What This Book Is About
Kitty is dirty. Really, really dirty. Her owner decides it's time for a bath. Kitty disagrees—violently. What follows is an epic battle of wills between one determined human and one extremely uncooperative cat, involving claws, suds, escape attempts, and the kind of dramatic overreaction that only a cat can pull off.
But this isn't just a funny story about bath time. Nick Bruel packs the book with hilarious "educational" sidebars—fun facts about cat anatomy, cat hygiene, and why cats hate water—presented in a mock-serious tone that makes kids laugh while actually teaching them something. The format mixes traditional chapter book text with comic panels, lists, diagrams, and fake quizzes, creating a reading experience that feels completely different from a standard book. As a New York Times bestselling series with millions of copies in print, Bad Kitty has become a go-to recommendation for turning reluctant readers into book lovers.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), Bad Kitty Gets a Bath is an excellent choice for three reasons.
First, the mixed format is a game-changer for reluctant readers. By alternating between story chapters, comic panels, fact pages, and silly quizzes, the book never feels monotonous. Children who might give up on a traditional chapter book will keep going because the format keeps surprising them.
Second, the humour is genuinely funny to children. Bruel understands that kids find exaggeration hilarious, and Kitty's over-the-top reactions to bath time are the kind of comedy that makes six-year-olds read passages aloud to their parents while giggling uncontrollably.
Third, it sneaks in real learning. The "fun fact" sections teach non-fiction reading skills—processing diagrams, understanding informational text, distinguishing fact from humor—which are essential skills in international school curricula from Grade 2 onward.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and read-alouds first.
Perfect difficulty. The comic panels and illustrations support comprehension, while the mixed format keeps engagement high.
A comfortable, laugh-out-loud read. Great for building speed and enjoying every joke.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.