Are you familiar with the Captain Underpants series? A series that has delighted children (even if not so much their parents) for quite some time. Did you know that the author, Dav Pilkey, has other graphic novel comic series? One of his most recent ones is Dog Man. From that series, Dav has created a spin-off called Cat Kid Comic Club.

Cat Kid Comic Club follows Li’l Petey and his best friend, Molly, as they start a club to teach their members to draw comics. The members of this new club are 21 funny, creative, and energetic baby frogs who are eager to be a part of this new club. These strong-minded characters learn how to take what they know and add a little bit of imagination and humor to create laugh-out-loud comics that will delight children ages 7–9. 

The story begins with the initial meeting introducing the President, L’il Petey, and Vice President, Molly. Li’l Petey and Molly hilariously try to have their writers generate a list of ideas.  When the frogs push back for lack of ideas and an overwhelming sense of fear to begin, Molly and Li’l Petey encourage them to get over their fears. In fact, the homework is to fail! They want their members to write a terrible comic that will embarrass them. All the members leave the meeting pumped up and ready to go out and create the biggest disastrous comic they can.

The next day, all the baby frogs return feeling accomplished that they have indeed met the goal of creating a dismal comic. After listening to each other’s comics, the baby frogs realize they have failed at failing — their writing is quite good. However, the comics are filled with potty humor, which the children find hilarious, but their dad does not. 

Embedded in all the potty jokes are great lessons for young readers. This entire comic book serves as a reminder to all adults who work with children that children need silly avenues to learn about failure, trying new things, and making sense of growing up. 

Happy reading!

Sheila