Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

Splat the Cat written and illustrated by Rob Scotton (HarperCollins, 2008)

Bueller? Bueller? If you're a parent or guardian of a school-aged child, chances are that you've already experienced the day (or days) when your child just does not want to go to school. Maybe he's sick; maybe she's scared; or maybe he just wants a day off.

In Splat the Cat's case, he's afraid of his first day of school, and he tries every excuse to get out of it, but his mother is persistent. He must go to school. Splat reluctantly goes, but decides to take his mouse friend Seymour along in his lunch box. At school, Splat's teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple talks about all of the AMAZING things cats can do, and he is very surprised to hear that cats chase mice. As you can only expect in these sorts of situations, Seymour escapes from the lunch box, and a chase pursues. Luckily, Mrs. Wimpydimple intervenes, and Splat realizes that school may not be so bad after all.

This is the type of book that can help ease a child's fear of school through a very funny story with equally funny illustrations. I can't find information about what medium Scotton used to create the illustrations, but to me, they look digitally rendered. Splat is a big fuzzball, and his facial expressions are hilarious. The illustrations are also richly detailed, and I keep finding new things each time I read the book. For example, when his mom combs Splat's hair, Seymour is holding a comb, peeking out from behind a jar of "Fur Gloop." On another page, you can see Splat's bookshelf with a picture of his dad and books that include such titles as, "I Love Fish." It's a book that I think both parents and children will enjoy reading over and over again.



Check out the author's site to see more of his work, including a cute Splat the Cat trailer, resources, and more.

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060831545
• ISBN-13: 978-0060831547
• Source: Bought at local bookstore
  

What Other Bloggers are Saying:

Renee's Reading Corner: "...a wonderful, funny tale and the illustrations are vibrant and colorful." (read more...)

Reader Views: “Splat the Cat” was an entertaining book with a fun storyline for preschoolers. The names in the book, like Splat the Cat and Mrs. Wimpydimple, made my children laugh out loud. The book is filled with wonderfully detailed illustrations that I enjoyed as much as my children. " (read more...) Note: I especially enjoyed the commentary the reviewer's children had on the book. Totally cute.

Books for Kids Blog: "Rob Scotton's edgy illustrations of Splat the quirky cat are a real hoot, and his positive message about surviving the first day of school should help ease that first-day anxiety." (read more...)

Miss Deb's Youth Fiction: "Splat has a soft, gently disheveled look, making him the perfect cat for this book. " (read more...)

Cheryl Rainfield: "...a throughly enjoyable and satisfying read, one that brings good feeling. It lets kids know that being scared is okay, that things can work out, that being different is okay, and that we can all behave differently than how we’re expected to–for the better." (read more...)

Young Readers: "This one is fun. Pure and simple. It's fun. It covers a wide range of emotions. And it's one that parents, children, and teachers can all relate to in one way or another." (read more...)

Young Adult (& Kids) Books Central: " For a book with humorous appeal that will have young readers returning again and again, check this one out! " (read more...)


The Reading Tub: "This is one of those rare first-day-of-school books that has year-round value. Yes, it is a great book to have for those first-day-of-school jitters for preschool and Kindergarten. First graders who read it for themselves will also find the story helpful." (read more...)