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Bad Kitty Chapter Book #4

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby

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Kitty's owners are home with a big surprise for Kitty. But what is it? Kitty, reeling in horror, thinks it's a . . . dog. The neighbor cats are convinced it's a cat. But we all know that it's really a BABY!

With Nick Bruel's trademark mix of antic humor (this time involving a Kitty game show and the Kitty Olympics―which the baby wins hands down), riotous illustrations, total mayhem, and Uncle Murray Fun Facts, this may be the funniest Kitty book yet, and the one that hits closest to home.

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby is the winner of the 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards for Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

104 people are currently reading
2138 people want to read

About the author

Nick Bruel

114 books401 followers
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

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5 stars
2,510 (53%)
4 stars
1,046 (22%)
3 stars
739 (15%)
2 stars
198 (4%)
1 star
157 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
Profile Image for Tim The Enchanter.
360 reviews201 followers
June 13, 2015
This is the review of my 7 year old daughter Sydney.

This book is about a cat, a baby and a dog. Bad Kitty wonders what the baby is because she doesn't know. She thinks that maybe it is just another cat.

It was really fun reading this book and the things that happened in the book were very fun. It was really funny when Bad Kitty tried to put the baby back where it came from and tried to treat the baby like a cat. Bad Kitty and the baby had a lot in common. The book was really funny.

You should read this book because if you are young and like chapter books, this one is funny.
Profile Image for Chris.
23 reviews
January 30, 2015
In my opinion, Bad Kitty Meets the Baby by Nick Bruel is hilarious and meets all the criteria for a “cat lover”. Based on Mya’s inventory, she likes animal books and wishes she had a cat store. Although this is a fictional chapter book, it does have fun facts about why cats climb trees and how to get them down safely.
Books in Print listed this book as best for 7 to 10 year olds or 2nd to 5th grade (primary to intermediate), so this falls right into Mya’s age group as she’s in 4th grade. For Mya, this book would give her some solid independent reading time as it is a chapter book but not a daunting one. Between the engaging illustrations and the cat humor, this book would capture most children’s attention. It would also be fun to read it along with Mya, taking turns. I like to do that with my own kids.
Reasons I selected this book for Mya:
• She indicated she wishes she had a cat store. So, with that information plus the knowledge of her enjoying animal stories, I thought this one was a hit.
• She could do some independent reading with this one as it is a chapter book but not overwhelming due to the illustrations and the cartoon feel. She said if she had a surprise day off from school she would spend the day playing and reading, so I thought this was the perfect fit. Not too heavy; just fun!
• Liking humorous books was listed, so I had to get her something fabulously funny.
• Being a person that wants a cat, I am certain she will enjoy the factual cat information about why they climb trees and how to safely and realistically get them down.

Book Hooks:
• Bring in some photos of cats doing funny things or find something on Youtube.
• Make a list of all the funny and factual ways cats behave.
• Bring in some baby photos and talk about what is sweet and not-so-sweet about babies.
• Pre-read page 8 and 9: “The skies became dark, the ground began to shake, the air became cold and dank and filled with a horrible stench.” What could this be?
• Read aloud what Uncle Murray goes through from Day 1 to Day 7 on pages 28-31 as it is in cartoon form and will give the kids a glimpse into kitty’s naughtiness.





Activity Ideas:

• Use the Pussycat Olympics in the book as a model for writing another type of animal Olympics.
• Make a list about all the funny/messy/adorable things about: babies, cats, dogs, etc.
• Reread Uncle Murray’s Fun Facts: Why do cats climb tree?/Why do cats get stuck in trees?/How do you get a cat back down from a tree? Do some additional research into cats.
• Use Uncle Murray’s Fun Facts as a model for writing fun facts about another animal.
Profile Image for Greta is Erikasbuddy.
856 reviews27 followers
February 8, 2012
Bad Kitty has met her match!

But is she another kitty?

She sure does seem to act like one.

All this new kitty does is eat, sleep, cry, and poop.

But that's not a kitty!

That's a baby!!!

All the other neighborhood kitties seem to think the new face around the house is a kitty.

She even won all the events at the Kitty Olympics.

But it's not a kitty!! It's a baby!!!

Bad Kitty is confused.

Bad Kitty doesn't really like the baby.

Until Bad Kitty finds out that she's adopted just like her.

Then Bad Kitty wants to protect the baby from getting a dreaded... BATH!!

This is a really cute story. Not as funny as the other Bad Kitty books but I think this would be a great read if you child is adopted. They could see that Bad Kitty was too and that might make them feel better. My Mom was adopted and she told me that my grandma used to read her kids books about it. I think this would have been a great one to add to their collection.

All in all... Love the artwork, love the story, and Love Bad Kitty!

