Common Sense Media Review
Laid-back cat helps Santa in fun holiday adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Santa's too sick to take out the sleigh on Christmas Eve, so who does he call to deliver gifts to the world's kids? Pete the Cat! "I'll do it!," says Pete. "And although I am small, at Christmas we give, so I'll give it my all." Pete drives his VW minibus to the North Pole, loads it up with presents, hitches Santa' reindeer to the minibus, and off they go.
Is It Any Good?
PETE THE CAT SAVES CHRISTMAS has more story than other Pete the Cat books, and Pete seems less dazed and more than just deadpan. In this one he's actually engaged and heroic, and gives "his all" for the kids of the world. The bright ink-and-watercolor illustrations are suitably snowy and cheery, and it's especially fun to see the minibus and reindeer parked on a rooftop and flying through the air. There's a nice message, too, of being willing to take on a challenge when asked and helping others in need.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what's appealing about the Pete the Cat series. Why do you think the Pete books so popular?
How does Pete the Cat Saves Christmas compare with other Pete the Cat books you've read? Is it as funny? It the art as good or better?
What do you like most in the Pete the Cat series -- the pictures or the stories? How do the illustrations help tell the story?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James Dean
- Genre : Holiday
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Adventures , Holidays
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper Press
- Publication date : September 25, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate
