A Bad Kitty Christmas [Hardcover]

Nick Bruel (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 13, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Series: Bad Kitty | Lexile Measure: 520L (What's this?)

A HILARIOUS NEW HOLIDAY PICTURE BOOK ABOUT EVERYONE'S FAVORITE NAUGHTY FELINE

 

"Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city, not a creature was stirring...Except for BAD KITTY."

 

A greedy Bad Kitty didn't get all the presents she wanted for Christmas, but after she goes on a Christmas caper across town and through multiple alphabets, she makes a new friend, finds an old friend, and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Or not. Nick Bruel's first picture book about Bad Kitty since the uproarious Poor Puppy in 2007 is full of rhyming mayhem... and Christmas cheer.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

’Twas the night before Christmas and Bad Kitty has already opened all the presents: “Though there were presents and bundles and boxes galore, Kitty was angry. She wanted MORE.” Disgruntled Kitty runs away, and a kind elderly woman takes her in. She doesn’t have much, and soon Kitty comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Echoing the rhythm and rhyme scheme of “The Night Before Christmas,” the story includes three romps through the alphabet, as well as alternating first-person narratives and colorful comic-style illustrations. Humor and heart combine here in an entertaining holiday read that Bad Kitty fans will especially love. Grades K-3. --Shelle Rosenfeld

Review

“It’s a good story for teaching kids about the true meaning of the holiday.” --Parents Magazine

 

"Bruel slyly adapts the familiar poetic structure; Kitty’s over-the-top expressions make her bad behavior even funnier." --Horn Book Magazine

 

“Kitty’s zany antics, three romps through the alphabet, and a warm reunion make this a gift indeed for Bad Kitty fans.” --Publishers Weekly

 

“If madcap destruction and comic antics are dear to your Kitty fans, recommend this title.” --School Library Journal

 

“A witty and original take on the old Christmas Eve chestnut, with a sweet twist to season the fun.” --Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press; First Edition edition (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596436689
• ISBN-13: 978-1596436688
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nick Bruel is the author and illustrator of, among other books, Bad Kitty, Poor Puppy, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, and Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray. A former bookseller, Nick used his quirky sense of humor and cartooning skills to get out from behind the bookstore counter and onto the shelves. But Nick was a born writer. When he was in first grade, he loved nothing more than to write stories and make drawings to go along with them, which he still does to this day. Nick lives with his wife Carina, daughter Isabel, and cat Esmerelda in Tarrytown, New York. During his down time, he collects PEZ dispensers and grows tomatoes in the backyard.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a PICTURE Book September 13, 2011

By Nicholas T. M. Bruel

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Hi.

Just as I had to do when "Bad Kitty Gets A Bath" first came out and it wasn't clear in the book description that it was a chapter book, I find myself having to point out that "A BAD KITTY CHRISTMAS" is actually a PICTURE book, the first Bad Kitty picture book since "Poor Puppy" came out back in 2007.

I just don't want there to be any misunderstanding. Every now and then I meet someone who is very familiar with the Bad Kitty chapter books, but has no knowledge of the original picture books. It is for those people in particular that I am writing this.

And, just for the record, even though the book description above states that Kitty goes through the alphabet three times, the book itself covers the complete alphabet FOUR times (FIVE, really... you'll see what I mean) but in three different sections of the book.

Oh... and it rhymes, something else not obvious in the above description.

So, once again to avoid any possible confusion... "A Bad Kitty Christmas" is a PICTURE book.

Now you know. I hope this helps.

Thanks for looking.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! November 24, 2011

By Methusala

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This hardcover book has just joined our Christmas collection! Every year since my son was born, 9 years now, I buy him Christmas books,1 or 2 books deemed worthy of our collection. They come out around Thanksgiving and get packed back up when the tree comes down. Our Christmas books are very special to us, and this book fits right in. My son read it within minutes of the box being open and he told me I couldn't read it until bedtime. As we're snuggled up in bed reading this, I was brought to tears, which is no easy task. My son said the first time he read it he cried, and that's why he was in the bathroom so long! This book is absolutely amazing! Colorful! Insightful! Funny in true Nick Bruel style, yet surprising emotionally heartwarming for the Holidays!

I cannot fathom that the (so far) two bad reviews are based on homophobia. My son is 9 and had read this book repeatedly and still has not picked up on the 'partner' reference. I gave my husband this book to read and he didn't pick up on it either. I had to point it out to him. As a Christian, I'd like to point out a verse if I may be so bold... Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, Love they Lord your God, et al., and second,?, to LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. We cannot pick and choose whom to love. Who is our neighbor?

If you are adamant about your children reading 'homosexual propaganda' than this book is most decidedly NOT for you. Let it be known up front there is a reference in this book to a woman, her offspring, and her PARTNER.

It is ALSO a beautifully illustrated story of a lonely old lady at Christmas.

By the way, if MY son came home from school with an AUTHENTIC autographed book from Nick Bruel, I would be REALLY EXCITED and bouncing off with walls with what would have been a most THRILLING experience for my son!!! His Bad Kitty books bring joy and happiness to my son, ALL of the books, including this one. PS If you don't want your autographed copy, we will GLADLY take it, I'll even pay shipping.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly my favorite Bad Kitty book yet... November 27, 2011

By Anne-Kari

Format:Hardcover

We've got all the Bad Kitty books (as well as Bruel's "Bob and Otto" and "Boing!"). My kids both grew up on Bad Kitty and I've loved them all, but this one is my favorite.

Why? Well, for one, the illustrations: Bad Kitty books are always wonderfully illustrated, but this book brings it up another notch. Even the black-and-white rendered family photos are expressive.

For another, it returns to the alphabet-learning format of the first book but adds more silliness (and sweetness) to the process. Even my 10-yr-old, who says he's waaay too old for a 'kiddie' book, loved the trips through the alphabet.

And of course, the most important reason I loved this book: The author's SECRET AGENDA: Family is important and we should try to be kind to each other, no matter what we celebrate.

And yes, by the way, I am aware that in the course of the book and among the 10+ pictures depicting one old lady's family there is one extremely short reference to "Nan" and her "partner Pam", it's hardly anything other than just that - a passing reference amid a large and lovely story about our favorite Bad Kitty finding out that family and friends are to be cherished.

I see that there are a few people out there who take offense to that one part of the book. I understand that everyone is entitled to their take on it, that's fine. If you are concerned about it then by all means, take a look at it in the library and make your decision as to what you think is right for your family.

My family thinks that this is a lovely, sweet, absolutely appropriate book for children of all ages.