A Bad Kitty Christmas

Bad Kitty Picture Books

by Nick Bruel

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday, Childrens, Fiction, Cats, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2011

About the author

Nick Bruel is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of children's books including Bad Kitty, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, Bad Kitty Meets the Baby, and Boing!, among others. Nick is a freelance illustrator and cartoonist, and during his down time, he collects PEZ dispensers and grows tomatoes in the backyard. He lives in Tarrytown, NY with his wife Carina and their lovely cat Esmerelda.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/nickbruel

Reviews

[Malina Skrobosinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this! It's funny, sad, and endearing all at the same time. It just moved into the top 10 of my favorite picture books.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Kitty returns in this third picture-book devoted to her adventures, causing holiday chaos as she shreds the Christmas decorations. When her human companion has finally had enough, and speaks harshly to her, she runs off (Puppy in pursuit, naturally) and winds up in a dismal alleyway. Rescued by a little old lady who lives by herself and is quietly lonely this Christmas, Bad Kitty gets a crash course on what the holiday is truly about - namely, love and family - and puts what she has learnt to use when she is finally reunited with her own people...

Although it is the third Bad Kitty picture-book, A Bad Kitty Christmas is the fourth story I have read about this poorly behaved feline. It combines the alphabetic aspects of its predecessors with a rhyming text that is clearly inspired by classic Christmas poems like The Night Before Christmas . As with the other books in the series, I wasn't greatly in love with Nick Bruel's artwork here, but did find the combination of entertaining tale and alphabet book well done, and thought the more heartwarming ending, in which the little old lady is adopted by Bad Kitty's family, was quite heartwarming. Recommended to fans of Bad Kitty, as well as to anyone looking for alphabetic Christmas tales.

[debbicat *made of stardust*]

I am reading for Banned Book week! This is so stinking cute! I now intend to read all of the Bad Kitty Books. I have a few of my own, I will add more. Why would this be a banned book? Anyone know? I see nothing here to be concerned about. Bad Kitty is a delightful character. So is Puppy. Reminds me a lot of the relationship my dog, Bella, had with our cat Bob. Precious family is what Christmas is about and anyone can be family. Have a read and see!

[Lami Daja]

In my opinion I think it deserves 3 stars. I have 3 reasons to. My first reason is because the book was in the middle/begging was just about what happened in the past like to me I kinda didn't like it to be honest. My second reason is because the book was to short and it and it was kinda will not described but the pictures were helpful but what i am saying is that they wrote a lot but not detailed and the picture was like only one picture like when bad kitty meet the dog that use to live it and i am not going to tell you where she lived (spoiled reason and people don't like it and my get angry at me ) and the pictures didn't make sense to but like it only showed bad kitty jumping and not showing the doggy . It also didn't make sense to me because when they were home safe home a person looked like they were about to step on them which i found confusing to. My third reason is that the book had barely anything to read like I it made me feel like it useless to read the book and and the pictures but i enjoyed reading it. I had some problem with the pictures but the author improved because i read a lot of book that were after 2013 and they are much better there are more words to read and the picture make sense. So good job author if you are reading this. This is my opinion and don't take this so serious and don't read it the book at all if you read a comment that say is not the best book. Don't ever judge a book online by it's comment if it has it or never judge it by it's cover.. I personally think this is a good book but I had some issues with the pictures and the word . And never be like ohh this girls/boy said so much not good and then not read every don't judge it by cover or comment again. Yes those were kinda a big issue so that's why I took one of for every issue for me in my opinion. An goo book /amazing kinda mixed felling to be honest but mostly felt like a good book.

[Greta is Erikasbuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas Kitty!!

Christmas is almost here!! And Bad Kitty is not too thrilled. She can't stand the lights, the trees, the Santas, the yuletide cheese!!

Kitty just wants to terrorize. That's what kitties do. By ripping up paper and giving the wreath a good chew.

Isn't that just like a kitty?

Always getting into anything that is Christmas? My two kitties are so bad that we actually have to put up a tiny tree way up high on a shelf. We used to put up a big tree but they kept climbing it and breaking bulbs, eating tinsel, and ripping anything with fake snow on to shreds.

I kind of feel they might have read the beginning of this book as an instruction manual on how to be a proper bad kitty during the holidays.

