Splish, Splash, Splat!

In his fifth tale, Splat the cat has a fit when he finds out that Spike is coming for an after-school play date: "He's a show-off. He calls me names. And he doesn't like me." The day goes from bad to worse when his class heads to the swimming pool (Splat hates water), but when Spike reveals that he's as scared as Splat is, the petrified frenemies%E2%80%94decked out in arm floaties and inner tubes%E2%80%94help each other overcome their fears. Bug-eyed Splat and his fellow kitties practically pounce off of Scotton's characteristically cool, pale backgrounds. Encouraging without being syrupy, Splat's latest adventure might just inspire those who hesitate poolside to take the plunge. Ages 3%E2%80%937. (June)