Merry Christmas, Splat by Rob Scotton

HarperCollins, 2009. ISBN 9780007326259
(Ages 4-6) Splat the wide eyed, long limbed black cat is all agog over the closeness of Christmas. He cannot wait to see what he will get and writes to Father Christmas, asking for a big present. He explains that he has been a good cat and so, in his eyes, deserves a handsome gift as a reward. But his friend, Seymour, causes some disquiet, reminding Splat that he may not have been good enough. As a consequence, Splat offers assistance where ever he can, doing mum's dishes, dressing the Christmas Tree, shoveling the snow from the door. The reader will be able to see the difference between Splat's idea of helping and the reality of what he is doing. Eventually Christmas Eve comes along and Splat waits all night with his torch hoping to see Father Christmas deliver his gift. The last page when he opens his gift gives a whole range of options for the reader.
This is a funny look at Christmas and what children expect of the day. Astute teachers and parents will be able to lead the discussion to all sorts of questions about Christmas and what it means, with the idea of gift giving a major thrust. The illustrations are delightful, with the very funny Splat making a comeback after three other books in which he is the star. Children will delight at the mischievous fun of the illustrations and the humour shown in what Splat and his friend Seymour are doing.
Fran Knight