
A parent might reach for this book when their child starts asking questions about elections, voting, or why people on TV are arguing about being president. It’s an excellent, non-partisan way to introduce civics. The story follows the hilariously grumpy Bad Kitty as she decides to run for president of the Neighborhood Cat Club against her rival. Through a blend of graphic novel storytelling and funny, factual interludes, the book explains concepts like platforms, campaigning, and voting. For ages 7-10, it masterfully uses humor to teach lessons on fairness, community responsibility, and what makes a good leader, making a complex topic accessible and entertaining.
This book is free of sensitive topics. The conflict is comedic and low-stakes. It touches upon political concepts, but in a completely secular, simplified, and non-partisan way that is appropriate for children.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn 8-year-old who loves graphic novels like Dog Man or Lunch Lady and is starting to notice real-world elections on the news or at school. This book is perfect for a reluctant reader who needs high-interest visuals and humor to engage with a topic that could otherwise be dry. It’s for the child who learns best when they are laughing.
No preparation is needed. The book is self-contained and does an excellent job of explaining its own concepts through the Uncle Murray sections. A parent can hand it to a child or read it with them without needing to provide any outside context. It's a perfect 'read cold' book. A parent overhears their child asking, “What’s a platform?” after seeing a campaign sign. Or, the child’s school is holding student council elections and the parent wants a fun way to explain the process and the importance of good leadership without lecturing.
A 7-year-old will primarily enjoy the slapstick humor, the funny drawings, and Kitty’s grumpy antics. They will absorb the basic idea of an election. A 10-year-old will better understand the satire of political campaigns, appreciate the informational sections more deeply, and be able to connect the concepts of platforms and voting to real-world civics.
Its unique hybrid format is the key differentiator. Unlike other books about elections (like *Duck for President* or *Grace for President*), this one explicitly blends a fictional narrative with direct, non-fiction-style educational content. This combination of story and fact, powered by Nick Bruel's signature humor and art style, makes the civics lesson incredibly effective and memorable for young readers.
Bad Kitty decides to run for president of the Neighborhood Cat Club when the current president, Old Kitty, steps down. Her main opponent is Big Kitty. The story follows their ridiculous campaigns, complete with debates, posters, and outrageous promises. The narrative is frequently interrupted by “Uncle Murray’s Fun Facts,” which explain real-world civics concepts like what a president does, what a platform is, and how voting works. The election has a surprise outcome that teaches Kitty a lesson about leadership and community.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
