Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine's Day

August 26, 2022

PreS-Gr 1-Bad Kitty is back. This time she's celebrating Valentine's Day, or at least trying to. No one has given Bad Kitty a valentine. This greatly upsets her. She takes a moment to reflect on her year since last Valentine's Day. It seems as if she can only remember the hijinks she's gotten up to. Nonetheless, she wants a valentine! She hopes to get one by giving one. Thus, Kitty sets to work on creating a card for Puppy. It's a bit harder than she realizes. "Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, you smell bad." Maybe not the card Puppy was hoping for. With some more time and effort, Kitty is able to gift Puppy with a sort of sentimental card. Puppy, of course, has one for Kitty, and she loves it! That is, until he gives her a big slobbery kiss. Maybe she still doesn't like Valentine's Day. Illustrations in this book are consistent with previous Bad Kitty picture books. Each page features simple images that can lead to an easy and relaxed discussion between adult and child. This works very well in combination with the short and sweet text that makes for a great read-aloud. VERDICT While this book is not breaking ground on a unique point of view of Valentine's Day, it's a fun and sweet story that will delight Bad Kitty lovers, both old and new. A good addition to holiday sections, but not a must-buy.-Sarah West

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2022
Bruel's fractious feline takes on another holiday. This time, Bad Kitty is not happy because while Puppy got piles of pink and red and purple punny valentines, she got zero. When prompted to think of all the things she has done since last Valentine's Day, she remembers stealing all the eggs at Easter, scaring light-skinned Uncle Murray on Halloween, and knocking over the Christmas tree. Suddenly, she becomes anxious: What if no one loves her? Maybe if she gives someone a valentine, she will get one. Puppy, dressed as Cupid (and drooling as usual), seems an available candidate. However, Kitty's attempts are less than loving. "Roses are red, / Violets are blue, / Sugar is sweet, / YOU SMELL BAD!" Her second attempt is even worse. Third time's the charm, when she admits to maybe liking Puppy, and he eats it up (literally). When he coughs up a reply (again, literally), Kitty loves her valentine...but Valentine's Day? Too drooly. Kitty's scads of fans will be in love with this short holiday confection. Those not into the mushy stuff will be right there with her, and all will enjoy the four tear-out valentines that come with the book. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A taste of holiday hilarity while fans wait for the next chapter book. (Picture book. 2-8)

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