take a look at this one, but I think I'll forgo the sequels.
When I saw this picture-book on the shelf at the local library, this past weekend, I was intrigued. I've enjoyed some of Margie Palatini's other send-ups of classic story themes - her exploration of Aesop, in Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes , her take on witches, in Piggie Pie! - and thought her vision of "the big bad wolf" might be amusing. I even thought that Bad Boys, together with its sequels ( Bad Boys Get Cookie! and Bad Boys Get Henpecked! ), might be in the vein of Daniel Pinkwater's hilarious Bad Bears books. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this one, and although I picked up on the puns, I simply wasn't as amused as I'd expected to be. Perhaps I expected more of a revision of the "bad" wolf idea, but although Willy and Wally aren't successful in their efforts, they are still up to no good, in the end. Margie Palatini fans might still want to take a look at this one, but I think I'll forgo the sequels.
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December 1, 2016This book is a continuation of the three little pigs. In this book, the wolves were tormenting sheep and they were in hiding after tearing down the pigs’ homes. Everything was going fine until they were supposed to be shaved, and then everyone found out that they were imposters. Then they were on the run again.
Pre-K-3rd grades
All students would be entertained and would benefit from this book.
This would be a good whole class read rather than small groups.
A book similar to this one is The Three Little Pigs
There is no multimedia that I know of.
Pre-K-3rd grades
All students would be entertained and would benefit from this book.
This would be a good whole class read rather than small groups.
A book similar to this one is The Three Little Pigs
There is no multimedia that I know of.
May 5, 2019
Another twisted and fractured fairy tale. This one features Willy and Wally, two wolves on the lam and looking for a place to lay low from the law. They decide to dress as sheep, and hideout while planning their next dinner. They meet their match when sized up by three savvy sheep.
August 26, 2018
This was so very silly, and I loved it. It's a simple story of two wolves that are hiding from the law, and decide to do it among a group of sheep.
The fluidity of the characters design and the way they're posed, as well as what happens to them reminds me a lot of loony toons and Tom and Jerry [and a little bit of Nu Pogodi]. It just makes me feel very nostalgic inside and I need the other two books.
The fluidity of the characters design and the way they're posed, as well as what happens to them reminds me a lot of loony toons and Tom and Jerry [and a little bit of Nu Pogodi]. It just makes me feel very nostalgic inside and I need the other two books.
February 28, 2011
When it comes to wordplay, this book had everything: references to other classic stories, references to pop songs, clever turns of phrase. It's good for any picture book reader, but it's perfect for the 6-8 reader who will really "get" all the references. As for me, I loved it.
March 1, 2011
I read this book to my son, and we enjoyed the story about two big bad wolves who try to pull the wool over a flock of sheep. It was very interesting to see the wolves point of view for a change. The illustrations in the book are enjoyable, and of course the wolves get their usual ending.
February 17, 2018
Very clever. Great to listen to my reader giggle as she figured out what she was reading.
September 30, 2018
The story of the 2 Big Bad Wolves (one from Little Red and the other from 3 Little Pigs) who escape being caught for their crimes and move onto new ventures, this time, to go after a flock of sheep. Though disguising themselves as sheep may not necessarily 'Pull the wool over the eyes' of the lead, Meryl Sheep (yes, that is her name)…
its a fun story line, though it is kind of wordy, however, the clever word wit of sheep/lamb/pig/wolf/hair jokes make up for it, and the funny illustrations keep kids engaged.
Good show Me Winner. Good for grade 3, who has been exposed to fairytales, now look at it from the perspective of these 2 bad boys!
its a fun story line, though it is kind of wordy, however, the clever word wit of sheep/lamb/pig/wolf/hair jokes make up for it, and the funny illustrations keep kids engaged.
Good show Me Winner. Good for grade 3, who has been exposed to fairytales, now look at it from the perspective of these 2 bad boys!
October 27, 2022
This book has a lot of text so I wouldn't recommend it for Story Time unless you shorten some of the story down (that's what I did). However the illustrations are great and full of detail and color. One of the sheep's name is Meryl Sheep which I found humorous because it's like Meryl Streep. I actually said Meryl Streep on accident when Meryl Sheep came up during Story Time and we all had a good laugh (mostly the adults). There is some repetition of saying "bad boys" which can get annoying. Overall I think the book would have been great if the story was shorten. I feel like there's a lot of fluff, pun unintended.
