Splat and the new baby
Rob Scotton
Splat and the new baby
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rob Scotton
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The soft scurrying sound of tiny feet echoes down the hall. Splat the Cat bursts from his room, sliding and skidding with excitement, only to find his mom holding a squirmy, smelly little surprise—not quite the baby he imagined. Can Splat handle all the mess and fun of being a big brother?
Quick Assessment
This humorous and heartwarming picture book follows Splat the Cat as he prepares to become a big brother to an unexpected 'new baby'—a crocodile! Geared toward early readers aged 5-8, the story gently explores themes of siblinghood, adjustment, and acceptance with playful illustrations and accessible language. Parents should note the lighthearted depiction of a somewhat messy and smelly baby, which may prompt discussions about family changes.
Why we rated Splat and the new baby 6LE
Splat and the new baby is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Splat and the new baby works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Splat and the new baby as 6LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Splat and the new baby explores animals, brothers, infancy, family, and humor — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, brothers, infancy.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062133892
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction