Families who loved Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine's Day by Nick Bruel often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked during school celebrations or struggles to express affection in conventional ways. It is a perfect choice for children who find the pressure of 'being nice' on holidays overwhelming or who use humor and grumpiness to mask their social anxieties. Through the antics of the famously cantankerous Bad Kitty, children see that it is okay to feel left out and that learning to give is often the first step toward feeling included. The story follows Kitty as she navigates the confusing expectations of Valentine's Day. After realizing she has not received any cards, she attempts to make her own, with hilariously disastrous results. Ultimately, the book highlights the power of quiet friendship and the idea that even the grumpiest characters deserve love. It provides a safe, funny space to discuss social reciprocity and the different ways we can show we care, even if we are not naturally 'sweet.'
