Review - Bad Kitty Takes the Test

Bad Kitty Takes the Test (Bad Kitty)
by Nick Bruel
Date: 2019
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 160
Format: e-book
Source: library

It's something everyone has to do at least once. Kitty is no different. In this new edition of the beloved, bestselling Bad Kitty series, Bad Kitty faces... a test!

Based on her previous bad behavior, the Society of Cat Aptitude has determined that Kitty is not only a bad kitty but a bad cat. In order to redeem her feline status, Kitty must take an aptitude test to determine if she deserves to be a cat. If she fails, she will no longer be able to be a cat. With the help of Chatty Kitty, who is the instructor at Cat School, and Uncle Murray, who thinks he's just there to renew his driver's license, Kitty learns all about being a cat and a little about herself.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I was under the impression that the Bad Kitty books were all picture books. But this is more of a graphic novel for kids. I know this character and series are popular, but after reading this particular installment, I can't really see why. For one thing, Kitty barely features in the middle part of the book! That's taken up with a rather ridiculous plot about chickens trying to achieve world domination through #2 pencils. The story tries way too hard to be funny, and while it might tickle the funny bone of a child, it's not going to have much appeal for older readers.

Basically, Kitty fails at being a cat and needs to take a test to get her cat license back. So she goes to a class to prepare for the test. The test administrator turns out to be a chicken, and he demands that everyone in the class lay an egg in order to pass. Kitty must resort to cheating if she wants to remain a cat.

There's a rather confusing message about cheating here, as Kitty really had no choice (because the test itself was dishonest). The ambiguity might be okay in a book for adults, but I don't know what kids are supposed to take from this part of the plot.

The illustrations are amusing, but not all that interesting. I could take them or leave them.

I think I need to find the original Bad Kitty picture book. This graphic novel doesn't appear to be a very good representative of the rest of the series.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 2/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.38 out of 5 ladybugs