Target: Earth

Klawde, Evil Alien Warlord Cat #4

by Johnny Marciano, Emily Chenoweth, Robb Mommaerts (Illustrations)

In book four of the Klawde series, our favorite warlord cat turns his malevolent gaze to the one target he never thought he'd consider: Earth. But conquering a world is a challenge, even for Klawde, and he'll need two things for his plan to succeed: an army of zombie squirrels, and, of course, money. Lots of money. And he has a plan to get it.

Meanwhile, as his evil pet plots world domination, Raj is also trying to make some extra cash. He's dying for a cool virtual-reality headset and is determined to get his yard-cleaning business off the ground to pay for it. But when a friendly neighbor catches wind of Klawde's plan, Raj and Klawde's stories collide, and Raj may end up paying for his cat's schemes...

Will Klawde's thirst for power finally be quenched? Can Raj bear the responsibility of a small business? And why are all the squirrels acting strange...?

Genres: Cats, Humor, Science Fiction, Middle Grade, Animals, Aliens, Childrens

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2020

Reviews

[Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only took me 30 naptimes and 6 sunrises to read this book.

I was really excited to see a new Klawde book on the shelf at the library.

[Briarwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's one of my favorite books now - G, age 8

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raj really wants the latest VR gaming system, but it is rather expensive. He starts looking for ways he can make money. Cedar and Steve also would like to make some cash, so the three friends form a lawn service company and start literally raking in the dough. But it is work, and the bucks are coming in slower than Raj would like. Meanwhile, Klawde is working on his latest nefarious plan. He's decided to try and conquer Earth since he's stuck there. When he hears about this VR system and money currency from Raj, he gets a horrible idea of just how to go about conquering the planet. Can Raj earn enough money before he's an old man, and will Klawde succeed in his latest scheme?

Once again, Klawde's underestimating people. Will he ever learn? (He and Zim should form a support club, though they wouldn't be able to stand each other.) Raj learns some important lessons about boundaries with gaming, the joys of hard work, and what has lasting value. A quick, lightly humorous read with some good lessons woven in.

Notes on content: No language issues. Raj's virtual homeroom teacher says some rash things, but learns her lesson. No sexual content. Klawde is planning evil things, but his plans are foiled eventually and before anyone is physically hurt (some are financially hurt). Raj is keeping some secrets he probably shouldn't but learns his lesson.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Klawde,--the Evil Alien Warlord Cat from Planet Lytterbox trapped on Earth as punishment--is moving on to another evil scheme. Klawde has decided to take over his new home--Earth. Using the technology skills of his evil minion cat, Klawde programs a new cybercurrency, Kitcoin, and uses his new wealth to buy virtual reality headsets that allow him to control Earth's squirrels. Combine those headsets with a dozen or so satellites, and Klawde is on his way to world domination. Except, humans aren't quite as easy to conquer as Klawde might believe.

Ridiculous and funny, this is a perfect step-up series for fans of Dog Man, Captain Underpants, and even Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The balance of Klawde's evil villain commentary and Raj's everyday concerns (and fear of and love for his all-powerful cat) keep reader's engaged and eager to know what will happen next. Cute messages about friendship and technology make this series feel a little preachy, but that is easily pushed aside when paired with Klawde's pure villainy. Looking forward to many more Klawde adventures.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klawde is back and this time his plan is to take over the earth using virtual reality. Can he succeed? Now all he needs is the money which he goes about making.

I love Klawde. I love the way the story goes from Klawde's point of view to Raj's. Raj, of course, is trying to be the voice of reason (compared to Klawde) but he is as mesmerized by the money Klawde has accumulated and what it can buy him as Klawde sees it as a means to get what he needs to make the squirrels zombies that are obedient to him. As Klawde slowly succeeds, the neighber, Anne (Lindy's mom) is watching them. She believes someone is hacking her computer through Raj and his family's electronics. Raj becomes cool again! In the end Klawde is no nearer to capturing the earth than he is to returning to Kittyboks.