Greta Kitty fact:
When my son was born we had a cat named socks. Socks did not like the new baby. He thought that the baby WAS another kitty and would hiss and hiss at him. Then after a couple of weeks, Socks got used to the baby. Whenever the baby would cry he would be the first on in the room with his paws draped over the crib waiting for me to come get the baby. I always felt that Socks considered the baby his. But unlike Bad Kitty.... Socks didn't mind if the baby got a bath. He just always wanted to help.
Profile Image for Karen.
715 reviews77 followers
October 18, 2011
Poor Bad Kitty. He's finaly getting used to that goofy, drooling dog and now they bring home...another DOG!!! Well, no, it's actually a baby, but to Bad Kitty, it's a loud, stinky thing, so it must be another dog. We loved the original Bad Kitty. Liked Poor Puppy maybe a little less so. And my son was actually disappointed with the chapter format of Bad Kitty Gets a Bath- he liked his Bad Kitty in small doses. Last night, however, we took turns trading off the voices in this one, and he loved it. He was red in the face from laughing. He would definitly give it 5 stars. I thought one of Uncle Murray's fact sheets would have been enough, so it was just 4 1/2 for me. We'll go back and read Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, and I can't wait for A Bad Kitty Christmas.
Profile Image for Haidyn.C.
34 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2017
It was okay because it wasn't really interesting in the begging but then it got better. This book is recommend for people who like crazy things that happens to dogs. It is different from other dog story's because the dogs do Olympus with other dogs and cats with just a baby. When the guy had to babysit the dogs he wasn't watching and then some stuff got stuck and then they had to call the firefighters.
Profile Image for Ella Nadine.
37 reviews
October 9, 2024
This book was good because everyone who met the baby liked him but bad kitty didn’t. It was funny how he kept trying to get rid of the baby.
Profile Image for Angela.
46 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2011
My sister came up to me this afternoon and requested that I read it to her. So, we sat down together and we read it.
As a side note, my little sister is approximately eight years old.
Oh, Poor Kitty!

I've read all of the other Bad Kitty series books to my little sister because she enjoys them. This was the first 'chapter' book relating to the series that she's brought home for me to read to her.

The story line was cute and the illustrations really enhanced the story being told. My favorite parts were when they held the kitty olympics and the ending when it was time for baby's bath. My sister really enjoyed when Uncle Murray came, and left, and really, the entire book. It had that whole vibe of little-kid-humor, such as how both Kitty & Puppy got a refrigerator stuck up a tree; my sister found this quite humorous and laughed. I smiled at her laughter, but not at the content. Aside, it was an okay book for me but a great one for my little sister.

I totally recommend this book who wants an easy read or needs something to read to their little sibling/child. Although, you may find it a little difficult explaining everything around the topic of 'adoption'. I was caught up for ten minuets trying to find a simple way to explain to my little sister what adoption is without scaring her.

Good luck and happy reading!
Profile Image for Erin.
759 reviews
June 20, 2011
In this latest book, Bad Kitty meets up with the biggest challenge yet.... a new baby! Bad Kitty is convinced that the baby is actually a dog, but his kitty friends determine that the baby is a cat and allow the baby to compete in the Kitty Olympics. Enjoy the fun ending to this story as well as a few gems from Uncle Murray.

One thing I really loved about the book is that the new baby is actually adopted. There is a definite lack of chapter books out there involving adoptions, so I was glad to see that it was so positively incorporated into the story.
Profile Image for H. Givens.
1,901 reviews34 followers
April 17, 2015
Sweet story, great for kids with new siblings. It's really adorable how first Kitty hates the "new dog," but the parents explain they adopted the baby just like they did Kitty and Puppy, and she needs love and a nice place to live just like they did, and Kitty has a total change of heart.

No counting or alphabet in this one, but some olympic-style commentary, with info about how/why cats get stuck in trees, and tips on teaching them tricks.
Profile Image for Sara.
217 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2015
Bad kitty already has one number one enemy: the dog. The dog is gross and drools and is stinky. Then her owner goes on a trip without kitty. He said he would bring a special surprise. Uncle Murray takes care of them for a week. IT is like chaos. Kitty then the dog then the fridge then Uncle Murray get stuck in the tree. When the owner comes Back he brings back a baby.
To Be Continued.
Profile Image for April Thompson Freeman.
407 reviews73 followers
July 12, 2014
Bad Kitty's every day shenanigans are put to the test when the new baby arrives. But all is well when the other cats let Bad Kitty know this is just another cat. Not another dog. But does it convince Bad Kitty??

