Scaredy-Cat, Splat! (Splat the Cat)

PreS-Gr 2--This Halloween, Splat the Cat is determined to win the scariest costume award at school; however, Splat is too much of a scaredy-cat--even his costume seems more silly than scary. When Splat sees his classmates' costumes, he knows that he will never win the contest. Things seem to take a turn when his teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, begins to tell a ghost story to the class. Splat gets so scared during the story that he tips over the jack-o'-lantern, plunging everything into darkness. When the lights return, everyone screams in fright at to the creature in the room with a jack-o'-lantern on his head. As it turns out, Splat was the scary creature, and he wins the award for scariest costume. Fans of Splat the Cat will be pleased to see another series entry. As with the previous volumes, nothing seems to work out as clumsy Splat plans, but his silly misadventures always turn out for the best. Scotton has a gift for impeccable timing to coordinate with his humor, and the colorful illustrations add life to the story. Although this is an engaging read for children, the plot is a little thin and there is no real takeaway. VERDICT This is a great addition for libraries whose patrons already have a foundation of love for Splat.--Brittney Kosev, Terra Vista Middle School, Wolforth, TX