Review by Booklist Review
Scotton offers a feline so fuzzy and appealing that kids will want to reach out and touch. It's Splat's first day at cat school, but instead of jumping joyously out of bed, he hides under the covers, tail and paws peeping out and round eyes just visible beneath the sheet (an extremely clever touch). Alas, Mom's not buying the ruse, so Splat is soon on his way to school, mouse pal, Seymour, in his lunch box. He's welcomed enthusiastically by his cat classmates, and lessons go smoothly until he learns that cats are supposed to chase mice! Poor Seymour. A tidy twist at the end, notwithstanding, the story is fairly unremarkable. The artwork, on the other hand, is stellar and lots of fun. Cat-themed details are strategically placed throughout, and a scattering of clean-lined objects in bright colors provide great contrast to goofy-looking, spindly-legged, coal-black Splat and his toothy, shades-of-gray kitty classmates. Splat's very visible, very childlike enthusiasms and concerns will resonate with kids, who will flip through the pictures more than once.--Zvirin, Stephanie Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Starred Review. Working in the same edgy style of his Russell the Sheep books, Scotton once again wrests new opportunities for humor from a well-worn theme, this time training his sights on first-day-of-school anxiety. Right away the art signals off-kilter: using a predominantly blue-gray palette, enlivened by only one or two contrast colors per page, Scotton evokes the black cat Splat in almost 3D renderings, the cat's hairs seemingly standing on edge, eyes bulging apprehensively as he contemplates his first appearance at Cat School. For courage, Splat secretly brings along his pet mouse, Seymour, and is astounded when the day's lesson includes the news that cats chase mice (to Splat's multiple Why?s, the teacher offers a finite Because). Naturally, everything works out before the dismissal bell rings, but not before a chase sequence guaranteed to bring down the house. Rambunctious, filled with superbly executed details (look for Seymour when Splat pulls his mildly sheer sheets over his head), this book not only gets its job done, it completely transcends its agenda. Ages 3-7. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Rob Scotton's delightful character, Splat the Cat, shines in this outstanding animated version of the book (HarperCollins, 2008). Poor Splat is anxious about his first day at Cat School. He tries various excuses to avoid going to school, but his mother convinces him all will be well. For courage, Splat brings his pet mouse, Seymour, along in his lunch box. His teacher, Mrs. Wimpy-Dimple, resplendently huge in her pink polka-dotted dress, welcomes Splat. Hilarity ensues when Seymour pops out of his hiding place at lunchtime, and cats do what cats do everywhere-they chase him! But when the milk cupboard is stuck, Seymour saves the day by slipping inside and jiggling it open. All the kitties slurp loudly as they enjoy the milk and decide that there's no reason to chase mice, as they can be useful friends. British narrator John Keating has amazingly clear diction and energetic delivery. The sprightly background music is just right, setting the tone for this alliterative romp. The highlights of this production are the amusing illustrations, which leap and play with childish glee. Even the setting is replete with sight gags like fish skeleton wallpaper and a window displaying fish cakes and chocolate mice for sale. This gem is perfect for the first day of school, especially when paired with the author/illustrator interview. In it, the witty Scotton reveals his inspirations for Splat the Cat, and encourages students to explore and express their own imaginations-sure to produce a spate of humorous student artwork.-Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Splat is terrified of his first day at Cat School and "his tail wiggle[s] wildly with worry." He'll need a friend, so he takes his pet mouse Seymour with him. Mrs. Wimpydimple covers lots of territory in class: Self-esteem ("Cats are amazing") is followed by nature ("Cats climb trees, drink mild, and chase mice"). Chaos ensues when Seymour jumps out of Splat's bright yellow lunch box and the "cats [do] what cats do." Their savvy teacher saves the day--and Seymour. By day two, Splat's "tail wiggle[s] wildly...with excitement." Primary colors, especially red, brighten the modern palette of black, gray and moody blues and greens. Humorous touches in the highly textured illustrations delight: Splat's mouse slippers sit beside his bed, and fishbone wallpaper lines his walls. From the blackboard lessons to the store-window signs advertising white chocolate mice, jelly fish and fish cakes, environmental print creates visual interest. Splat himself is a hoot with his spindly legs, flyaway fur and highly expressive tail. Sure to stir things up at storytime. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