August 29, 2018
This was a cute book that had a couple spin-offs from The Three Little Pigs. This book was about two wolves, Willy and Wally, who were looking for dinner. They found a flock of sheep and pretended to be sheep but the sheep knew that they were imposters. At the end of the book, the sheep had the wolves getting their "wool shaved" and then they were exposed. Cute book!
November 6, 2019
I think this might be my favorite book by Palatini. This read I noted the great vocabulary words, like dilemma and affirmative. Now, it's got a couple of things I don't like, which is wolves as bad guys and animals in clothing... but it's a spoof of those conventions (and of many others, too) so it's terrific!
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September 15, 2020I love wolves so this is a great book
July 10, 2021
Yes, it was predictable for the adults reading it, but it was interesting enough with the mix of stories with wolves that it was still fun to read about them getting what's coming to them.
August 26, 2021
These bad boys pretend to be sheep...can they pull it off? 3/5 It was a little too long
October 12, 2020
It is a very cute book, an awesome new take on the classic big bad wolf story. Great illustrations. Copyright 2003. Theme; Being bad, It's wrong to be bad
In my future classroom, I would want to read this to students very interactively. I want to talk about every page, and discuss what is happening and why what they're doing is so wrong. This would be a great book to discuss bad behavior.
My favorite part of the book was the ending, where the sheep shaved the wolves. I thought that this was a great ending, basically telling the walls that they're not dumb.
In my future classroom, I would want to read this to students very interactively. I want to talk about every page, and discuss what is happening and why what they're doing is so wrong. This would be a great book to discuss bad behavior.
My favorite part of the book was the ending, where the sheep shaved the wolves. I thought that this was a great ending, basically telling the walls that they're not dumb.
April 22, 2024
"Bad Boys" by Margie Palatini is a hilariously entertaining tale that follows the mischievous antics of two troublemaking boys, Willy and Wally. The story unfolds as the boys wreak havoc in their neighborhood, causing chaos and mayhem wherever they go. Through Palatini's witty text and energetic illustrations, readers are treated to a rollicking adventure filled with humor and hijinks. As Willy and Wally's escapades escalate, they soon learn that their bad behavior has consequences. With its humorous storyline and lively illustrations, "Bad Boys" is sure to keep young readers engaged and laughing from beginning to end. This book is a delightful read-aloud that celebrates the joys of childhood mischief while also teaching important lessons about responsibility and the value of good behavior.
April 23, 2024
These wolves tried to trick the sheep, but they tricked them back. A fun story children would enjoy reading.
November 14, 2017
Run, run....they need to hide. They are on the lam from The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood and now these two wolves, Willy and Wally Wolf need to lay low for a while but where? Looking down into the meadow, they find dinner a place to hide. It is flock of sheep just hanging out in the meadow eating grass. The two wolves grab some disguises and in a few minutes with the help of mascara, stockings, clothing, wool and some high heels, they have transformed themselves into Willimina and Wallanda sheep. As they meander down into the meadow to mingle with the other sheeps, a few of the other sheep decide to come and talk to them. As Wally introduces themselves to them as the Peep Sheep (the missing sheep from Bo Peep) the ladies start to question Wallanda and Willimina. The two wolves can hardly control themselves being so close to a leg of lamb dinner. It’s a funny story with the presence of a few fairy tales added in. But can the duo handle all the pressure?
I really enjoyed the ideas of mingling the two fairy tales and how the author tried to change the identity of the wolves by adding sheep attire. There are a few little subtle fun language issues in the book with the sheep and the wolves. A real fun book to read again and again.
I really enjoyed the ideas of mingling the two fairy tales and how the author tried to change the identity of the wolves by adding sheep attire. There are a few little subtle fun language issues in the book with the sheep and the wolves. A real fun book to read again and again.
July 19, 2012
Willy and Wally Wolf are in trouble – again. The opening picture shows the two wolves running from the three little pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. They need to lay low for awhile so they decide to hide in plain view, disguised as sheep with the local herd. “It was close. It was clever. And – eats were included.” The two snickered, “Oh yeah, we’re bad. We’re bad. We’re really, really bad.” So they get into their sheep disguises and introduce themselves as being the Peep Sheep. You know, the ones who were lost and no one could find. The folk seem to be falling for this story except tough old Betty Mutton and she says: “Just a minute. I knew the Peep Sheep. I grazed with the Peep Sheep. I counted with the Peep Sheep. And you two don’t leap like Peep Sheep.” Well, the gig is up after the Bad Boys go through the sheep shearing line and end up naked “big baa-aad wolves”.
