Splat and the New Baby (Splat the Cat)

PreS—Splat the cat is back, featuring Scotton's zany, rich illustrations and slapstick, family-centered story line. This time, Splat's parents announce that he is going to be a big brother. He helps his dad get the house ready only to be horrified when his mother returns home abruptly one day with a crocodile named Urgle. Though he is relieved to realize they are only babysitting this toothy tot, he uses this opportunity to step up his game and practice his big brother moves. In typical Splat-like fashion, he goes over-the-top in helping with meals, baths, and bedtimes, and discovers that he can't wait for the impending arrival of his real sibling. Scotton's crocodile twist sets this new baby book apart from the loads of new sibling books while emphasizing that the qualities that make a good big sibling can be practiced, even on a little one who may look very different. VERDICT Fans of Splat will appreciate his hazmat diaper changing suit and hopefully be inspired to be similarly committed to care tenderly for the Urgles in their lives.—Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH