I Can Read!: Splat the Cat Sings Flat

     I am sure that as a small child I read Easy Reader books, but I certainly don't really remember them as a classification of children's books.  With a little help, I discovered the Easy Reader section at my local library branch.  Each level of Easy Readers are labeled with a color code and described so parents and other adults can help children to choose appropriate titles for young readers.  Splat the Cat is a Level 1 Beginning Reading book which includes "short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own."
    Based on a creation by Rob Scotton, Splat is a Cat who is terrified to speak in public, let alone sing.  When his teacher announces that all of the cats will be singing in a concert for their parents, Splat wonders, Will he be able to do it?  With the unconditional love of his family and his best friend, a mouse named Seymour, he at least has the confidence to try.
    True to its description the sentences in this book are very short- no more than 3-5 words each.  This particular books seems to concentrate on the "-at" sound in words as well, and many of the sentences contain and end with a word that contains that sound.
     What initially drew me to this book was the illustration of Splat on the front cover.  He is so fuzzy!  According to the author, he is drawn, but very little information can be found about what medium is used.  The level of detail and the collaging makes me suspect digital artistry.  The collaged elements add a touch of interest and whimsy, and the ridiculous facial expressions on the cats as they sing (cross-eyed and wide-mouthed) add humor.
     I would use this book for a child who was struggling with public shyness, who loved cats (these ones are seriously lovable), or who loved to sing.  These simple books would be great for struggling readers who needed to gain confidence in their reading abilities or new readers just starting out on their own.
     Read-alikes include Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae; Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner, and I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt.

Splat the Cat Sings Flat
By Rob Scotton
Copyright 2011
Harper Collins Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-06-197854-8