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Fashion Kitty #4

Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S.: (Ball of Yellow String)

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It's hard to believe, but Fashion Kitty is in danger, who is the villian?
Is it a jealous kitty?
Is it a boy kitty?
Is it an inventor kitty?
Is it a kitty full of trouble?
Yes Yes Yes And Yes
Sometimes even a superhero needs a helping paw.
Lucky for Fashion Kitty, she's not the only hero in town.

120 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2011

7 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Charise Mericle Harper

144 books165 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Darla.
4,867 reviews1,260 followers
February 25, 2018
In this Fashion Kitty story, a club is formed by her nemesis with the purpose of capturing the famous superhero. Will the evil twin's plan succeed? Can the good twin stop him in time? Will Fashion Kitty be trapped by the Ball of Yellow String. Read this entertaining book and find out!
Profile Image for alisonwonderland (Alison).
1,521 reviews142 followers
December 27, 2019
I started the Fashion Kitty graphic novels back in 2007 with my then-11yo daughter. I thought I ought to finally finish up this delightful series.

This episode included several quite profound philosophical statements in the midst of the pink cuteness. One of my favorites was this:

"Courage is not always instantly available. Sometimes it has to be gathered in small pieces."
Profile Image for Priscilla Walton.
18 reviews
August 22, 2018
My kid that I nanny got this book and wanted me to read it and so I did. As a kids book part of a series,it was very well made.
28 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2014
The book Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is about a cat and her family. They have a pet mouse, but it's okay they don't eat the mouse because they are vegetarians. In this book in the series Kiki was blowing out candles on her birthday when all of a sudden a shelf came crashing down and fell on her head. It was at that moment that she changed from normal kitty to superhero Fashion Kitty. The teachers at the school, including the librarian come up her a t-shirt fashion show idea. Each student in the school will design their own t-shirt. Fashion Kitty (Kiki) sees Leon (a classmate) shirt and it says CKF and it has Fashion Kitty's face crossed out. During the day of the fashion show Leon steals the pile of the t-shirts, and plans to catch Fashion Kitty using his fathers invention. When Kiki senses that there is a fashion emergency she uses a bathroom break to transform into Fashion Kitty. Fashion Kitty goes to get the t-shirts and Leon catches Fashion Kitty in yellow string that look like the Eiffel Tower. The kitties that were once apart of the CKF club actually liked Fashion Kitty all along and help to get her out of the mess. In the end the t-shirts are saved by Fashion Kitty.

This book is a short and easy read for young students. It's not a high quality book like we have discussed in class, however it's a fun and easy read for whomever would be interested in this kind of book, mostly girls it would seem like. Although this book, or graphic novels in general are not my favorite kind of books I do like certain aspects about how this book and other graphic novels are written. The book contains just about the same amount of pictures as it does text. The pictures are displayed in little frames with speech bubbles depicting what the characters are thinking or saying with what's going on in the book. I like this for young readers because it keeps the book interesting and allows them to see what the characters look like and what they are thinking. I also like how the author puts an * by words that the reader may not know. For example of page 35 the text uses a French word and at the bottom of the page it say what that word means in English. This keeps the reader from being confused or having to guess what it means from context clues. I also like how the author lets the reader know details of the speech bubbles. For example she puts arrows to different speech bubbles saying this was said in a whispering voice, or this was said in a loud voice.

Another great aspect of this book is that at the end of the book it has "creative ideas for crafty kitties" it has ideas like souvenir t-shirts where you can design your own t-shirt and decorate one for yourself and do different crafts with the design on the shirt. There is also a supersnacks page and string bracelet. This would be fun for creative children who are really into the Fashion Kitty series.
Profile Image for Katie Fitzgerald.
Author 30 books255 followers
December 19, 2016
Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is the fourth volume in Charise Mericle Harper's Fashion Kitty series. While the first three books were graphic novels, told entirely in comic book format, this fourth volume is more of a hybrid between a graphic novel and a chapter book. It took me a chapter or two to adjust to the new format, but after that, I grew to like it.

