Splish, Splash, Splat!

June 27, 2011
In his fifth tale, Splat the cat has a fit when he finds out that Spike is coming for an after-school play date: "He's a show-off. He calls me names. And he doesn't like me." The day goes from bad to worse when his class heads to the swimming pool (Splat hates water), but when Spike reveals that he's as scared as Splat is, the petrified frenemiesâdecked out in arm floaties and inner tubesâhelp each other overcome their fears. Bug-eyed Splat and his fellow kitties practically pounce off of Scotton's characteristically cool, pale backgrounds. Encouraging without being syrupy, Splat's latest adventure might just inspire those who hesitate poolside to take the plunge. Ages 3â7.

August 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 1-Splat and Spike are back in a new adventure. Splat is having his worst day ever. Spike, who calls him names, eats his candy fish, and breaks his toys, is coming for a mother-arranged playdate. But first it's learn-to-swim day at Cat School. Splat hates water, "Water is horrible. It's scary and wet and makes me soggy." It turns out that he isn't alone in his feelings. When he realizes that Spike is also afraid of water, he helps him overcome his fear by luring him into the pool with a candy fish. In the end, the felines discover that water tickles and really is fun. At their playdate, Spike breaks only one toy and gives Splat the perfect gift-swim trunks. The characters' wonderful facial expressions carry the story while the integration of the text and illustrations is seamless.-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
In his latest romp, cat Splat and his nemesis, Spike, bond over a mutual fear of the water when they take swimming lessons. Most of the story is from Splat's perspective; there's a quick switch to Spike's point of view that is somewhat jarring. However, the art--featuring puffball kitties with dorky expressions and even dorkier swim attire--offsets any missteps.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)