Similar to the Skunk and Badger series by Amy Timberlake, Bad Badger: A Love Story is a classic feeling tale that mixes friendship, coming of age (though well into their adulthood) and “shoulds” (you “should have this” to be a “good badger”, you “should like this” to be friends) together to make a softly written, strong modern story.
Maryrose Wood’s novel is sweet, calm and has only a small mystery towards the end of things. There is not a lot of traditional action (though Badger does have to battle the hot sand and waves on a beach trip), but does keep you entertained and engaged with what is happening. Giulia Ghigini occasionally has a black and white image popped onto the page. They are both to support what is going on and to give you more background information.
There is one small bump for me, which is that Badger is human-like in his actions as he carries a backpack, wears rubber boots, listens to opera, rides a bike, enjoys making omelets, and uses a bathtub. But when we meet badgers of the forest they have none of those qualities, they don’t understand sunsets (they live deep in the forest, the light covered by the tree canopy) and have never even heard of a bathtub. They are “wild animals” (though with very nice manners). And the seagulls all seem to just say “Caw” in various tones, whereas Badger speaks in words (even occasionally Italian). This mix of fiction and somewhat nonfiction was a little off putting but not a huge issue especially for the aged audience. Ages five to eight can have it read to them, with ages 8 to a younger 12 having fun solo.
