Jory John's The Bad Seed, accompanied by Pete Oswald's delightful illustrations, invites us on a journey of introspection. This little seed, weighed down by its history, tags itself as 'bad' after a few slip-ups along the way. But, can it find a path to self-discovery, and perhaps, question this notion of being inherently bad?

Now, after breezing through the previous five books, The Bad Seed brought something new to the table. There were moments when the story seemed to hit the brakes, catching me off guard as I suddenly found myself at the final pages. It left me wishing for a smoother narrative, as if there were bits and pieces that didn't quite sync up.

However, no doubt about it, Pete Oswald's illustrations totally steal the show. Each page turn reveals this whole artistic world that's way more than just pictures. Oswald's strokes give these characters a real spark, making them feel alive and unique. The way he plays with light and shadow, and pays attention to every little detail, pulls you right in. It's not just about seeing it; it makes your imagination run wild.

At the end of the day, The Bad Seed really drives home the idea that our past doesn't have to define us. It pushes us to see beyond the labels and judgments people throw our way and encourages us to believe in our potential to grow and change. Although there were times when the story seemed to rush towards the finish line, leaving me a bit surprised, I couldn't help but wish for a smoother flow. But hey, Pete Oswald's illustrations steal the show. They breathe life into the characters, making them feel so real. This book is a prime example of how storytelling, with words and images working hand in hand, can leave a mark that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page.