Booky Advent Calendar Day 8 - 8th December 2013 - "Merry Christmas Splat" By Rob Scotton (HarperCollins Children's Books)

Our favourite brummy-accented cat(well he has a brummy accent when we read it aloud) returns for a superb Christmas story that makes me giggle (because I recognise a lot of Splat's behaviour at this time of year) and makes Charlotte chortle (because poor Splat is so anxious to please, he can't help making mistakes!)

Splat worries that he's going to end up on the naughty list one Christmas, so to over-compensate, he decides to be as helpful as possible around the house. Unfortunately, accident-prone Splat is about as helpful as a breezeblock when it comes to the washing up. He's not much good at decorating the christmas tree either, and don't even ask about clearing the path of snow.

Poor Splat. The more he tries to help, the more mess he makes so as he forlornly heads off to bed on Christmas Eve, with his rather rotten sister teasing him that he won't get a present after all (little sisters are like that, aren't they!), Splat's tail wiggles wildly with worry as usual.

A sleepless night passes, as Splat listens out in earnest to hear Santa arriving with his sleigh.

The next morning when Splat wakes up, does he find a present waiting for him after all?

You'll have to read the book to find out! This is one of our favourite "Splat" books, it's funny and charming and very well observed (has Rob Scotton got a younger sister who was a bit of a brat when she was younger, by any chance?)

A thoroughly entertaining book to pop on your christmas list!


Charlotte's best bit: Splat going "SPLAT!" when he tries to clear the path of snow.

Daddy's Favourite bit: I secretly enjoyed evil little sis. What a rotter!