Bad Kitty Gets a Bath

October 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-Bad Kitty and Poor Puppy are back. This time they are featured in a funny, heavily illustrated "how-to" chapter book that is reminiscent of Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise's "Regarding the]" titles (Harcourt). The instructions for getting the feline into the water include begging, cajoling, and reverse psychology. The text includes clippings from the "Daily Nooz", "Uncle Murray's Fun Facts," a "Quick Quiz," a glossary of cat sounds ("fft!"), and two notes from the editor to the author about what is "unprintable." The resistant cat makes a valiant effort to avoid the procedure but finally"YEOWR!," "HISSS!"she is bathed. The pup gets his turn in an epilogue, but without any drama. Bruel's zany illustrations incorporate numerous perspectives that heighten the humor."Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2008
Grades 3-5 This follow-up to Bad Kitty (2005) pairs Bruels witty asides and spastic, tongue-in-cheek commentaries with more high-energy cartoon illustrations. With hyperbolic humor, Bruel describes the dangerous process of cat bathing, from collecting the necessary tools (including cat shampoo and a suit of armor for humans), to finding and coaxing Kitty into the water, to dealing with your now-clean-though-very-unhappy animal. (One illustration suggests checking your sneakers for something awful inside.)Following all ofthe scratching and hissing and spitting, abrief epilogue depicts bathing Puppy, a ridiculously simple process that cleverly highlights the elaborateness of Kittys ritual. Packed into the chaos are fun facts, such as explanations for why cats hate water and the hows and whys ofhairballs; a glossary of common cat sounds; a few strategically placed editors notes; and anot-so-serious glossary. Whether they prefer cats or dogs, young and reluctant readers will get plenty of laughs from this comic and informative chapter book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)