In this book, Fashion Kitty has a new nemesis, Leon Lambaster III, who comes from a family of inventors. Fueled by his desire to create an identity separate from his twin brother Lester, for whom he is often mistaken, Leon recruits some Fashion Kitty fans to help him track down the fashion superhero and catch her in a trap. The group wears CFK (Catch Fashion Kitty) tee shirts, and their weapon of choice is one of the Lambaster family's many yellow inventions, a Ball of Yellow String (B.O.Y.S.) Kiki Kittie, Fashion Kitty's civilian alter ego, sees the shirts, but doesn't realize until it's too late that the cry for help from the Lambaster household is actually a trap! Lucky for Fashion Kitty, though, she's not the only one brave enough to step up and save the day.

I absolutely love Charise Mericle Harper's writing style. Each of her books has an upbeat and fun-loving attitude, and even her villains, in some way, become sympathetic. These books depict all the excitement and mythology of the superhero genre, but they do so in a non-violent, sweet, and innocent way that is just perfect for elementary school readers.

This volume, in particular, stands out for me, because of the new format. Writing some of the book in prose gives the author the opportunity to shift between points of view, and to describe in more detail the emotions of the characters - both the heroes and the so-called villains. I liked that we got to see the villain's rationale for his behavior, and actually understand some of his feelings, while also rooting for him to see the error of his ways.

I also loved the school assignment that Kiki, Leon, and their classmates are given by their art teacher and librarian, where they design tee shirts based on the books they read. That aspect of the book alone lends itself to a wonderful library program or classroom project, and it reinforces the importance of reading without sounding preachy or heavy-handed.

Finally, I really appreciated the fact that Lester is a boy who likes fashion. I still think these books are more appealing to girls, generally speaking, but it's nice to see that these girl-positive books don't totally discount the boys, or cast them only as bad guys.

Fans of the series won't want to miss this new addition, and newcomers will be eager to go back and see how it all began.
Profile Image for Emma.
3,349 reviews460 followers
November 29, 2011
What do marshmallows, yellow string, the Eiffel tower and Super Sticky Spray have in common? Not much really, except that they all have a key role in Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S (Ball of Yellow String (2011) by Charise Mericle Harper.

Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is Fashion Kitty's fourth adventure, but it is my first experience with the fashion forward cat whose family has two secrets: (1) they have a pet mouse and (2) Kiki Kittie is now a superhero called Fashion Kitty.

Although the content is necessarily different, this book follows the tradition of Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid books (and even Brian Selznick and other books that I'm not as familiar with) in combining a written story with illustrated segments interspersed throughout the text.

The really nice thing about this book, being part of an established series, is that Harper does a good job bringing readers up to speed quickly. It was easy to read this book as a standalone without the earlier installments.

Apparently the earlier books in the series were more traditional graphic novels and some readers miss that format. I can't comment on that since I haven't read the other books, but I liked the text/image format. This could also be a good stepping stone to more text-based books for readers who are growing with the series, but it's really a matter of personal preference.

Harper's writing is clever with a bit of fairy tale quality--it's easy to imagine sitting around a story hour being told this story by the author instead of reading it as a book.

I like the emphasis on helping friends here and the illustrations are a lot of fun. Really, the whole premise is fun--a cat who is a superhero and helps cats with fashion emergencies? What's not to love? I was also happy to see the inclusion of a lot of boy characters instead of keeping the book girly and fashion-centric. Fashion does, obviously, play a role but it's also just a vehicle to help people out.

T-shirts and marshmallow art play a role in the story and Harper even provides craft ideas at the end of the book making this one the full package. With the humor, short chapters, and illustrations Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is a great choice for fans of the series, reluctant readers, and anyone in between.

*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author. (This is totally unrelated to the review and did not impact my opinion of the book, but thanks to Dema Neville for the lovely packaging of the said review copy which included the book as well as some marshmallows and yellow string--which as it turns out tie back to craft ideas at the back of the book.)
Profile Image for Erica.
823 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2011
Reviewing for Net Galley

Fashion Kitty is back and her fans will still love her.

In an illustrated novel format Fashion Kitty has a new challenge. Leon Lambaster III, who comes from a long line of inventors, creates the CKF club (Catch Fashion Kitty), he even designs his own t-shirt.

Then the teachers, including the librarian, come up with a t-shirt fashion show idea. They want the kitties at school to design their own t-shirts based on something they've read in a book.

One day, Kiki (aka Fashion Kitty) sees Leon's CKF t-shirt with Fashion Kitty's face crossed out and wonders "why would he not like Fashion Kitty?" Is there a super villan wanting to hurt Fashion Kitty?



At the back of the Advanced Reading Copy are Creative Ideas for Creative Kitties. This has ideas on how to make your own t-shirts using fabric paint or fabric markers. And also ideas on what to make out of old t-shirts. I'll be interested to see if there are illustrations to go along with the suggestions.

As with the other Fashion Kitty books I've read the action is fast along with some silliness as to how Fashion Kitty saves the day. Fashion Kitty fans won't be disappointed.


Profile Image for Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids.
1,957 reviews207 followers
March 5, 2012
Fashion Kitty to the rescue! When the school t-shirt fashion show idea brings out an "evil mastermind" set on stopping Fashion Kitty, will she be able to foil his plan before it's too late or get caught in his string filled trap?

This is the first book I've read in the Fashion Kitty series, and I can see why this series is so popular. Fashion Kitty is hard not to love. In this particular story Fashion Kitty aka Kiki Kittie has to foil the plan on grouchy kitty, Leon Lambaster III, who's out to capture Fashion super hero, Fashion Kitty. Luckily Kiki is a well grounded, smart cat who doesn't fall for Leon's tricks and with the help of her real friends is able to stop Leon before it's too late.

Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. (Ball of Yellow String) is illustrated in a way that will appeal to young readers, as the story reads part like a book and part like a comic strip. Each page offers fun illustrations that not only adds to the story's fun feeling, but it makes it an engaging read even for the most reluctant young readers. I love that the back of the book offers some really fun activities that readers can do with the help of an adult like making a pillow case out of old shirts, a banner out of old shirts and a few other really fun ideas.

If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read I'd recommend picking up the newest Fashion Kitty book!
Profile Image for Bookish Chic.
6 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2011
Reviewing pre release edition.
My daughters' love Fashion Kitty!!! They love the graphics. I like the messages Fashion Kitty imparts. Always honorable and true to self. The format, cartoon strip style catches even the most reluctant readers eye. Not only did it keep her attention as well as her younger sister (7) it inspired them to create their own graphic novels as the pictures are a favorite aspect of Fashon Kitty. In Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. Fashion Kitty finds herself battling the forever ornery Leon Lambaster III. He devises schemes to capture Fashion Kitty as she helps those around her. In his plotting he gathers a gang to take Fashion Kitty down. Fashion Kitty keeps her wits about her, never lumping Lester, Leon's brother in the same category. Lester looks like Leon, Leon copies Lester's attempts to look different, Leon is mischievous, Lester is blamed. Fashion Kitty remains true to her friend Lester. Without giving too much away, Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is a good choice for young readers.

Profile Image for Amy.
363 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2011
I’m reviewing this for Net Galley

Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is about Kiki Kittie. Kiki Kittie was a normal kitty, but one day, a pile of fashion magazines fell on Kiki. Ever since, Kiki Kittie transforms into Fashion Kitty when there are fashion emergencies. At Kiki’s school, there are two brothers, Lester and Leon. Lester and Leon look exactly alike, but Lester is nice while Leon is mean. Their family likes to invent thinks and always in the color of yellow. Sometimes if Leon does something bad and is confronted, Leon will say he is Lester. Kiki and her friend, June, are the only people that can tell one from the other. Leon decides he wants to capture Fashion Kitty. He creates the club, Catch Fashion Kitty. Some other kitties are in it but only because they want to see Fashion Kitty. Will Leon be able to catch Fashion Kitty?

