Bad Kitty Does Not Like Easter

October 1, 2023
Perennial favorite Bad Kitty returns in search of a prize. Bad Kitty and her friends are going on an egg hunt, but besides the usual dyed eggs, a golden egg holding "the best thing ever" is waiting to be found. Bad Kitty imagines that it will offer a host of tangible goodies, picturing catnip, fish, treats, a ball of yarn, etc. Bad Kitty's strategy is not clever: In quest of the gold, she passes up all the colored eggs, which are of course gathered by her friends Stinky Kitty, Chatty Kitty, Big Kitty, and Puppy. Soon those eggs are all gone, and the "golden" one she finally pounces on turns out to be the curved back of Puppy--in whose mouth she now sees the golden goal. Surprisingly, her friends are not eating candy from their eggs. When opened, each contains a friend-related challenge, like "write a story about your friend," or "give a present to your friend." It's Puppy who gets that one and who, in response, gives Bad Kitty the golden egg. It turns out to have a special message inside from all her friends. Large, serif type will help developing readers. The illustrations are in the established goofy Bad Kitty cartoon style, with exaggerated facial expressions and frenetic, easy-to-read body language supporting the simple text. Easter means colored eggs only here: no mention of religion. This Easter message is that friends are golden. (suggested friend challenges for Easter eggs) (Picture book. 4-7)

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December 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 1-Bad Kitty is so excited to get the golden egg for Easter. When the hunt begins, she skips blue eggs, purple eggs, and red eggs. But when Kitty gets to the golden egg, she's in for a disappointment. Children will love the humor and colorful illustrations that are expected from "Bad Kitty" books. Readers will also relate to the frustration Kitty feels from the disappointment of losing and not getting what she wanted. A deep dive into that frustration could be an effective launch to SEL lessons for younger grades. There is also a deeper theme of friendship being more important than prizes or candy. Back matter includes options for activities inspired by the story. VERDICT Recommended. Collections where "Bad Kitty" books circulate could benefit from this tale focusing on the importance of friendship.-Christina Salazar

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