Love, Splat

From Barnes & Noble

Like any self-respecting cat, Splat likes to gorge himself on fish sticks and ice cream, but even these cravings pale before his adoration of his classmate Kitten. As Valentine's Day approaches, our hero fashions a valentine so exquisite that he hopes that his secret love will ignore his rival and scamper to his side. Purr-fect for young lovers and would-be lovers.

Children's Literature - Carrie Hane Hung

Splat the cat returns with a Valentine's Day story. Splat takes special care in getting ready for Cat school. He has all his valentines made along with one extra special card in a red envelope for Kitten. Splat likes her more than fish sticks and ice cream. However, Splat feels that Kitten does not feel the same because she pulls his ears, pokes his stomach, ties his tail, and calls him smelly. Seymour, the mouse, has no explanation for Kitten's behavior. On his way to school, Splat literally runs into Kitten who reacts in her usual way of pulling his ears, etc. He is still puzzled about her behavior. At school, the students swap cards but Splat is hesitant to give Kitten the card that he made. Spike finds out that Splat likes Kitten and he challenges Splat as to which of them likes Kitten more. Splat feels outwitted by Spike. Will Kitten feel that Splat is special? In the illustrations, the limited use of color draws attention to Splat and his worried expressions. Those children who enjoy this story about Splat may want to read others in the series. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung

Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

Splat, the black cat, returns on Valentine's Day. Along with the cards he has made for everyone in his class, he has crafted a special one for white Kitten. He likes her "more than fish sticks and ice cream." But whenever she sees him she teases him and runs away. He sets out for school, so preoccupied when rounding a corner that he runs right into Kitten. Again she teases and he is puzzled. During recess at school, Spike, a tough cat in a striped jersey, spots the special Valentine addressed to Kitten and insists that he likes her more. He even has a much bigger card for her. Splat groans, sighs, and throws his away. To his surprise, Kitten retrieves it, then gives him one with a poem inside, along with words that echo his and make him smile: "I like you." On the front end page sits Splat on a bench, alone except for a small mouse. The mouse follows Splat around, sometimes on a bicycle, but on the back end page it is just Splat and Kitten. Splat is a bulky, rectangular furry feline with skinny arms and legs and white eyes set close together. The comic illustrations are mainly in shades of black and white, with touches of red for Splat and pink for Kitten. A small black cloud rains on Splat when he is particularly puzzled. Except for the action around the schoolyard, there are few props. Perhaps this story may help youngsters through their first crush. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2

In this follow-up to Splat the Cat (HarperCollins, 2008), the fuzzy black feline learns that bigger isn't better when it comes to Valentine's Day cards. Splat has a crush on Kitten, a fluffy white cat with pea-green eyes, but he isn't the only one. Self-assured Spike informs Splat that he likes her much more and has prepared a superior Valentine to prove it. Discouraged, Splat tosses his tribute into the trash. Kitten smiles as she receives Spike's card but doesn't swoon as she reads, "You are so lucky that I like you." Happily, she notices the little red envelope in the trash and surprises Splat with a pink Valentine that leaves him grinning from ear to ear. The cartoon-style illustrations have a contemporary, quirky feel due to the monochromatic palette, which is punctuated with brightly colored details. Children will giggle at Splat's awkward interactions with Kitten and smile at the story's satisfying conclusion.-Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO