Why I Love This Book

There's cool backstory that connects me with this book.

Back in 2007, my best friend and I opened a toy store. After a few years, we moved to a larger space and started having storytellers and musicians visit. I'm not sure how Eric Litwin hit our radar, but he was local and we were told that he wrote all of his own music and  his performances were incredible. He came  to visit us in 2008 and was a huge hit. At the end, he told the kids about a new song he'd written about a cat named Pete. That song was "I Love My White Shoes" and it was a word for word match to the text that is now in this book. The kids loved it, we loved it, and afterwards, Eric told us that someone had hooked him up with another local artist, James Dean. At this time, Dean was known for his series of Blue Cat drawings.  Well, less than a year later, this book was published and as they say, "the rest is history"

Now, there's a Pete the Cat "Empire" and it all started with this book and that song we heard so many years ago. To date, there are now 97 books along with numerous toys, songs and even an animated series.

Themes
  • Positive Attitude
  • Adjusting to Change
Awards & Accolades
  • While the book never won any awards, in 2017, Amazon created an animated series that's still in production today.
Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...)
  • Vocabulary that can be grouped: 
    Color Words
    Action Words
  • Order of Events /Plot- What did he step in first, next, last...
  • The Power of Repeated Words and Phrases - "Did Pete Cry? Goodness No!"
  • Power of Positive Self Talk- "He just kept walking along and singing his song"
Picture
 ​​ Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​at a 20% discount off  the single purchase prices.

Beyond the Book Resources

Each  $3.99 Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No, we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​
It's really that simple...
​ One Great Story
 Multiple Readings
Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities
Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​ at a 20% discount off single purchases!

Pete the Cat Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
​
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Pete the Cat.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
Plush + 5 Book Collection $40.99
Pete the Cat Hot Dots -  $23.99
By including this toy, I'm making an exception to my "no batteries or screens" rule.
However, the Hot Dots line is one of my favorites because it not only teaches, but it gives immediate feedback.
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald