Bad Kitty for President
#5 of 30 in Bad Kitty Picture Books Series
on Goodreads (4,428)
What’s inside...
The votes are in--it's a Bad Kitty landslide! It's time to elect a new president of the Neighborhood Cat Coalition! Who will win the election? The candidate chosen by the kitties on the right side of the street or the candidate chosen by the kitties on the left side of the street? When election time rolls around, one candidate (guess who?) will discover that she never bothered to register to vote and the entire election will be decided by a surprise, last minute absentee ballot sent by Old Kitty.
Character compass
Bad Kitty
Chatty Kitty
Uncle Murray
Strange Kitty
Discussion points
What do you think Bad Kitty learned about leadership during the story?
How did the other characters in the book react to Bad Kitty running for president? What does that tell us about teamwork?
What qualities do you think make a good leader? Did Bad Kitty display any of those qualities?
If you were to create a campaign like Bad Kitty, what would be your main goal and why?
How do you think the story would change if you were running for president instead of Bad Kitty?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of qualities like fairness, responsibility, and understanding in a leader, tying them into everyday situations your child might face.
Encourage your child to relate the story to real-life leadership scenarios they observe, such as in school or sports teams, to bridge the comprehension between fiction and reality.
Ask your child what rules they would make if they were in charge, and discuss the impacts those rules could have on others to deepen their understanding of governance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding democracy and the election process
Explanation: In 'Bad Kitty for President,' the story revolves around Bad Kitty running for president of the neighborhood cat club, introducing young readers to basic concepts of elections such as campaigns, voting, and debates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by engaging in classroom elections or discussing how leaders are chosen in different groups or clubs they are part of.
Example Lesson: The importance of fairness
Explanation: The book highlights the theme of fairness when Bad Kitty learns about the need for honesty and integrity during elections, emphasizing that winning isn't everything.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice fairness in everyday activities, like taking turns, sharing toys, or playing by the rules in games with friends.
Example Lesson: Civic responsibility
Explanation: Bad Kitty's experience demonstrates the importance of participating in community-related activities, such as voting or standing for a cause.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to contribute to their local community through age-appropriate activities like community clean-ups or school council participation.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As the story unfolds, readers see characters analyzing promises made by candidates, which serves to teach children about evaluating information critically.
Real-World Application: Children can practice critical thinking skills by asking questions and seeking additional information before making decisions or forming opinions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding media influence
Explanation: The book addresses how media can influence public opinion during elections, showing children the need to scrutinize the information presented to them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children critically evaluate the messages they receive through TV, internet, and other media, and understand the importance of forming their own informed opinions.