Parent, guardian, teacher & librarian guide
Clear answers before you choose the book
The Very Bad Plan is a funny illustrated middle-grade novel for ages 9–12. It uses 50 short chapters and more than 100 illustrations to tell a complete story about friendship, planning, honesty, teamwork, and adapting when real life changes the map.
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is The Very Bad Plan suitable for ages 9–12?
The Very Bad Plan is written for readers ages 9–12. The school setting, friendship conflicts, escalating project problems, short chapters, and frequent illustrations are designed for middle-grade readers. Families should still choose books according to each child’s interests, confidence, and reading development.
Last updated: 17 August 2026What kind of book is The Very Bad Plan?
The Very Bad Plan is a funny illustrated middle-grade novel. It combines a continuous chapter-book story with more than 100 character-led illustrations. The plot follows five friends attempting an ambitious school project while learning to communicate, adapt, tell the truth, and share responsibility.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Is The Very Bad Plan a funny book?
Yes. The humor grows from Sam’s oversized confidence, complicated school rules, clashing personalities, unexpected weather, a hamster, and plans that behave badly in real life. The comedy supports the story’s emotional stakes instead of interrupting them with unrelated jokes.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Does The Very Bad Plan include many illustrations?
Yes. The book contains more than 100 illustrations across 50 chapters. The artwork shows expressions, physical comedy, notebook details, signs, posters, spaces, and turning points. The pictures are intended to carry story information as well as create visual energy for readers.
Last updated: 17 August 2026How long are the chapters in the book?
The Very Bad Plan uses 50 short chapters to create frequent natural stopping points. Chapter length varies with the scene, but the structure keeps progress visible while preserving a complete novel-length arc. The story is continuous rather than a collection of unrelated episodes.
Last updated: 17 August 2026What lessons does The Very Bad Plan explore?
The story explores planning, adaptability, friendship, honesty, listening, shared responsibility, and progress over perfection. These ideas appear through decisions and consequences inside the adventure. The book does not present itself as a workbook, rulebook, or step-by-step planning manual.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Is The Very Bad Plan a book about teamwork?
Teamwork is a central theme in The Very Bad Plan. Sam’s original idea improves when Ben, Mia, Omar, and Leo contribute different strengths, concerns, and solutions. The story shows that teamwork includes disagreement, honest information, shared ownership, and credit that belongs to everyone.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Does the story teach children how to plan?
The Very Bad Plan explores how planning works without promising a formula for perfect results. Characters set goals, meet constraints, make mistakes, gather new information, and revise their approach. Readers see planning as a flexible process shaped by people, consequences, and changing circumstances.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Could the format suit a reluctant reader?
The short chapters and frequent illustrations are designed to make progress visible and the pages inviting. Some reluctant readers may appreciate that structure, especially if they enjoy humor and school adventures. No single book suits every reader, so interests and reading comfort still matter.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Can families read The Very Bad Plan aloud?
Yes. The ensemble cast, dialogue, visual jokes, short chapters, and natural stopping points support shared reading. Families can pause to predict the next complication or discuss a character’s choice. Independent readers can also follow the complete story at their own pace.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Could teachers use the story for classroom discussion?
Teachers and librarians can use the story to discuss goals, roles, honesty, flexible thinking, conflict, and shared credit. The website provides conversation starters, but educators should adapt discussion depth and activities to their students, curriculum, safeguarding rules, and local classroom needs.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Is The Very Bad Plan part of a series?
The first edition is presented as a complete story with its own beginning, consequences, and resolution. No additional volume is being promised on this page. Future book or animation news will appear on the official website only after the author confirms it.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Who wrote The Very Bad Plan?
Ali Babaee wrote The Very Bad Plan. His children’s enthusiasm for his made-up stories encouraged him to develop one idea into a full illustrated novel. The book reflects his belief that life is not about perfect plans, but meaningful moments, effort, kindness, and adaptation.
Last updated: 17 August 2026When will The Very Bad Plan be released?
Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions are being prepared for Amazon. A confirmed publication date is not displayed yet, so the website does not make a release promise it cannot verify. The official purchase links will replace the coming-soon notice when each edition is live.
Last updated: 17 August 2026Where will readers be able to buy it?
The planned first release includes Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions on Amazon. The official website will link directly to verified product pages when they become available. Readers should use those links to avoid confusing the book with similarly titled works or unofficial listings.
Last updated: 17 August 2026