Splat the Cat

Narrated by John Keating, this animated adaptation of the 2008 picture book by author and illustrator Rob Scotton finds nervous feline youngster Splat worrying in bed on his first day of school, hoping that “If I hide from the day, maybe it will go away.” Despite his procrastination (Mom fixes his “bad hair day” with a little comb-through of “fur gloop”) and battles with inanimate objects (the front door, gate, and lamppost all get in his way), Splat packs his pet mouse Seymour into his lunchbox, and rides his penny-farthing bike to class, where he meets buoyant teacher Mrs. Wimpy-Dimple, who is excited to educate the kittens about the amazing cleverness of their species. Splat is totally on board with the lecture…until the teacher mentions that cats chase mice! A lunchtime debacle finds his rodent friend on the run, but small, crafty Seymour becomes a hero when he puts forth a solution to help the class get their treats. And Splat looks forward to his next day. Backed by music from Robert Reynolds and Scotty Huff, this is a cute tale about a familiar nerve-wracking situation. DVD extras include an interview with Scotton about his inspirations, and a read-along option. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)