Pick of the Day: Merry Christmas, Splat

Merry Christmas, Splat. DVD. 6 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-52331-8. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-52330-1: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-52329-5: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–Splat is a rambunctious cat with only the best of intentions at Christmas. Determined to earn a really big present from Santa, Splat spends Christmas Eve being ever so helpful to his mother by doing unhelpful chores. The exhausted feline heads to bed and lays awake waiting for Santa Claus. On Christmas morning, Splat wakes up to a quiet house with no presents. Just when he decides that he hasn’t behaved well enough to receive gifts, his family jumps out from behind the couch with a pile of presents, including a really big one just for Splat. Author/illustrator Rob Scotton’s artwork is mostly in grey tones, and the cat family (along with the background) is all black, white, and grey. However, the illustrations are far from boring, with bold pops of reds, greens, purples, and blues. The facial expressions of Splat and his family are clear and often hilarious, while their fur is fuzzy and seems tangible. The animation brings the story (HarperCollins, 2009) to life with whimsical motion. John Keating narrates, giving each character a distinctive voice. The DVD features optional subtitles, and the CD has optional page-turn signals. Children will identify with Splat’s quest for presents and will enjoy the humorous illustrations.–Jenny Ventling, Dayton Metro Library, OH