The story line is also simple: It’s the day before Christmas, and Splat is composing a letter to Santa explaining what a “really big present’’ he wants for Christmas and what a “very good cat’’ he’s been all year. His best friend, Seymour the mouse, is suitably impressed, but Splat’s little sister looks askance at him and gives “Splat a look that only little sisters can give. ‘R-e-a-l-l-y?’ ’’
That plants the seed of doubt that sends Splat into a frenzy of last minute helpful behavior that nearly drives his mother crazy and guarantees Splat one very sleepless night - while comically Santa sneaks up on him each time he turns over in bed. Scotton’s humor is deft and gentle - he never says or shows too much: the teetering tower of Christmas china Splat washes; the way he weirdly redecorates the Christmas tree; that cynical look on his little sister’s face. Scotton’s cats are all wonderfully bulgy-eyed, and he can wrestle more expression from an eyeball than other artists can from a whole canvas.
“Merry Christmas, Splat’’ will appeal to those who have been very good, those who haven’t, and anyone who loves the thrill of a good yarn spinning out with perfect color, tone, and timing. I’d put “Merry Christmas, Splat’’ right up against a handful of Christmas children’s favorites, where I am willing to bet it will hold its own.
“Christmas with Rita and Whatsit’’ brings understated holiday elegance new meaning with its nearly minimalist illustrations of black and white, with splashes of red accent. Rita and her dog Whatsit prepare for Christmas. They write a letter to Santa. “Whatsit doesn’t want much: a chewy ball, a police dog uniform, some dog biscuits, some cat crackers, a treadmill . . . and about a hundred other things.’’
They decorate their small, leaning trees. Whatsit’s features a “garland of sausages, slices of salami, and some bologna. It smells wonderful.’’ Rita puts together a no-bake cake with cocoa and canned pumpkin - it resembles a puddle - for Santa and Whatsit howls “Silent Night’’ while Rita conducts.
