Head-to-head
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! vs Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom
Both are graphic novel series for ages 6-9 with action and humor, but Bad Guys focuses on reformed villains while Hilo features a mysterious sci-fi protagonist.
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
Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom
by Judd Winick
A robot boy with a dark past fights to prove goodness is a choice, not a design flaw
Score comparison
| Score | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! | Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 72 | 72 | Tied |
| Parent Score | 51 | 57 | Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom (+6) |
| Teacher Score | 53 | 52 | Tied |
✓ 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
✓ Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom — perfect for
- •Kids who love action-packed graphic novels with heart. Readers who enjoyed Dog Man's humor will find similar laughs here
- •but with deeper emotional stakes and a protagonist wrestling with questions about identity and choice.
Our take
There's no universal winner here — the right pick depends on who's reading. Both books score the same with kids — pick on vibe.
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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