**Note: Kitties should not read this book from Thanksgiving to New Years. This may result in some unwanted mishaps.

"A Bad Kitty Christmas" is right now my favorite Bad Kitty book. It is told similar to "Twas the Night Before Christmas" as you here how she terrorizes Christmas and then finds it in her heart to not be so bad when she meets an Old Woman who doesn't have any family nearby during the holidays.

This truly is a great Christmas book.

I think this would be perfect to be read to the little ones by Grandma and Grandpa. Or maybe if Grandma doesn't live nearby (like mine did)

The artwork was great
And they rhyming was awesome.
This Bad Kitty book
Tickled my soft spot.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike many holiday-themed books, this one seemed like the author put some genuine thought and time into its creation, rather than a simple cash-in of a popular character. The ABCs were fun, and it had a sweet message.

[Sophie Riggsby / allthingsequilateral · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Reviewed on Mundie Kids on 12/31/02*

My youngest daughter adores all of the Bad Kitty chapter books and when I saw that this picture book was out just in time for Christmas, I just had to add it to her stocking.

I was prepared for the usual Bad Kitty mayhem and mischief, but I wasn't prepared for the level of melancholy. Trust me, it's beautifully presented. Because the holidays are not all about the gifts, wrapping and pretty lights on trees, they're about friends and family. Nick gets that point across to the littlest readers as well as the adults who may be reading or in my case having the book read to them.

This story will now be a holiday favorite. Thanks Nick for allowing me to discuss with my daughter what's really important around holiday time. And yes, there's a gorgeous ending. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore. I see that some of the e-tailers have it on sale now.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another humorous (and surprisingly touching) story in the Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel. Part alphabet book, part homage to Clement C. Moore's Clement Clarke Moore. The rhyming narrative is fun, but challenging, especially for young readers. And the story is long, too, so I recommend it for older children. The illustrations are just as wacky as ever and we enjoyed reading this story together.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute read that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the Bad Kitty books, but I think this one is my favorite. Maybe because Bad Kitty for the first time, thinks of someone besides herself (a temporary fluke I'm sure). Once again, the way Bruel uses the alphabet three times in one book is amazing, but it does slow the book down a bit. I read this to several groups of kindergartners and I think it was a bit overlong. But first and second graders should enjoy it nicely. The Bad Kitty books, both picture books and chapter books (graphic novels?) fly off my library shelves. This would also be a creative way to encourage older students to make alphabet books themselves. A fun addition to the Bad Kitty series, bound to be enjoyed by any cat fan.

Just a note, there is one spot where the old lady is talking about her family and mentions a family with two mothers. I wasn't thrilled to see this because of my own beliefs but at the same time many children are bound to have contact with family situations different than their own and this creates an opportunity for discussion if you so choose, but when I read the book to my students, I don't think the students even noticed it. If they had noticed it I would have simply pointed out that not everyone has the same beliefs or family situation.

[Diana Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this out loud to my kids on Friday and they loved it! It has my favorite characters in it plus a run on things that start with all the letters of the alphabet! Plus awesome illustrations...what more could you want?

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter adores this. We've read it three times in two days, and there is no end in sight.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet and such a good lesson for kids in what Christmas really is. It brought a tear to my eye. I recommend this to everyone, whether you have little ones to read it to or not.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it to my 7 year old daughter tonight before bed. It was cute.

[thewanderingjew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very appealing picture book/rhyming story is a great little tale to read aloud to your youngster or for your independent reader to read alone. The drawing of the kitty's face is simply endearing, and the tale is a tender tale about the true meaning of sharing with others, not only on Christmas, but always.
The meaning of family devotion and compassion is explored on a level with which any child can identify. Readers who have enjoyed other Bad Kitty stories will love this one as well. The story is wholesome, the message warm and engaging; the book is a welcome addition to your Christmas reading list and/or your child's bookshelf.
While this title may refer to Christmas, and the story may be about the true spirit of the holiday, several holidays are briefly mentioned (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Eid), making the book's message universally inclusive for everyone. Devotion to members of the family, and those that feel like they should be members of the family, is key in this book, especially during the time when people are the loneliest, like the times when holidays are celebrated alone of necessity. There is a warm feeling between all the characters in this rhyme which is a takeoff on "Twas the Night Before Christmas", and dogs and cats are an equal part of that equation.
There is a wonderful added bonus to the benefits of reading this hilarious presentation which is the presence of a pattern of rhymes which emphasizes the learning of the alphabet. Early readers will find it a joy to learn as they read, and parents and children will laugh out loud, but then, in the end, they will inwardly feel the warmth of the tale and its message of kindness and compassion. Young minds will be able to embrace this message and the charming illustrations will delight even the most sophisticated reader. The pictures and the message will bring a smile to many lips.

