Merry Christmas, Splat

October 26, 2009
The high-strung but well-meaning Splat, from Splat the Cat
and Love, Splat
, returns with a special request for Santa Claus. But when his younger sister expresses doubt that he's been good enough, he overcompensates: he washes the dishes (they weren't even dirty), adds extra decorations to the tree and, to be safe, waits up for Santa to assure him of his good behavior. Splat's frazzled black fur and bulging eyeballs—contrasting with a cool palette of greens and grays—seem to lift off the page, affirming his larger-than-life appeal. Ages 3–7.

December 15, 2009
Preschool-K In Splat the Cats latest adventure, he once again messes up while trying to be good and follow rules. This time, it is Christmas Eve, and Splat dreams about his presents, but his scowling sister suggests that he has not been good enough to please Santa. Splat tries to correct the situation by washing the dishes, decorating the tree, and clearing the snow, but he only creates chaos, and he falls asleep feeling sure that Santa will ignore him. The farcical story, filled with pictures of black, fuzzy Splat in holiday settings, will grab kids as the tension builds to the surprising end.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
Splat the Cat puts in some last-minute efforts around the house on Christmas Eve, hoping to ensure a big present. Splat tries to stay awake all night to call Santa's attention to his good deeds; after nodding off, he assumes the worst. The tale, illustrated with warmth and plenty of visual humor, will resonate with readers who have similarly cloudy consciences.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)