I cannot wait for the next installment. I am sure Klawde is thinking up something equally spectacular as this adventure.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be one of the craziest Klawde's yet. Klawde needs to prove he can still conquer worlds, so he decides to conquer Earth. He figures the best way to do this is to cut out all the Ogres (aka Human's) electricity and for that he needs an invention created by his faithful minion Flooffee-Fyr called the Zom-Beam. He will use the Zom-beam to create his own army of zombie squirrels to assist him in cutting the power. Then he will rule Earth! Only things are not that simple and he needs to make money fast, so he comes up with a brand new cyber currency called Kit Koin which quickly grows in price. Meanwhile his ogre Raj has decided that he can't live without the coolest VR headset ever, the VQ, but there's no chance in heck his parents will buy him one as it costs a couple of grand. He and his friends Cedar and Steve decide to start a lawn care/handyman business and he starts working his butt off to earn it, until he learns of Klawde's latest scheme. The only problem with Kit Koins are that he has now caught the eye of their local FBI agent, who lives next door. Will Klawde and Raj be able to get their schemes to work or will it all end in disaster? To find out, check out the latest in the Klawde series. As usual, the pun-y awesome humor and evil cat genius was very entertaining and made for a very enjoyable bedtime story for my son. My favorite part was the illustration of all the different kinds of naps Klawde takes. Recommended for age 7-11, 4 stars. 

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, oh Klawde has learned of money and the power it can bring. As he accumulates wealth he plans to take over the Earth. Of course using his fortune for evil. In the meantime Raj and his friends are working to raise money. Raj wants a VR headset but that might work perfect in Klawde's plan. Trying the plan out on neighborhood squirrels is the first step but it draws attention to Klawde. Plus the cyber currency he started with alien tech has got people watching but they don't know who is doing it. Klawde feels confident that he is hidden and they can never find him. Raj is afraid he is going to be blamed because Klawde is using his computer and his home and name to have things delivered. Poor Raj is sick over this. But Klawde is thinking everything is fine.

[Ubah Khasimuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids and I love this series, it is hilarious and this is just another funny chapter in the Klawde saga. It also lent itself to some very humorous inside jokes with the kids and me. I recommend to anyone who has been following the series.
We listen to the series at night and the audio readers are GREAT!

[Allegra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading through this series for a while and the plot of these books always catches me by surprise! It's so unique and funny. The art is just wonderful as well. Can't wait to read more from the creators.

[Felicia]

Oh my god i love klawed. He is so funny with FBI. HE calls them furless brainless idiots at its so funny . the voice my mom does for him is so good better than some of the adiou books. No offens to the readers of the adiuo books i love them to.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klawde decides since he is stuck here on Earth that he may as well conquer it.

[Readergirl77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The evil Klawde tries to take over Earth and have zom-beam squirrels help. Does he succeed?

[bear.hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud. We love this series! Sadly, only one more to go

[Elise Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, silly read.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Jordan Hicks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't much of a fan of this book. The writing style isn't something I am used to. The plot was too predictable.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading with X. He loves this series and it just keeps getting better. The wordplay, word choice, and puns are great, and the short chapters that alternate between the "boy-ogre" and the cat keep readers going.

This one is very relatable because Raj wants a VR gaming system and has to get a job to earn money. And Klawde decides to create "KitKoin", a cyber currency, to speed up the process.

So far the series has kept each new book interesting and funny, which isn't always the case. Looking forward to the next.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed books 1-3 in this series earlier in the year. Klawde quickly became our favorite Evil Alien Warlord Cat.

Klawde's latest evil scheme to take over the Earth involves creating his own new cyber currency, Kit Koin. But I get ahead of the story.

Poor Raj's working his butt off (literally) mowing lawns and cleaning out neighbors' gutters to earn the $1,200+ needed to buy the latest virtual reality headset.

Ahem. Klawde, who never does anything without taking the necessary 8 to 9 naps first, decides he can use the head set to control the world's -- you never guessed it -- squirrels.

Yes, with some tech from Lyttrbox and his now-faithful minion, Flooffee-Fyr, he can expand it control all squirrels. And they'll chew the world's electric grid to shreds.

But to do this, he has to buy 8 satellites that orbit earth.

And to do that, he has to create...Kit Koin.

It's all the rage, worth thousands of dollars to the Kit Koin in a matter of days. He buys Raj a headset to keep him from asking too many questions (and some light up sneakers and a skateboard), but Klawde has finally met his ogre-match -- and she lives across the street.

And works for the FBI.

In its cybercurrency division.

I won't spoil the ending. It's, as ever, hilarious and heart-tugging at the same time.

Now, time to take a power nap. Enjoy!

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[Jester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how far the Lord High Emperor Wyss-Kuzz has fallen. His objective has dwindled to conquering a hairless, ogre-infested planet called Earth.

This was another great installment in the series. It kept me entertained. Both Klawde and Raj continue to be great characters. Although I miss the dog from the previous book and wish the other animals, like Flabby Tabby and General Ffangg, were in it more. I hope Klawde learned that Earth is not to be conquered (though I wouldn't mind if it were by Klawde); I still felt sorry for him. Can he please conquer a planet as a sweet treat?

Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.