Head-to-head
Babymouse #3: Beach Babe vs The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
Both are graphic novels for ages 6-9 with heart and humor, but Babymouse is girl-focused romantic comedy while Bad Guys is absurdist animal buddy comedy.
Babymouse #3: Beach Babe
by Jennifer L. Holm
A funny, warmhearted graphic novel about a daydreaming mouse who learns that real beach adventures beat fantasy perfection.
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
by Aaron Blabey
Fast, funny space adventure where the Bad Guys learn that first impressions can be dangerously wrong
Score comparison
| Score | Babymouse #3: Beach Babe | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 61 | 72 | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! (+11) |
| Parent Score | 54 | 51 | Babymouse #3: Beach Babe (+3) |
| Teacher Score | 54 | 53 | Tied |
✓ Babymouse #3: Beach Babe — perfect for
- •Reluctant readers who need a visual, funny entry point into books
- •Girls ages 7-9 who enjoy humor and imagination
- •Kids who love graphic novels and want a female protagonist
- •Summer reading lists and beach-themed classroom units
✓ The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! — perfect for
- •fans of the Bad Guys series
- •reluctant readers who need visual storytelling
- •kids who love absurdist humor and space adventures
- •readers aged 7-10 who enjoy fast-paced graphic novels
Our take
There's no universal winner here — the right pick depends on who's reading. The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! scores higher with kids (72 vs 61) — better if your goal is "my kid actually wants to read it."
Still not sure? Take the 2-minute SPARK quiz — we'll pick the one that fits your specific kid's reading personality.
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