Scaredy-Cat, Splat!

Rob Scotton

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

The fourth hilarious story about Splat the Cat, the irresistible character from Rob Scotton, bestselling creator of Russell the Sheep.

It’s Halloween and Splat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class. Unfortunately he's just too much of a scaredy-cat. He's afraid of a little spider, and everyone says his costume looks more silly than scary. And when the teacher tells a ghost story in the dark, Splat gets so frightened that he tips over his pumpkin jack-o-lantern. But when the lights go back on, the entire class is scared silly by a small, black furry creature with a big pumpkin head. Whoooo could it be?

Age Range: 3-5 years.

Review by Molly Martin (301118) Rating (9/10)

Review by Molly Martin
Book Source: Not Known
Rating 9/10
Rob Scotton’s Scaredy-Cat, Splat! showcases an Osage County First Grade favourite, Splat.

Splat is anxious, ‘Mom! There’s a scary spider on my jack-o-lantern.’ Mom, as always is a tranquil voice of comfort and reason. Mom trapped the spider underneath a glass jar, and now that the spider is ensnared it does not seem so scary. Splat is enthusiastic, his class has made jack-o-lanterns, everyone is dressing up in costume, Mrs Wimpydimple is to tell a ghost story, and best of all, there will be a prize for the scariest cat!

Splat is distressed when he wrecks his scary witches’ broom handle costume. Even Seymour, his mouse, cannot soothe him. Mom and a cluster of old socks to the rescue and Splat, again optimistic he will win the prize for best costume, is ready for the day. He is a scary sock spider!

On the way to school Splat meets his friends Plank and Spike who also have rather scary costumes. Eyeing them Seymour quaked a little. Splat fears his friend’s costumes may be scarier than his.

Splat and his classmates display their jack-o-lanterns, then everyone puts a flashlight inside their jack-o-lantern and Mrs Wimpydimple turns down the lights and whispered in her best ghost-story voice… and Pandemonium erupts, the class leaps with fright!

At last the class votes for the scariest cat.

At the end of our day Osage County First Grade gathered on the rug for story time. Twenty-two eyes blazed with anticipation as 11 First Graders observed the new book I held in my hand. Splat is an increasing favourite for Osage County First Grade, and for Mrs Martin too. This publication follows the model of the first Splat books we have enjoyed, it is filled with large full page, child pleasing pictures, vivid colours, well represented players and an entertaining, action packed tale.

With 9 x 0.2 x 9 inch dimensions, these books are nice and large, but, the edition is not unwieldy or weighty, both are contemplations when considering books for little people, small hands, or, arthritic, aging teacher hands.

Osage County First Grade listens with mounting glee each time the book is read, it is one of our October books, is taken out on the first school day of October and is read the last time during the month on the day our class, celebrates the fun of Halloween dressed in our own costume we parade, enjoy some of our sack of treats and lots of giggles ring as we say good bye to Scaredy-Cat, Splat!

Scaredy-Cat, Splat! is well made to survive numerous readings, page turning and usage in the classroom, library or home daily reading time with Mom and Dad.

Splat the loveable, furry cat kid is a character Little Readers, and adults can enjoy. This somewhat unkempt, wild fur, little kid cat with the big eyes is, as are many six-year-olds, inclined to over react to most circumstances, is noisy as shown with comments accented with explanation points. He has an amusing pet; a cat with a pet mouse companion never fails to prompt giggles. And, Splat tends to have many of the same worries I see in human Firsties; will I have friends, can I achieve as well as my classmates, spiders are scary, all ordinary, characteristic reactions of the ‘Little Kid’ set.

Mom’s tranquil voice always puts everything into perspective, quiets the situation and provides serene teaching. I particularly liked that Mom uses a glass container to enclose the spider, so that Splat can have a close non-threatening view of the multi legged critter.

I rarely kill spiders, black widows yes, recluse yes, common garden variety no. Osage County First Graders quickly realise that spiders are useful for eating many of the insect critters who may eat our garden. I like that Mom does not simply kill the spider, rather she helps Splat work through his apprehension to the point that he can take the creature to school, in its jar.

All in all Scaredy-Cat, Splat! Rates 22 thumbs up from Osage County First Grade.

I am happy to recommend for the younger set, for the K Primary classroom, public and school library, gifting a classroom filled with Little People or a special Little Person in the family.
Molly Martin (30th November 2018)