Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine's Day
#10 of 30 in Bad Kitty Picture Books Series
on Goodreads (179)
What’s inside...
In this holiday adventure, Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine's Day, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator Nick Bruel brings back his naughty feline character. Kitty doesn't like Valentine's Day because she hasn't received any Valentines herself. She thinks she might need to give a Valentine to get one, but she struggles with how to express affection. She tries with a poem: 'Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, YOU SMELL BAD!' Despite her unconventional approach, Puppy notices her efforts and tries to convince her that Valentine’s Day isn’t so bad after all.
Character compass
Bad Kitty
Puppy
Discussion points
How do you think Bad Kitty felt about Valentine's Day and why?
What are some ways Bad Kitty showed her feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to Bad Kitty?
Why do you think it's important to respect others' feelings about holidays or events?
How would you try to make Valentine's Day better for Bad Kitty?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, mirror Bad Kitty's emotions and ask your child to guess how she's feeling at different points in the story.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of one scene where Bad Kitty is showing strong emotions, and use it as a prompt for discussing feelings.
Ask your child to think of alternative endings where Bad Kitty might end up liking Valentine’s Day, promoting creativity and empathy.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with holidays or events they don’t enjoy, and discuss respectful ways to handle such feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Bad Kitty’s experiences help children understand the feelings of disappointment and the importance of managing emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to relate to others' feelings and experiences, improving their ability to empathize in social situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The story showcases how Kitty uses her imagination to deal with a less than perfect situation.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use creative thinking to solve problems or cope with unexpected outcomes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite her initial displeasure, Bad Kitty finds ways to handle her disappointment about Valentine’s Day.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The book illustrates the happiness that comes from giving, even when one's own expectations are not met.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value and fulfillment found in making others happy, fostering generosity.
Example Lesson: Importance of expressing feelings
Explanation: Bad Kitty shows the complexity of emotions around festive occasions and the importance of expressing them.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s healthy to express emotions and communicate their feelings to others.