I really liked the pictures in the book. This is a quick read for children.
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book670 followers
February 3, 2012
This is the fourth book in the Fashion Kitty series by Charise Mericle Harper. Our girls are hooked. The simple narrative and graphic novel format is very entertaining and easy to read, even for reluctant readers. Our girls like these stories (a lot) and they are reading the books in the series as fast they can get them. After reading the first two books aloud to them I refused to read any subsequent ones during storytime, but our girls had no difficulty reading them independently. Our girls liked the story, and have been running around talking about B.O.Y.S. (Ball of Yellow String) for a week now. And they really liked the activity pages at the end of the book. I thought it was a bit strange and contrived, but then again, I'm not the target audience.
3 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2014
The book I read this is year is called Fashion Kitty, its about this kitty named Kiki Kitty that fell and bumped her head and then she fell on magazines and became fashion kitty. Fashion Kitty they build statues out of Fashion Kitty. And this boy named Leon does not like her because everyone likes her and Fashion Kitty is famous , and something happens to Fashion Kitty.
I think this book is great book because, it tells all types of things happening to Fashion Kitty and the world.
It makes any reader want to read it because this book has adventure and all types of crazy things happening and fashion has to save the world from danger.
You can tell that the title of the book makes you want to read it because it says ‘ Fashion Kitty and b.o.y.s (ball of yellow string).’
The book has adventure, and they have to try to save Fashion Kitty.
Profile Image for Karen Arendt.
2,813 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2011
Reviewed for Netgalley using galleys. Fashion Kitty and the B.O.Y.S. is a charming story about how Leon tries to catch Fashion Kitty and even creates a club for those that want to catch her, too. Fortunately for Fashion Kitty most members of the club just wanted to be close enough to see her. Having never read a Fashion Kitty story before, I enjoyed the blending of text and comic style illustration to completely tell the story. There was enough background for a reader not familiar with the Fashion Kitty series to follow the characters. The story has just enough teaching about being kind to others without presenting itself as preachy. Fashion Kitty is great series for independent readers who enjoy cats, fashion, and happy endings.
Profile Image for StorySnoops.
478 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2011
Book four in the sweet Fashion Kitty series is in a new modified graphic-novel format. The story is told partly in prose and partly in comic-strip style pictures. It would be an excellent choice for young elementary aged reluctant girl readers who might be intimidated by a more densely written chapter book. Fashion Kitty is the alter ego of Kiki Kittie, who became a superhero when a stack of fashion magazines fell on her head, knocking her unconscious while she was blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. The villain in this book, Leon Lambaster III, is jealous of the attention that Fashion Kitty gets, and wants to trap her into revealing her true identity. His twin brother Lester is frustrated by always...(see full review here: http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)
Profile Image for Paula.
Author 2 books252 followers
November 22, 2011
My son Milo had this to say:

M: It was about friendship, and doing the right thing. The one kid has a terrible brother and Fashion Kitty and her friend want to say, "Dude it's such a shame your brother is a big giant jerk," but they don't because number one how does that help anything? and two, because insulting a person in somebody's family is almost the same as insulting them.

Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
1,485 reviews315 followers
August 17, 2011
I found this book less appealing than the graphic novels of Fashion Kitty. While Harper sets up a good conflict with clear good guys and bad guys, the characters didn't resonate with me. I found the continual emphasis on getting a cute outfit irritating. Lunch Lady and Babymouse create characters with a lot more appeal, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
March 18, 2012
A combination of traditional text and graphic novel, this book would seem to be addressing the early elementary student that has a life revolving around friends consumed with fashion and who is at the top of the social pyramid. The feline female, Kiki, also turns out to be a super hero, and there are incidents of lending support to friends who are dealing with problems of their own.
Profile Image for Laura Z.
115 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2011
I much prefer the full graphic novel format for Fashion Kitty and had to force myself to finish this book. I will not be reading or recommending any more Fashion Kitty books in this modified graphic novel format and I am hoping they return to the tried and true old format. Please.
Profile Image for Pinky.
1,672 reviews
February 18, 2012
Fashion Kitty is still super cute and the plot is fine (OK, the battle against B.O.Y.S. was not the greatest) but I preferred the graphic novel format. Illustrated chapter book is not a better choice for this. Even as the audience ages, a graphic novel would still be appropriate. Disappointed.
17 reviews
June 2, 2016
I was kind of disappointed by the plot. Although it was cute and creative as always, something just felt missing and I didn't like how the story went as much. Although I liked it, it was not my favorite Fashion Kitty book.
Profile Image for Remy.
682 reviews21 followers
February 6, 2024
B.O.Y.S. are always a source of great grief. especially when they're .

the whole series is apparently on my libby app! o frabjous day!

06/02/2024 REREAD: the C.F.K.C.??? the colander curler??? a t-shirt doesn't have to be a t-shirt??? the Eiffel tower??? truly a Time!
2 reviews
October 29, 2014
Fashion kitty is the funniest and hoylourest that i just wanted to cry
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,092 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2015
Meh. It was ok. The first couple were much better. It was mostly a rehash of the first books. Sad to see this series end with a whimper instead of a BANG!
Profile Image for Maryam.
175 reviews52 followers
November 1, 2016
It was really good, i don't remember what it was mainly based on, and i'm thinking about reading it again
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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