Bad Kitty: Party Animal

Bad Kitty Chapter Book #18

by Nick Bruel

It's Puppy's birthday and Kitty can't seem to do anything right in this brand new graphic novel adventure by New York Times-bestselling creator Nick Bruel, for fans of DOG MAN and INVESTIGATORS.

It's Puppy's birthday and Kitty would rather be anywhere else.

While Puppy gets a BIG present and a very special birthday breakfast, all Kitty can do is pop the balloons, topple the cake, and cause mayhem...unless, she can learn how to let Puppy have the spotlight.

Help Puppy (and Kitty) celebrate this special day in this graphic novel about sibling rivalry, and learning how to share, in the latest full-color addition to the bestselling Bad Kitty series.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Animals, Dogs, Cats, Humor, Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

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

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute kids graphic novel. This book had great illustrations as well as a good storyline that kids are sure to enjoy. Bad Kitty: Party Animal was easy to read and told an entertaining story.

Thank you to @mackids for the gifted copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Bad Kitty series is so fun! This book is especially fun because it captures the true spirit of cats and dogs. Kitty learns a lesson that helps her get along with Puppy and celebrate his birthday. Puppy is his adorable, goofy self.

[Peggy Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun kids' book with a moral. Love the stuff Nick Bruel adds for the adults.

[Michelle Kenneth - PerfectionistWannabe.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cute. Kitty gets a puppy and she's pretty mad about it.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is Puppy’s birthday party. Kitty’s owner is demanding she dress up and play the party games, but Kitty really isn’t interested. She’s a bit put out that they aren’t doing the things she’s interested in doing. She finally runs out of the party and joins some cat friends playing a game. They help her realize that Puppy being in her life is a good thing.

Eventually this comes around to a good point, and Kitty realizing she is glad Puppy is in her life even if at times he’s a little annoying. I have definitely seen parties where a sibling is bent out of shape because of all the attention the other sibling is getting (forgetting they get equal attention on their big day). It’s a relevant lesson for kids.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: The other cats are playing a roleplaying game about battling fantasy creatures, so they talk about weapons and imagine fake battles but the only thing they battle is a monster made out of slobber so it isn’t gross or graphic.
Ethnic diversity: Most characters are animals except for Uncle Murray who is white.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: A jealous pet sibling is acting out a little. There is a good resolution to this in the story.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when it’s someone else’s birthday and not yours? Kitty believes her birthday is today, with a warm breakfast and treats. However, it’s the puppy’s birthday instead. What will Kitty do? From visiting friends to a local clown who looks like bacon, Kitty leaves the party searching for other ventures in town. From a game of Swords and Serpents to realizing that the puppy needs a friend, Kitty heads back home to her new companion.
This volume of multiple stories of one mischievous black cat comes together with a puppy this time. It’s party time! Simplistic drawings of everyday adventures, mayhem at its finest, and the understanding of being pals with the puppy show that the kitty also wants a friend to count on. Hilarious and comedic at times, this graphic novel is fun and engaging. While the kitty is being shamed by her master, the puppy wants help from the kitty, which turns their master’s attention elsewhere. It is a heartwarming tale of epic birthday proportions.

[Samantha Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Kitty: Party Animal is a cute and chaotic addition to the beloved Bad Kitty series, and it's easy to see why younger readers are drawn to it. The expressive illustrations, over-the-top humor, and silly antics make it a fun read, especially for kids who enjoy a little bit of mischief in their stories.

However, revisiting this series as an older reader, I found it didn’t quite live up to the memory I had of it. The charm is still there, but the plot felt thinner and less engaging this time around. Some of the jokes didn’t land the way they used to, and while the art style remains lively, it doesn’t elevate the story as much as I remember it being.

Overall, it’s still a solid graphic novel for its target audience—fun, fast-paced, and filled with personality. But for those returning to it with nostalgia, it might not pack the same punch. A good read for kids, but not as strong through adult eyes.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am allergic to cats and can't have one. 😭 Fudge, who looks like Puppy, volunteered to promote this hilarious graphic novel which is full of mischief, birthday chaos, and unexpected heart. It’s Puppy’s birthday—but Kitty is not having it. From popping balloons to toppling cakes, she causes maximum mayhem while trying to cope with not being the center of attention. Nick Bruel’s illustrations are bold, expressive, and perfect for early readers, and the full-color format adds extra fun to every page. The story cleverly weaves in themes of friendship, sharing, and learning to celebrate others. Kitty’s journey from self-centered grump to surprising party pal is both funny and sweet, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

[Brittany Kammerer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to give a huge thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

As an elementary school teacher I am always looking for new novels to add to my classroom library. My students love The Bad Kitty Series, so when I see there was a graphic novel coming out I was extremely excited.

The Bad Kitty graphic novel was an absolute joy to read. I enjoyed everything about this series from the illustrations to the message kitty learns.

Overall this was an enjoyable read and I definitely can’t wait to add it to my classroom library.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for another fun Bad Kitty short chapter book. I love the color illustrations. I loved the beginning and the alphabet just like the OG Bad Kitty. I got a letter from the publisher that Bruel did that to celebrate 20 years of Bad Kitty.

