A Bad Kitty Christmas
(Bad Kitty Picture Books)

" 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city/ Not a creature was stirring... except for Bad Kitty." Riffing on Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Bruel takes readers through the alphabet as his crazy-comical cat wrecks the holiday ("The Eggnog was Ended./ The Fruitcake was Flung"). After a scolding, Kitty runs away in the big city only to be rescued by a kind soul who knows a few things about Christmas spirit. Kitty's zany antics, three romps through the alphabet, and a warm reunion make this a gift indeed for Bad Kitty fans. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)

K-Gr 3--Fans of Bad Kitty will not be surprised that she is up to no good again. Through a mash-up of odd alphabet lists and riffs on "The Night before Christmas," a litany of the feline's pranks is conveyed in bold graphic panels and uneven rhymes. Bad Kitty wants MORE for Christmas until she escapes from her family car and is rescued by a lonely old woman who teaches her that the true meaning of Christmas is "FAMILY." Puppy rescues Kitty and they both take the old lady home, where she is adopted by their owners. If madcap destruction and comic antics are dear to your Kitty fans, recommend this title. Others may want a calmer holiday.--Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library