Bad Kitty Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide

Children’s literature has a unique way of blending humor, life lessons, and imagination, and few series manage this combination as effectively as Bad Kitty. Created by award-winning author Nick Bruel, Bad Kitty has become a beloved staple in elementary school libraries and home bookshelves alike. With its vibrant illustrations, witty text, and a mischievous feline protagonist, the series captivates readers while simultaneously teaching lessons about responsibility, problem-solving, and social interaction. The series isn’t just for children; its humor and clever storytelling often appeal to parents and educators as well, making reading time a shared experience filled with laughter and engagement.

The charm of Bad Kitty lies not only in its humor but also in the relatable conflicts and playful scenarios it presents. From battles over food preferences to chaotic adventures in the neighborhood, each book delivers a combination of visual comedy and narrative wit. These stories do more than entertain-they spark curiosity, encourage empathy, and subtly nurture early literacy skills, all while keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to see what Bad Kitty will do next.

Bad Kitty Books In Chronological Order

List Of Bad Kitty Books In Order

1. Bad Kitty (2005)

So, let’s start at the very beginning. Kitty, this adorable yet often grumpy cat, starts off with some serious attitude problems! When her owners bring home a new puppy, Kitty’s life goes completely haywire. She gets more than a little upset, and the chaos that follows will leave you laughing out loud. It’s a crazy tale of jealousy, mishaps, and, of course, Kitty’s hilarious temper tantrums. If you love a funny, mischievous feline, this is the one that kicks everything off.

2. Bad Kitty Gets a Bath (2006)

Now, Kitty’s in for one of the worst things imaginable – a bath. I mean, who can blame her for being upset? Cats and water aren’t exactly best pals. The book explores just how far Kitty is willing to go to avoid the dreaded bath, and trust me, it’s a hilarious journey full of mischief. You’ll find yourself cracking up at her attempts to avoid getting wet, and the dramatic facial expressions she makes while planning her escape are priceless!

3. Bad Kitty for President (2007)

Kitty’s decided she wants to run for president! But, of course, things don’t go as smoothly as she’d like. Kitty’s campaign is packed with hilarious antics, exaggerated promises, and some seriously funny moments as she tries to win over the entire neighborhood. There’s a lot of humor here about politics, campaigning, and just how far Kitty will go to get what she wants. If you’ve ever been amused (or appalled) by political campaigns, you’ll find plenty to laugh about in this one.

4. Bad Kitty Gets a Job (2008)

In this one, Kitty decides to become productive. Yup, you read that right-Kitty gets a job! But of course, things don’t exactly go to plan. Whether it’s delivering pizzas or trying out some other odd jobs, Kitty’s attempts to earn a living are downright funny. It’s a perfect blend of humor and lessons about work ethic… though Kitty’s probably not taking notes on that part. If you love the idea of a cat trying to make it in the human world, this one’s for you!

5. Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray (2010)

Kitty has some serious family drama going on in this one. Enter Uncle Murray-a big, tough, and very lovable guy who comes to visit. Of course, Kitty’s none too pleased with the attention he’s getting from her owners, and things quickly spiral into all kinds of funny confrontations. It’s a tale about family, jealousy, and a whole lot of chaos. You’re in for a wild ride as Kitty tries to outwit her well-meaning, but very different, uncle.

6. Bad Kitty’s Very Bad Day (2011)

Bad Kitty is, without a doubt, having the worst day ever. Nothing is going right for her. From dealing with a series of frustrating events to facing an incredibly bad attitude, this book is all about Kitty’s epic, disastrous, and, of course, hilarious day. You’ll relate to her bad mood (even if you’re not a cat), and the way things spiral out of control is both relatable and ridiculously funny. If you’ve ever had one of those days, this book totally gets you!

7. Bad Kitty Does Not Like Halloween (2012)

Halloween? Kitty’s not a fan. At all. She’s terrified of costumes, freaked out by all the spooky stuff, and is generally not having it. So what happens when her owners drag her into the world of Halloween? Pure chaos, of course! This book combines Kitty’s trademark grumpiness with Halloween fun, and you get to see her take on everything from trick-or-treating to the weird costumes she has to endure. It’s a hilarious spin on Halloween from a cat’s point of view!

8. Bad Kitty: Puppy’s Big Day (2013)

Remember the puppy Kitty was so upset about at the beginning? Well, in this one, Puppy gets a big day of his own, and Kitty is not thrilled. It’s an adorable mix of jealousy, mischief, and Kitty being her usual grumpy self as she tries to deal with Puppy getting all the attention. It’s a sweet story that also shows how sometimes, you just have to share the spotlight (even if you don’t want to).