Fun story, and Bruel stayed consistent w the characters. I loved that Uncle Murray had a presence. I love that Poor Puppy always goes w the flow.

Another great book for fans of the Bad Kitty books, Mercy Watson, and Narwhal and Jelly.

Thank you @MacKids for sharing a copy w me.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻review: Bad Kitty was one of my favorite childhood book. Who could resist a silly and naughty cat who simply wanted to be the center of attention. He always wanted to be the main character in the party. This funny graphic novel should not be missed at all. The colorful illustrations, storyline and funny dialogues are perfect for 3rd to 5th graders. My take on this one is that it is a bigger version of the children’s chapter books combined. I still love this one as a middle grader and I highly recommend this to anyone.

[Emelisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We laughed when Kitty was thinking about the rhinoceros sandwiches 😂 also whe. The cat and mouse were playing a game similar to Dungeons and Dragons. Then there’s two times the characters break the 4th wall talking to us readings. It was so funny! 🤣 we loved it.

The idea that Kitty might have had a better life without Puppy but how would Puppy feel without Kitty was crucial. Seeing Puppy grow old and alone and then die was sad and that was the whole point for was for Kitty to understand it’s not just all about Kitty. Puppy needs love too! 💕

[Hope Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Puppy's birthday, and Bad Kitty (both intentionally and accidentally) keeps stealing the spotlight. As the humans get more irritated with Bad Kitty, Puppy is still very happy to have Kitty so engaged with his special day.

Bad Kitty is always a crowd pleaser in an elementary school library, with both the chapter book titles and the picture book titles. This book follows suit with the others in this series and will be highly circulated.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Bad Kitty is a fun series and this one is another great read. My students love the Bad Kitty series and will be excited to read the latest book. At first Bad Kitty isn’t wanting to be around Puppy on his birthday but she realizes that he really is a good buddy to have around; even if he gets on her nerves at times. Strange Kitty and Mouse always crack me up.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who cannot like Bad Kitty. Her personality is one that any kid or adult can fall in love with. I adore this graphic novel from all the different ways Bad Kitty struggles to embrace her brother dog, to her inventive ways to make a card or a gift. This book is just a home run. I know that fans of this series are going to adore this newest novel.
Thank you so much to MacMillian Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I don’t know where I’ve been (busy being old, I guess), but I had never heard of the Bad Kitty series until now. Clearly, I’ve been missing out! This book is laugh-out-loud funny—quirky, kooky, and delightfully spontaneous. Maybe unedited, too!? Haha

I especially loved its off-the-cuff humor and unpredictable style. (Just remember: you don’t know nuthin’!)

Now I’ve got to track down the rest of the series-can’t think of a better way to ring in ‘25.

[Loree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My daughter and I absolutely love Bad Kitty stories. Following Kitty along her mischievous adventures is always a good time, and this story is no exception!

We follow Kitty as she begrudgingly celebrates Puppy’s birthday and she cannot resist getting herself into trouble. Readers who love graphic novels, mischief, and likeable grumps will enjoy this story.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's puppy's birthday and Bad Kitty does everything possible to ruin it, because quite honestly, Bad Kitty can't stand Puppy. As a matter of fact, going back to the beginning when Puppy was first brought home, all Kitty can remember is how much Kitty did NOT like Puppy. When given the chance to imagine what life would be like without Puppy will Kitty have a change of heart towards her fellow pet?

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Review is submitted to School Library Journal for their upcoming SMS Fiction Article.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

How am I supposed to pick a favorite part? Uncle Murray’s party activity suggestion or the DNF game? Or so many other hilarious scenes?

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK

[Jitsje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaa, weer een geweldig boek! Ik hou van Bad Kitty :)

[Greygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

~5 Stars~ I read it by myself. I like moral of the story that “even if you don’t like someone in your family imagine what it would be like if they weren’t there anymore”.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Daniel Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

😄

I love it!it was so nice of puppy,kitty misjudged puppy 🐈🦮but maybe in the future you could make the characters more realistic

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot actually remember how many times we've read this book this year.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a huge fan of the Bad Kitty series, reading this graphic was an absolute pleasure. As usual, Bad Kitty never fails to put a smile on my face and had me chuckling throughout the story. With Puppy celebrating his first birthday, Kitty is anything but thrilled. Between eating Puppy's special breakfast, popping all the birthday balloons, and being a general nuisance, Kitty would rather have everything be about her. Dealing with classic sibling rivalry, problems with sharing, and the love of family, Bad Kitty: Party Animal has something for everyone. Both kids and adults will enjoy this story starring this bad feline!

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to see a new Bad Kitty graphic novel in my library and this did not disappoint. The dogs thinking Uncle Murray was a giant slab of bacon was absolutely hilarious. SK and Mouse’s argument/not-argument reminded of Sheldon and Leonard from BBT. Just the dynamic of it lol. Also the fact they were playing a cat version of DnD helped to further encapsulate that image. The ending was very sweet and I loved the lesson that Kitty learned. Trying to imagine life without another person is a difficult thing but she learned it well and I’m glad she learned how important Puppy is to the family.