Dear Santa, I Know It Looks Bad but It Wasn't My Fault!

by Norma Lewis, Olivia Beckman (Contributor)

It's almost Christmas and Scalawag the cat decides to write Santa a series of letters to clear up any misunderstandings about unfortunate incidents that occurred over the past year -- and of course, to express his Christmas gift a Catman and Robin video game! But when the Christmas tree catches fire, and Miss Violet (Scalawag's ever-loving caretaker) ends up in the emergency room, Scalawag gets a new perspective on things. He writes to Santa asking him to forget about the video game, and instead asks him to bring a different gift . . . one that expresses the true warmth and spirit of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Cats, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 30, 2018

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scalawag is not the only cat who doesn't need more catnip mice for Christmas.

Library copy

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and in the end he realizes that he already had what he needed the most.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am by no means a cat-lover or cat story lover, but this book was entertaining. A cute holiday story for any "pet" lover out there.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, holiday themed book that has a heart-felt message that can be applied year-round. Writing a series of letters to Santa, this adventurous cat, tries to explain any issue that Santa might have pertaining to his escapades. Scalawag is hoping that by clarifying his actions, Santa will bring him the gift that he most desperately wants: a Catman and Robin video game.

Reading each of Scalawag’s daily letters to Santa, I came to understand that he is a curious and bold feline with a clever and witty disposition. Most of the time, Scalawag feels that he does nothing wrong in his escapades and that others are at fault. Scalawag feels that because of what he has to go through, he deserves the game. Oh Santa, Scalawag needs that video game.

Scalawag lives with Miss Violet and his escapades affect her, and not always for the better. The illustrations in the book, do a great job showing their relationship and how Miss Violet feels about Scalawag.

As the book comes to an end, Scalawag is at it again only this time, he has managed to involve quite a few individuals. These individuals help Scalawag realize what is really important. (I looked up the definition too and fit perfectly.)

Cute, humorous illustrations add to this book, making it a fun book to read and enjoy.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids really enjoyed this story about Scalawag and his letters. I loved how they used letters to Santa to tell the story rather then just writing a story of a cat wrecking Christmas. I loved the ending of this story and how it didn't matter to the owner what a troublemaker her cat was. This is such a neat book and it's perfect to read to our kids. Also we talked about how we should always explain what really happened and not to use excuses. The illustrations in this book are colorful and really help tell the story of what is happening through out the book. Check out this book with your kids, I recommend it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crazy cat, Scalawag, who sees life only from his vantage point is masterfully trying to manipulate Santa to bring him his video game. Every day of the story brings different catastrophes (no pun intended) for which Scalawag must make his side of the story look good. I found all the antics of the cat and his weaving of the tale very funny. While the overall lesson is try to cover up your mistakes, there is plenty to talk about with children in this tale.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a very delightful children's story...should be read by all adults. In letters to Santa, Scalawag the cat tries to explain his recent misadventures, including an incident involving a small house fire, a visit from the paramedics, and broken Christmas tree ornaments. In the end, he knows the true meaning of Christmas.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to try this with my first and second graders this year. Loved illustrations and the use of lots of white space. Busy illustrations are great for 1-1, but more white space is great for read alouds to larger groups.

[Mel Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS SO CUTE! As a pet owner, I TOTALLY relate to this and laugh. But think it's adorable because cats are cats but we love them anyway. I REALLY didn't like Mitzi.

Excellent. A great read for the Holidays!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny and heartwarming story told through a cat's letters to Santa. He causes all sorts of trouble for his owner and by the end he wishes for a new Christmas tree he destroyed. The pictures are a little small but it would still be a funny read aloud.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Christmas story which should become a classic! The illustrations are bright and colorful, the main character Scalawag has so much character, and the story has action and drama. Definitely a hit! Highly recommended to all but especially the cat lovers out there.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cat named Scalawag is writing letters to Santa. He wants to convince Santa that he has mostly been a good cat and would like the video game of Catman and Robin. However illustrations show that Scalawag had caused a number of accidents and incidents. There’s a sweet and heartwarming ending.

[Jody Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it hard to find inclusive books around the holidays. While this one is Christmas based, Christmas could be replaced with something else if it needed to be. It's not a book about Christmas, it's a book about understanding. 3.5*

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cat named Scalawag's letter to Santa explaining why he/she should get a video game makes excuses for his/her behavior and attitude. After a vet visit, tree climbing, and other adventures the cat is held responsible for a fire by a vet tech and his owner refuses to give him/her up.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

[Michelle Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and funny story with some great pictures for the kids. Loved it!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I previewed this for Ryan. I think he'd enjoy it.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scalawag is Violet's cat. He gets into a lot of mischief. Everyone tells her to get rid of him, but she finds him perfect. He makes her laugh and warms her feet every night.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elementary and up book about a cat writing to Santa to describe his recent behavior and whether it's good or bad. cute

[Norkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite funny!

[404notfound · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new all time favorite charismas story for kids

[Katherine Loyacano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious picture book; purrfect for the Christmas season

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

[Thomas Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be great for cat people. Reading it made me happy.