
A parent might reach for this book when their child is having a big, dramatic reaction to a routine task, especially something like bath time. This hilarious graphic novel follows the epic struggle of an owner trying to give a bath to a cat who wants nothing to do with it. Bad Kitty cycles through four distinct stages of protest: Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally, Acceptance. The book uses over-the-top humor and expressive illustrations to validate the enormity of a child's feelings about seemingly small things. For ages 6 to 10, it's a perfect way to open a lighthearted conversation about big emotions and tantrums, assuring kids that they are still loved even when they are feeling difficult.
None. The conflict is entirely low-stakes and comedic.
A 6 to 8 year old who struggles with emotional regulation and often has huge, theatrical reactions to non-negotiable daily tasks (like bathing, brushing teeth, or going to bed). This child will see their own dramatic feelings reflected and validated in a funny, non-threatening way. Also a fantastic choice for reluctant readers who are drawn to comics, humor, and animals.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewNo prep is needed. The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to read the funny side-facts and charts with enthusiasm, as they are a key part of the humor. It's an excellent book to read aloud together, pointing out the funny details in the illustrations. The parent just endured a 20-minute meltdown because their child refused to take a bath or put on their shoes. The child was yelling, crying, hiding, and seemed overwhelmed by their own frustration. The parent is looking for a way to connect with their child over these big feelings without lecturing, using humor as a bridge.
Younger readers (6-7) will connect with the slapstick comedy, the expressive drawings of the angry cat, and the simple, relatable premise of not wanting a bath. Older readers (8-10) will appreciate the more sophisticated humor, like the parody of the stages of grief, the witty informational asides, and the overall cleverness of the book's structure. They see the tantrum from a more analytical, yet still funny, perspective.
Unlike most 'I don't want a bath' books, this one uses a mock-psychological framework (the four stages) to structure the tantrum. This gives a name and shape to the overwhelming feelings a child might experience, making them feel more manageable and less scary. The hybrid graphic novel format, packed with funny diagrams and fake facts, is unique and highly appealing to kids who enjoy visual humor and non-linear reading experiences.
The story chronicles a pet owner's Herculean effort to bathe a very resistant cat. The narrative is structured around Kitty's four stages of reaction to the impending bath: Anger (hissing, scratching), Bargaining (promising to do chores), Depression (sadly meowing), and Acceptance (resignedly getting into the tub). The book is punctuated by informational, and often hilarious, interludes about cats, hygiene, and related topics, all presented in a scrapbook, graphic novel style.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