Oh so funny!
Profile Image for Melissa.
335 reviews27 followers
November 27, 2012
Really cute and funny book, especially if you own a cat. It is a must read for older children to adults.
19 reviews
May 13, 2014
the thing that made me laugh was when they played "what the heck is that" game show.
Profile Image for Maryam.
175 reviews52 followers
November 1, 2016
It was really great! I loved how bad kitty was such a bad kitty!
7 reviews
December 12, 2016
I like cats a lot and also this book show me a picture in my mind like what gonna happen when a kitty meets different thing like a dog or a baby girl and also it's a really really funny book.
Profile Image for Austin Phadoungsyavong.
123 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2017
I think good book but some language, because bad kitty don't know baby, she think baby was dog and everyone cat think new kitty just human baby make me little laugh but make little misunderstand.
80 reviews
November 23, 2017
Once again, the book in the series does not disappoint. A good laugh-out book to read with children. They get it.
8 reviews
April 3, 2018
take my mind to image what is going on in the book and I like it.
1 review
Want to read
February 17, 2018
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13k reviews483 followers
October 21, 2020
Is the new surprise :gasp: another dog? No, it's a Super Kitty, winning the Pussycat Olympics. Cute read, probably four stars for the right audience. Love that there are educational facts about cats and the care thereof.
Profile Image for Samuel.
312 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2024
It was good. Not the best book I've ever read.
Profile Image for Ro.
388 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2024
Kitty.
So mad.
Profile Image for Jaelyn Seidenwurm.
5 reviews
January 19, 2025
actual rating: 4.5, sorry it has some humor that i understood now that i didn’t when i was little, great book
Profile Image for Tiger.
218 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2020
Not my favorite volume, mostly because I'm not fond of children, especially the younger ones lol I don't know if the following counts as a spoiler but just to be safe - POSSIBLE SPOILERS ahead!

At first, I was so confused by the story. The family had gone away for a week, which I don't think it takes that long to have a baby? I'm not sure, but it seems a bit long. Plus, the child is a young toddler, not a newborn! I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that it took until after the catlympics concluded before my mind considered adoption as a factor, which proved to be the case just a couple pages after my thought! It was a small thing but made me feel special haha

Hungry kitty is now my favorite because she kee0s bringing up tacos and I LOVE tacos. I also learned a new word - "caterwauling" which means to make a shrill howling noise like that of a cat!

Finally, at the back of the book, there's two pages about training your cat to follow commands. I know this to be possible because my cat, Mittens, may she rest in peace, was a very smart cat and I didn't even have to train her - she learned to sit on command on her own! I've always been so proud of her :')

Overall, not my favorite volume, but it wasn't a terrible read, either.
23 reviews2 followers
Read
February 20, 2018
Bad Kitty Meets the Baby is a chapter book for younger elementary school kids. This story shows how Kitty reacts when he meets the new baby of the family. He did not react the greatest to begin with. Over time he accepts the baby though. At the end of the book Kitty is treating the baby kind of like a cat. He wants the baby to poop in the litter box and play with his cat toy. I think what shows that Kitty loves the baby though is when the mom tries to give the baby a bath. Kitty runs away with the baby trying to protect it. I think younger readers will like this book because there are still pictures in it. It is not just a chapter book, it is more like a comic book. The layout reminded me of how a comic is laid out. There is a lot of words though so I think it would fit a second grader better than a first grader.
Profile Image for Lydia.
1,118 reviews49 followers
July 10, 2018
Bad Kitty doesn't know why her people are leaving for a week, and she's not very enthusiastic about the "surprise" they are bringing back. After a week of torturing Uncle Murray and Puppy, the people arrive with a baby! The neighborhood kitties come to visit and check out the newcomer and decide to throw an impromptu "Kitty Olympics" to try and figure out if the baby is a kitty (though Bad Kitty is sure it's a dog). In the end though, Bad Kitty, Puppy and the baby start to bond after being told they were all adopted.

Felt a bit like Mr. Bruel was just reusing/recapping previous books (Uncle Murray staying at the house, the Kitty Olympics, Puppy, etc.) and though it had some good moments (when they all come together), it also couldn't resist bathroom humor (which I always find are low points in books).

Other than gross out moments of stinks, no content issues.

Profile Image for Danielle Jentz.
31 reviews
March 23, 2017
The new kitty isn't quite a kitty at all, it's a BABY! Bad kitty isn't so sure what the baby is and thinks it may be another cat or even a dog. In this hilarious easy-to-read, bad kitty tries to treat the baby like a cat, and even allows it to compete in the Kitty Olympics. This could serve as a great first chapter book. The pictures definitely enhance the story, and make it easier to read. The topic of adoption is brought up, and that could be a great thing if reading to a child that is also adopted, or it could mean you have some simple explaining to do. Either way a great and unique thing to have included. I would recommend this book for age 6-10.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews

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