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Merry Christmas, Splat! (by Rob Scotton)

common sense media says

Fluffy cat in a fluffy and sweet holiday tale.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know there’s nothing to worry about in this holiday story. Parents might grumble at Splat’s focus on getting a big present, but that provides an opening to talk with your kids about the value of a gift.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Splat has last-minute doubts about whether he’s been good enough for a Christmas present, and does his earnest best to be as good as he can be. On the other hand, his primary concern is getting a big present.
Positive role models: Splat makes an honest, if misguided, effort to be helpful, and his mother is patient and understanding.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Merry Christmas, Splat!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about being good. Is Splat being very helpful when he tries to be extra good? What else could he have done to help his mother? In addition to helping, what else could he do to be good?
  • Splat worries at the last minute that he hasn’t been good enough for Santa to come. He probably didn’t have anything to worry about. But if he hadn’t been good, do you think it’s enough to be good just on Christmas Eve?
  • Splat wants “a really big present.” Do you think a present has to be big to be good? Can you think of small things that make really good presents?
  • What do you think is inside the box Splat opens?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Splat asks for a really big present, his sister gives him last-minute doubts: “Are you sure you’ve been good?” Worried, Splat tackles jobs that don’t need doing in hopes of ensuring he’ll measure up. He stays up all night, waiting for Santa so he can tell him how good he’s been. But when Christmas morning dawns, there’s been no sign of Santa. Was Splat good enough?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
As with his earlier books featuring endearing Splat, Rob Scotton’s story plays second fiddle to the fun illustrations. Here they play well to the deadpan text. Kids will giggle at the alarm in his mother’s face when Splat announces his intentions. And the spread where Santa slips, unnoticed, right past the wide-eyed cat will have them in stitches. The color palette -- mostly black-and-white with subtle coloring and bright pops of red and green -- adds to the appeal.
Kids will relate to Splat’s worries -- and his wish for a big gift. Grownups worn out by the holiday gimme-gimmes may wince.

Whimsical artwork is full of delightful touches.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Rob Scotton
Illustrator: Rob Scotton
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: September 22, 2009
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Darienne Hosley Stewart
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

sherry.mcniel
educator
6
 
A Fun Christmas Story
This children’s book is the story of a furry black male cat named Splat. It is Christmas Eve, and Splat is not sure he has been good enough for Santa to bring him a BIG present. He tries to score a few extra points at the last minute with Santa and Mom in the usually Splat manner. Splat and friends are adorable! Splat’s worries whether he’s been good enough reminds me of my own thoughts as a child the night before Christmas. The colorful illustrations in this book are what drew me to read it. I recommend this book for age 6 and under. It is a fun Christmas story that most children can identify with.
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