9. Bad Kitty: The Ultimate Cat-astrophe (2014)

Kitty’s had her share of bad days, but this one? This one’s a cat-astrophe on a whole new level. Something’s gone terribly wrong, and Kitty’s life is about to change forever. This book is full of surprises, with even more zany antics and hilarious situations. It’s the perfect mix of Kitty’s bad attitude, unpredictable moments, and a lot of chaos. If you thought Kitty couldn’t get any funnier or more dramatic, think again!

10. Bad Kitty: Supercat (2015)

Kitty’s back in the superhero game in this one, and she’s decided it’s time to save the day! Of course, things don’t go smoothly, as they never do for our mischievous kitty. She faces some hilarious villains, gets into all sorts of ridiculous situations, and shows off her less-than-super superhero skills. Whether it’s fighting off bad guys or just trying to figure out what being a superhero even means, this book is packed with laughs and Kitty’s unforgettable attitude!

Overview Of Bad Kitty Books

The Bad Kitty series is centered around a feline protagonist who is, quite frankly, the opposite of “well-behaved”. Bad Kitty is clever, capricious, and often finds herself in situations that escalate in hilariously exaggerated ways. Nick Bruel’s storytelling is punctuated with bold, expressive illustrations that capture the energy and chaos of her antics, creating a dynamic reading experience.

The series spans multiple books, each with its own theme or storyline. The original Bad Kitty introduces readers to her insatiable appetite, her quirky personality, and the comically turbulent household she inhabits. Subsequent books explore various adventures and challenges, such as Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray, and Bad Kitty Meets the Baby. Each installment maintains the signature combination of humor, engaging illustrations, and interactive elements like charts, lists, and side notes, which encourage young readers to engage actively with the story.

Beyond simple narrative enjoyment, the series offers an educational component. Bruel cleverly integrates concepts such as food groups, opposites, counting, and even vocabulary expansion within the story, making learning an organic part of the reading experience. This seamless integration of education and entertainment is one reason why the Bad Kitty books resonate with both children and adults.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

While each Bad Kitty book can generally be appreciated as a standalone story, there is a recommended reading sequence that can enhance the experience. This sequence aligns with the chronological development of Bad Kitty’s character and her relationships with family, friends, and adversaries. Starting with the original Bad Kitty provides a foundational understanding of her personality, her quirks, and the household dynamics that often drive the storylines in later books. From there, readers can follow the order of publication or the thematic progression of the series to better appreciate the development of recurring characters and ongoing jokes.

Following a reading sequence can also help younger readers build a sense of continuity and familiarity, which is particularly beneficial for early literacy development. By observing how Bad Kitty’s adventures evolve over time, children gain a more nuanced understanding of narrative structure, character consistency, and cause-and-effect storytelling. While skipping around the series doesn’t diminish the humor or visual appeal of individual books, reading them in order can create a richer, more cohesive reading experience.

What I Enjoy About The Series

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Bad Kitty series is its perfect blend of humor and relatability. Bad Kitty’s antics mirror the small rebellions, frustrations, and everyday chaos that many children-and even adults-experience. The books invite readers to laugh at situations that might otherwise be stressful, such as mealtime disagreements or sibling rivalries, transforming everyday challenges into comedic opportunities.

Additionally, Nick Bruel’s illustrations are a constant delight. The expressive, exaggerated drawings capture every mischievous glance, frustrated sigh, and chaotic moment with precision, enhancing the humor and emotional impact of the stories. I also appreciate the interactive elements in the books-charts, lists, and commentary from Bad Kitty herself-because they create a playful, engaging reading experience that goes beyond traditional narrative storytelling. These features encourage children to think critically, make predictions, and even participate in the story, fostering deeper engagement and learning.

Finally, the series balances chaos with warmth. Despite her ’bad’ behavior, Bad Kitty is ultimately lovable, and her relationships with her family, friends, and neighbors provide gentle lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and compromise. This balance of humor, heart, and educational value is what makes the series enduringly enjoyable.

Is It Important To Read Bad Kitty Books In Order?

Reading the Bad Kitty series in order is not strictly necessary, but it can enhance understanding and enjoyment. The books are episodic, meaning each story has a self-contained plot, so newcomers can jump into almost any book and still enjoy it. However, certain recurring jokes, character arcs, and references are easier to appreciate if the series is read sequentially.

For example, Bad Kitty’s interactions with Uncle Murray or her experiences with the family baby have a stronger emotional impact if readers are familiar with previous events that establish these relationships. Sequential reading also allows readers to witness character growth, particularly in how Bad Kitty learns (or fails to learn) from her misadventures. While skipping around may still provide laughter and entertainment, following the recommended order adds layers of continuity, depth, and cumulative humor that enrich the reading experience.

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