
A parent might reach for this book when their family is expecting a new baby and they want a humorous way to discuss the big feelings an older child (or even a pet) might experience. This hilarious graphic novel follows the beloved, perpetually grumpy Bad Kitty as her world is turned upside down by the arrival of a new, smelly, noisy baby. The book brilliantly uses Kitty's over-the-top reactions to explore very real feelings of jealousy, frustration, and displacement. Through chaotic antics and eventual, grudging acceptance, it normalizes these emotions and shows that love and family can grow to include a new member. The format is perfect for emerging independent readers aged 6-10, especially those who enjoy visual humor.
The book directly addresses intense negative emotions like jealousy and anger towards a new sibling. The approach is hyperbolic and comedic, using a pet as a proxy for a child's feelings. This allows children to explore these emotions from a safe, humorous distance. The resolution is hopeful and demonstrates the expansion of family love. The book is secular.
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Sign in to write a reviewA 6 to 9-year-old who has recently become an older sibling and is struggling with feelings of jealousy or being left out. It is especially effective for a child who connects with visual humor and might be a reluctant reader, as the graphic novel format is highly engaging.
The book can be read cold. The exaggerated, cartoonish nature of Kitty's plots to get rid of the baby (like trying to mail it to Abu Dhabi) is self-evidently humorous and doesn't require pre-framing. A parent should be ready to laugh along and use the humor to open a conversation about big feelings. A parent has noticed their older child acting out since a new baby came home. The child might be regressing in their behavior, being more aggressive, or directly stating their dislike for the new sibling.
A younger reader (6-7) will focus on the slapstick humor, Kitty's funny facial expressions, and the sheer chaos. They will connect with the basic emotion of being mad that things have changed. An older reader (8-10) will also appreciate the wordplay, the informational sections from Uncle Murray, and the subtler character development. They can better articulate the shift from jealousy to protectiveness.
Its primary differentiator is the use of a pet as a proxy for the older child. This allows the story to portray 'unacceptable' sibling rivalry feelings in an extreme, hilarious way that is less threatening than if a human child were the protagonist. The signature Bad Kitty graphic novel format, with its blend of narrative, lists, and funny asides, makes a common life challenge uniquely accessible and entertaining.
The owners bring home a new baby, throwing their pet cat, Kitty, into a jealous rage. Kitty catalogs all the baby's flaws, acts out in various destructive and hilarious ways, and generally refuses to accept the new family member. With some misguided help from Uncle Murray, and a series of chaotic encounters, Kitty eventually finds herself in a position to protect the baby from an outsider, leading to a grudging acceptance that this new, strange creature is part of her family now.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
