Politics is a mess. It’s loud, it’s confusing, and honestly, it’s usually pretty boring for anyone under the age of thirty. But then Nick Bruel decided to throw a very cranky, very hungry cat into the mix. If you’ve been scouring bookstores for something that actually explains the democratic process without making your kid’s eyes glaze over, the Bad Kitty for President book is basically the gold standard.
It’s weirdly accurate.
I mean, think about it. Most "educational" books about voting feel like a dry social studies textbook had a baby with a Hallmark card. They talk about "civic duty" and "the honor of the vote." That’s fine, I guess. But Bruel understands that politics is often just a bunch of big personalities screaming at each other while trying to look like the good guy. By using Kitty—a character who is notoriously selfish, grumpy, and motivated entirely by food—he strips away the pretension and shows how the machine actually grinds.
The Chaos of the Primary
The plot kicks off because the Neighborhood Cat Coalition is a disaster. Old Uncle Murray is there, looking as confused as ever, and the neighborhood is basically in shambles. The incumbent? Disastrous. So, Kitty decides to run. But she isn't just handed the crown.
First, she has to win the primary.
Bruel dives into the concept of political parties without using the words "Democrat" or "Republican," which is a stroke of genius. He splits the neighborhood cats into the "Left-Side-of-the-Street Party" and the "Right-Side-of-the-Street Party." It’s a simple, visual way to explain why people pick sides. You’ve got the cats who like fish and the cats who like birds. They have fundamental differences. They don't agree. And if you want to represent them, you have to survive the internal scuffle first.
Why the Bad Kitty for President Book Actually Works
Most people get this book wrong. They think it’s just another "Bad Kitty" adventure where she destroys the curtains or bites the dog. It isn’t. This is a 100-plus page manual on the American electoral system disguised as a graphic novel.
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One of the funniest, yet most informative parts, is how it handles the "campaign trail." Kitty doesn't just meow at people. She has to deal with negative campaigning. She has to deal with the press. There’s a specific focus on "The Media" (represented by a very persistent bird) that asks the hard questions. Does Kitty have what it takes? What is her stance on catnip? Is she just a pawn for Big Kibble?
It’s hilarious because it’s true.
The pacing of the book is erratic in the best way possible. You’ll have a page with two words—"VOTE NOW"—followed by three pages of dense, surprisingly factual sidebars. These sidebars are the "secret sauce" of the Bad Kitty for President book. While Kitty is throwing a tantrum, Bruel drops real-world facts about things like:
- The Electoral College (yes, he actually tries to explain it to second-graders).
- Voter Registration and why it matters who actually shows up.
- The History of Voting Rights in the United States.
- The Concept of a "Write-in" Candidate.
He doesn't talk down to the reader. He assumes kids are smart enough to handle the truth: that the system is complicated and sometimes a little bit silly.
The Rivalry: Kitty vs. Snowy
You can't have an election without an opponent. Enter Snowy.
Snowy is everything Kitty is not. She’s white, she’s fluffy, she looks like she belongs on a fancy feast commercial. She’s the "perfect" candidate. The contrast between Kitty’s raw, unfiltered chaos and Snowy’s polished, fake political persona is where the book really shines. It teaches kids about "optics."
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In one scene, they’re on the debate stage. Kitty is, well, being Kitty. She’s screaming. She’s demanding snacks. Snowy is sitting there looking regal. But as the book progresses, you start to see that Snowy might not have any more substance than Kitty does. It’s a brilliant commentary on how we often choose leaders based on how they look on a poster rather than what they actually plan to do about the scratching post shortage.
Is it too political?
Some parents get nervous about this. "I don't want to talk about politics with my seven-year-old," they say. Honestly? Fair enough.
But here’s the thing: the Bad Kitty for President book stays remarkably neutral. It doesn't take sides on actual policy. It focuses on the process. It shows that voting is a tool. It explains that if you don't participate, you don't get a say in who runs the neighborhood. That’s a universal lesson. It isn't about red vs. blue; it’s about the fact that even if you're a "bad kitty," you still have a voice in the room.
The book also touches on the "Common Enemy" trope. Sometimes, the only thing that brings two sides together is a third party that everyone hates even more. In this case, it’s the prospect of a dog being in charge. Nothing motivates a cat to vote like the fear of a canine administration.
Technical Details You Might Have Missed
The book was originally released in 2012, right around a major U.S. election cycle. It was a New York Times Bestseller for a reason. Nick Bruel’s art style is frantic. His line work is messy, which fits the energy of a political campaign perfectly.
The book is technically a "Chapter Book," but it leans heavily into the "Graphic Novel" territory. This makes it a "gateway drug" for reluctant readers. If a kid is intimidated by walls of text, they’ll gravitate toward Kitty. Then, before they realize it, they’ve learned what a "caucus" is. It’s a bait-and-switch for education.
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Addressing the "Electoral College" Problem
Let’s be real. Most adults don't understand the Electoral College. I’ve seen grown men get into fistfights over how the math works. Bruel tackles this head-on in the Bad Kitty for President book.
He uses the neighborhood blocks to represent states. He explains that it’s not just about the total number of cats who want you; it’s about where those cats live. It’s simplified, sure, but it’s more coherent than most nightly news segments. He acknowledges that the system is weird. He doesn't try to defend it or attack it—he just says, "This is the rulebook we're playing by."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ending
I won't spoil the whole thing, but the ending isn't a "happily ever after." It doesn't end with a crown and a parade. It ends with a very realistic look at what happens after the ballots are counted.
The lesson? Winning is only the beginning. Being in charge is actually a lot of work, and most of the time, nobody is happy with what you do anyway. It’s a cynical ending for a kids' book, but it’s incredibly honest.
Actionable Steps for Using This Book
If you're a teacher or a parent trying to use this book to actually teach something, don't just hand it to the kid and walk away.
- Run a Mock Election: After reading, have the kids nominate two characters from other books. Set up a "registration desk." Make them sign their names.
- Talk About the Sidebars: Don't skip the "boring" parts. Read the factual boxes out loud. Ask the kids if they think the rules for cats should be the same as the rules for people.
- Identify the "Left" and "Right": Ask them what they think the "Left-Side-of-the-Street" party stands for. Let them invent their own party platforms. Maybe there’s a "Nap-at-2-PM Party" or a "Cardboard Box for Every Home Party."
- Discuss "Negative Ads": Look at the posters Kitty makes for Snowy. Ask if they’re fair. It’s a great way to start a conversation about media literacy.
The Bad Kitty for President book is more than just a funny story about a cat with an attitude problem. It’s a surprisingly robust primer on how power works, how it’s earned, and how easily it can all devolve into a giant ball of fur and chaos. Whether it’s an election year or just a Tuesday, it’s worth a spot on the shelf.
Basically, it's the only political book you'll actually enjoy reading three times in a row before bedtime. Just make sure you have some treats ready—Kitty doesn't work for free.