[Donna Brown]

Bad Kitty Christmas is a play on 'The Night Before Christmas' but for cat lovers. Telling the tale of Bad Kitty and the mischief she gets up to on Christmas Eve, this story will have cat lovers nodding sagely as they encounter familiar antics.

It's doubtless a great pick for children but as I don't have any, I read it for myself and really enjoyed it (well, actually I listened to the audio version but more on that later). The kitty is naughty but lovable and the message behind the story is very touching: accept your kitty's naughtiness - it's part of owning cats and you'd miss them terribly if they were gone.

I got the audiobook version from Audible and I must admit if I were rating this on that alone, I probably wouldn't be able to give it more than 3 stars. I just don't think the reading does it justice. However, having looked at the book illustrations and based this review on the merit of the poem itself and the illustrations within the book, I feel fully justified in giving it four stars.

A lovely fun poem for Christmas for pet and cat lovers!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Kitty makes a mess of his home, gets lost, finds an old lady, and learns that Christmas is important because you spend it with family. Adopts some of the rhyme/construction of "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and goes through the alphabet three times (a list of everything Bad Kitty destroyed, a list of everything he wants for Christmas, and a list of all the old lady's relatives seen in her pictures). I appreciated the attempts to rhyme and go through the alphabet, but one of the photos is labeled in the following way: "Here's my Mother Marge with her lovely Niece Nan with her Offspring Oscar and her Partner Pam." I did a double-take, but sure enough, there are two smiling women that are clearly not related. It was subtle enough that I doubt my son noticed, but I don't really want to discuss this topic yet with him, so I would not check out this book again in the future.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! My favorite part of it was the stressing of what the true meaning of Christmas really is. "Little cat, this what Christmas should be. It's not about stuff from a big spending spree. It's not about presents all over the place. It's not about food or stuffing your face. Like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Eid, you see, Christmas is all about...FAMILY."

This Bad Kitty book is probably better for 2nd grade on up. I believe that it would be too long for students younger than that and they'd miss a lot of the humor and message.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a Bad Kitty book in a couple of years. The same humor is there, and with the fun of the ABCs--in this book demonstrated 3 times. And I love that Bruel kept the flow of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in not just one but two stories within the book. Nice to see Kitty actually learn a lesson. A sweet, happy ending. Even some insertions of "political correctness." Might be a bit long (and even over the heads) for a preschool storytime, but a school-age could work.

[Sandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm rarely a fan of the Bad Kitty books although I find Bad Kitty adorable. It's just that it's an ABC book that's populated with words and text that an ABC learner wouldn't know. There's also often so much happening, at least in the case of this book, that it feels forced rather than easy going. Still, this one had a bit of fun and a heartwarming message. Not one of my faves by far, but cat fans more into pictures/illustration than plot may get a kick out of it.

[Holly Letson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the 3 easy-reader BK books I read today, I liked this one best.
----------------------
Kitty runs off during a Christmas Eve trip. An elderly lady ends up taking her home, and teaching her that the truly important thing at Christmas is family and friends.
Kitty is moved, and the lady returns her to her family. She even ends up moving in with them.

[Caryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son liked the little old lady -- thought she was funny and sweet. My daughter loved that there was the hint of a same-sex couple in her family photos. Felt this was realistic and much needed in picture books.

[Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few more alphabetical lists to enjoy, and make one smile, along with a wonderful lesson for the Bad Kitty to remember that the seasons is not about presents, but family, and joy.
The rhyming couplets made it even more delightful. I would happily add this to my seasonal reading.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this. Loved it. And it's not because of the oxycodone in my system.

[Wetdryvac · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the actual *pants* did I just read? I mean, alphabet book, moral-ish book... sheer and utter madness.

[Rocky The Chihuahua · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the type of book that brings you joy every time you read it 😀. Loved the illustrations they were beautiful 😀.