Palatini has written a clever, funny tale about those big, bad wolves found in so many fairy tales. And these two return in two other books, Bad Boys Get a Cookie (they chase the gingerbread man) and Bad Boys Get Henpecked (they try to get a free chicken dinner while helping out a mother hen).
Palatini has written a clever, funny tale about those big, bad wolves found in so many fairy tales. And these two return in two other books, Bad Boys Get a Cookie (they chase the gingerbread man) and Bad Boys Get Henpecked (they try to get a free chicken dinner while helping out a mother hen).
March 30, 2018
I picked this book up because I wanted to see what the wolves did to get in trouble. This is a good book to teach that you might run into some people you don't like or care for. The sheep got revenge on the wolves in the end, so that is something I wouldn't want to teach them. I still think this would be a good book to have in my classroom library.
April 2, 2013
This was a great tale of two wolves , the bad boys, the author shows us what happens to the wolves after their troubles from other known fairy tales. The author Introduces us to the sheep who are able to outsmart this bad boys. In this boom the author uses repetition and figurative language to hook us in this story. The boys repeat "what to do? What to do?" She also uses language like pulls the wool over your eyes, bag of tricks, and fleece the flock. This book will be helpful to teach students how repetition can help students' work become more meaningful. It also shows how figurative language can add a comic, twist and make writing fun!
October 5, 2010
They were bad. Oh yes, those boys were real bad. On the run again, wolves Willy and Wally have the perfect plan. Cleverly disguised in womanly wool-wear, they slip into the sheep flock -- a hide-out "on the lam." A foolproof plan indeed . . . especially for securing a lamb chop or two. But when those bad boys -- rather, Willimina and Wallanda -- meet their match in the form of three savvy sheep, the truth is only a close shave away.
Audience/Age Level: K-6
Instructional Ideas:
Use to teach idioms and other figurative language.
Audience/Age Level: K-6
Instructional Ideas:
Use to teach idioms and other figurative language.
July 17, 2011
fun, silly read with equally fun illustrations. broad age range appeal as the use of idioms and expressions will appeal to parents (always a plus!), and the repetition and goofy characters will be enjoyed by children. the two "sequels" are also fun reads - my 4-year-old has now taken to asking me what i'm thinking, then saying "brain ditto", which appears quite frequently throughout all the books.
May 9, 2011
Funny follow-on story to both Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, this tale takes two bad wolves and puts them in sheep's clothing. The illustrations are great and the story is very entertaining. We enjoyed reading this story together.
July 9, 2015
Bad Boys by Margie Palatini
children's audio b book about a few wolves who try to hang out with the sheep.
They have avoided the cops so far. The perfect hideout. They try to become Little Bo Beep who's gone lost. The sheep allow them to roam with them.
They don't sound the same bleeps as the other sheep. They also have bigger eyes...it's sheep shearing days!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
children's audio b book about a few wolves who try to hang out with the sheep.
They have avoided the cops so far. The perfect hideout. They try to become Little Bo Beep who's gone lost. The sheep allow them to roam with them.
They don't sound the same bleeps as the other sheep. They also have bigger eyes...it's sheep shearing days!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
April 1, 2016
Wally and Willy are on the lam again. But as Willimina and Wallanda, they're free and clear . . . or are they? These cleverly disguised wolves think they can fool an entire flock with their womanly wool-wear, but three savvy sheep expose their plan. It looks like another close shave for these baa-aad boys!
Cute puns and references to nursery rhymes and fairy tales throughout the book. Great for 2nd and 3rd grade humor and the fleecing of two Bad, Bad boys!
Cute puns and references to nursery rhymes and fairy tales throughout the book. Great for 2nd and 3rd grade humor and the fleecing of two Bad, Bad boys!
April 9, 2013
The story of how a trio of sheep outwit a pair of big bad wolves is told with all the clever charm of any good fairy tale and twice the humor. This is the sort of book that can be appreciated by readers, young and old, that appreciate a new twist on an old tale. I recommend it, and that's no baaaaad joke.
November 22, 2013
Two wolves are dying to sink their teeth into a flock of sheep that are grazing near by. They try to disguise themselves are sheep to try to get closer to them. It doesn't work out well for them and the sheep end up shaving all of their fur off! There is great dialogue between the wolves and sheep. It's a great book to use when teaching about quotation marks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews