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Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
- By Eric Litwin
- Genre: Emotions
Common Sense Media says
Cool cat shows how to go with the flow.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that sweetly silly story shares a useful lesson on coping with everyday disappointments.
What's the story?
Pete the Cat is out for a walk, singing about how much he likes his new white sneakers, when he steps in a pile -- more like a mountain -- of strawberries. His new shoes are dyed red, but Pete doesn’t let it bother him. He sings about loving his red shoes … until he steps in a pile of blueberries. Then mud. Then water, which washes away the colors but leaves Pete with soggy, wet sneakers. But Pete remains unruffled: “I love my wet shoes,” he sings.
Is it any good?
Lanky Pete clearly has a song in his heart and a spring to his step. This one’s a kid-pleaser, with funny, memorable text, bright colors, visual humor, and a downloadable song to boot. For such a simple story, it’s a page-turner too -- kids will be eager to see what happens next, even after many readings. They’ll giggle at Pete inadvertently stepping into a pile of blueberries, which on the page looks more like an ocean of blueberries. Each time he stains his shoes, Pete looks a bit peeved, but within a few beats he’s back in his groove, embracing the latest shade of his sneakers.
This debut by singing storyteller Eric Litwin -- also known as Mr. Eric -- flows with a strong rhythm.The watercolor illustrations by James Dean flow with a jazzy cool of their own. Some literal-minded kids might take issue when the red shoes get stained by blueberries and turn blue instead of purple -- but as Pete probably would say, it’s no big deal.
Sketch-like drawings are infused with rich watercolor for fun, bright pages. A playful mix of perspective adds to the pleasure.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how Pete reacts when his shoes change color. How would you feel if your brand-new sneakers got strawberry-stained right away?
Pete has reason to be upset, but he just keeps on singing. How do you cheer yourself up when you're disappointed?
Pete still likes his shoes, even as they change colors and get soaked. Have you ever thought something was ruined, then realized it was just as good as before -- if not even better?
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Parent of 4 year old
March 11, 2011
AGE
Great attitude.
I love that Pete is always upbeat and happy no matter what he steps in.
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Parent of 2 and 4 year old
June 12, 2010
AGE
Fun Early Book for Pre-Schoolers to Read "With You"
This book is fun to read aloud together, and the illustrations are superb! Especially fun to read if you've listed to the free song download so you can "sing" the words (very groovy), although not necessary to thoroughly enjoy it. Kids love that his shoes change colors, and read the whole story "with you" after just a few reads. We love Pete the Cat!
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Parent of 3 and 3 year old
September 10, 2010
AGE
Teaches kids how to adapt to situations in a fun way
Love it!!! Especially my 3 year old has been going through a crying phase & Pete teaches to go with the flow!!! We love it, sing the song all the time, she really loved being able to read it with me!! Excellent - A+++
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| Author: | Eric Litwin |
| Illustrator: | James Dean |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Emotions |
| Publisher: | Harper |
| Publication date: | March 2, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 40 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 3 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 3 - 3 |
| Read alone: | 5 - 5 |
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