[Abbey Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Kitty- A Bad Kitty Christmas – Nick Bruel
A cat had a family that spoiled her but she wasn’t satisfied. She ran away and got lost in the cold. An old lady found her and took her home to get warm. In the woman’s house there was nothing except a small Christmas tree with photos on it. The old lady described all the black and white pictures to kitty. In one of the photos they have a couple who appears to be lesbian as they refer to one woman, her child, and her “partner.” Also within these pictures are many different races/skin tones. This book could be used for an introduction to children about how some families may be different than theirs and that people can be or look different. The family dog comes home to retrieve kitty and left the old woman alone and sad. The cat came back and got the woman and took her home and they lived happily together. This book had a focus on the alphabet so many times throughout it all of the letters of the alphabet were listed in order as the first letter of a word. Because of this some of the vocabulary word were quite difficult. This would make the book good for grades K when they’re learning the alphabet or 1st grade because of the larger words. There were also a lot of rhyming words and phrases which made it easier to read aloud to children. The illustrations were quite busy and a lot to look at, but they were very emotive and you could tell exactly how the characters were feeling from the illustrations. The last thing I’d like to mention about this book is that it is an excellent lesson on being appreciative of what you have, especially around the holidays. The woman was used to show that sometimes memories and the people you have in your life are more important than presents and material items.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents need to know that this is the seventh book in the Bad Kitty series. Nick Bruel sticks to the formula, with engaging verse and clever wordplay as Kitty blasts through the decked halls of her house and three alphabets on Christmas Eve. But here there's also a warm message about the true meaning of Christmas.



Educational value


Kitty tears through three different alphabets, with lots of interesting vocabulary "Vixen was vexed/ The wreath looked just wretched") and clever rhymes: "Our yuletide looked yucky/ my zeal had been zapped/ When I had found kitty/ In the shreds where she napped."


Positive messages

A kind old woman brings Kitty to her apartment and tells her all about the friends and family whose photos hang on her tiny Christmas tree: "I may not have jewels/ or a car or a yacht/ But I still have my memories,/ and that's quite a lot." She also stresses the true meaning of Christmas: "It's not about presents/ all over the place. It's not about food/ or stuffing your face./ Like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa,/ and Eid, you see,/ Christmas is all about ... FAMILY." Kitty's owner, the narrator, explains that "Some friends are like family,/and she became kin."


Positive role models


The old woman is kind to take Kitty in and willing to let her go when Puppy tracks her down. Kitty's owner, the dad narrator (who is mainly offscreen), scolds Kitty for messing up but clearly loves and cares about his beloved pet. He generously invites the old woman to stay for a snack when she returns Kitty on Christmas Eve night, and even to move in.


Violence & scariness


Kitty tackles the Christmas tree, upends the eggnog, tears up the gifts, wrapping and ribbons, "mauls the manger," "ousts the ornaments," and crashes into trashcans.


Language

Not applicable


This is from commonsensemedia.org


Booklist (December 15, 2011 (Online))

Grades K-3. ’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.



Horn Book (November/December, 2011)

In this parody of "The Night Before Christmas," Bad Kitty escapes from her owners after ruining an entire alphabet's worth of Christmas presents and decorations ("The eggnog was ended / The fruitcake was flung / The gifts were all gutted / The holly un-hung"). A kindly old lady takes in the lost and frightened feline. Her rescuer doesn't have much, but she's willing to share her home -- and her holiday spirit -- with Kitty. Once reunited with her family, Kitty returns the favor in a satisfying conclusion. Bruel slyly adapts the familiar poetic structure; Kitty's over-the-top expressions make her bad behavior even funnier. katie bircher



Horn Book starred (Spring 2012)

In this "Night Before Christmas" parody, Bad Kitty ruins an entire alphabet's worth of Christmas presents then runs away from home. A kindly old lady takes Kitty in and shares her holiday spirit. Once reunited with her family, Kitty returns the favor in a satisfying conclusion. Bruel slyly adapts the familiar poetic structure; Kitty's over-the-top expressions make her bad behavior even funnier.



Kirkus Reviews (September 1, 2011)

Bruel continues the hilarious adventures of Bad Kitty with a "Night Before Christmas" theme in this latest entry in his successful series about the alphabet-obsessed pet. Bad Kitty exhibits her customary bad-to-the-bone behavior as she tears through presents and decorations in alphabetical order, from ambushing an angel to zapping the narrator's zeal. But all that chaos isn't enough for the fearless feline, because she also dreams of an improbable Christmas banquet, enumerated in another alphabetical litany of hypothetical treats such as fried yak with zebra tail. After a scolding, Bad Kitty runs away from home, and as darkness falls on Christmas Eve, she is rescued by a tiny, elderly woman. The lady shares her family photos with the cat, launching another amusing alphabetical list of her extended family. Though the rhyming text is humorous, the kindly woman also makes some gentle comments about the important aspects of celebrating Christmas with family, and her kindness is repaid when Bad Kitty takes her home for Christmas. The cartoon-style illustrations and multiple-panel format will draw in reluctant readers who might resist a Christmas story, but, really, who can resist Bad Kitty, with all her funny faces and amusing antics? A witty and original take on the old Christmas Eve chestnut, with a sweet twist to season the fun.(Picture book. 3-8)



Publishers Weekly (September 26, 2011)

"?'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city/ Not a creature was stirring... except for Bad Kitty." Riffing on Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Bruel takes readers through the alphabet as his crazy-comical cat wrecks the holiday ("The Eggnog was Ended./ The Fruitcake was Flung"). After a scolding, Kitty runs away in the big city only to be rescued by a kind soul who knows a few things about Christmas spirit. Kitty's zany antics, three romps through the alphabet, and a warm reunion make this a gift indeed for Bad Kitty fans. Ages 4-up. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.



School Library Journal (October 1, 2011)

K-Gr 3-Fans of Bad Kitty will not be surprised that she is up to no good again. Through a mash-up of odd alphabet lists and riffs on "The Night before Christmas," a litany of the feline's pranks is conveyed in bold graphic panels and uneven rhymes. Bad Kitty wants MORE for Christmas until she escapes from her family car and is rescued by a lonely old woman who teaches her that the true meaning of Christmas is "FAMILY." Puppy rescues Kitty and they both take the old lady home, where she is adopted by their owners. If madcap destruction and comic antics are dear to your Kitty fans, recommend this title. Others may want a calmer holiday.-Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 1 out of 5]

'Tis a parody of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Kirkus reviews gushed about this book, with a quote displayed prominently on the back jacket:
"Multiple copies are a must."

Who thinks like this? Book reviewers and booksellers.

Me? I'm not convinced that this book is the least bit wonderful.

Is Bad Kitty's (first) destructive romp through the alphabet really that hilarious?

Additional angry romping through the alphabet follows; alternating with clunky little verses that sound to me like imitation Dr. Seuss.

One last romp through the alphabet wraps up the adventure, alternating with -- guess what? -- more faux Dr. Seuss-style verse. Geesh. Seriously?

IN CONCLUSION

I can see how jaded book reviewers at Kirkus Reviews enjoyed a book that was likely written for them, not for children.

Likewise, this book might appeal to parents who feel tired and/or bitter; parents who wish they didn't have to read any more picture books to anybody else ever again.

But how about the children? As a three-year-old I wouldn't have enjoyed this book one bit. Actually, it might have given me nighmares.

Never would I have read this inelegant, grumpy pastiche to my child.

Before reading it to the adorable kids in your life, Goodreaders, you might think (at least) twice.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my fave Bad Kitty book.
And I LOVE Bad Kitty.
Done a la night before Christmas with the alphabetical style found in other Bad Kitty books, this Christmas book is over the top. Kitty destroys the whole house, presents, tree, decorations, you name it.
He gets scolded. That's about it. Off the family go on Christmas Eve in the car, Kitty and puppy, too.
Those two jump out and flee down a dark alley. An old lady finds Kitty and takes her home to her spartan yet cosy apartment.
You won't be surprised that this old lady gives us some morals about Christmas being about family, not gifts, etc.
Bad Kitty gets the message. Puppy finds her, they head home but in a fit of regret, Kitty goes back for the old lady.
And, lo, she becomes part of Bad Kitty's family, moves in even!
It is all too neat, covers too many bases and ruins the charm of what makes Bad Kitty bad Kitty.
Of course, it is a picture book for Christmas giving, sure to pull at heart strings.
That's how I got to read it, borrowed from the daughter of a close friend.
Doesn't mean it's up to Bad Kitty standards. It's not.