Pete the Cat and the New Guy is a fun new book you don't want to miss!
Title: Pete the Cat and the New Guy
Author: Kimberly & James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2014
Intended Audience: 3 to 8 year olds
Theme: Inclusion, Friendship, Self-Respect
Opening Lines: It was Sunday, and Pete's friends had come to play! They were rocking to a new song when ... BEEP BEEP BEEP There was a noise coming from across the street!
Synopsis (from the book flap): There's a new guy in town and Pete can't wait to meet him. After all, more friends means more fun. But who can he be? When Pete finally meets Gus, he realizes they're very different from each other. But that's what makes him cool: Gus is special in his own way, just like Pete and just like you, and there is something everyone can do!
Why I Like This Book: Hey, it's Pete the Cat! What more is there to say? But if I'm going to be perfectly honest (and I am), I miss Eric Litwin. The Pete books are now being authored by James Dean and his wife Kimberly. It's still Pete but it's not quite the same ~ it's missing the Litwin magic.
But, having said that, I still really like this book. Some reviewers on Amazon trashed it saying that the message is, "If something's too hard, then give up!" But I don't see it that way: Gus is a platypus! There are some things he just can't do. That's not about giving up; that's about realizing everyone has limitations in one area or another. It's important to realize that, move on and find something you CAN shine in. I think that's a very valuable message!
Related Activities:
1. The book is on video!
2. Here's a Venn diagram I made to discuss same and different:
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3. I think the book lends itself well to a discussion about what everyone is good at:
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BTW, the cute blue frame is by My Cute Graphics and the cat is by me.
That's it! Happy Labour Day weekend.
Check out all my book reviews for kids!
My kiddos love him too! I didn't realize there was another book, so thank you for sharing! I've been playing Pete the Cat videos when the kiddos arrive in the morning for class-they will be excited to watch a new one!
ReplyDeleteNot Just Child's Play
What a fun way to start your day! I think I'll try that, too:)
DeleteI had no idea Pete had a new author. I still love the first book the best.
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
I do, too! I often feel that way about a book series, though.
DeleteThanks for leading me to the new Pete the Cat can't wait to share with my class!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It's a fun book!
DeleteI wonder why they would change authors?
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
I don't know. I've been wondering, too. Maybe a falling out of some kind ... but who knows? Eric Litwin has some of his own books. The one about the nuts looks pretty cute. I'm going to order that one.
DeleteI agree with your take on the book. I think it's a really encouraging story with a positive message for kids. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteAlways Primary
Oh good! Glad it's not just me:)
DeleteThanks for sharing about this new book. I love Pete the Cat! Such a great message about getting along with others. I love your little Pete clip art! He's cute!
ReplyDeleteChrissy
First Grade Found Me
Thanks so much, Chrissy. Always happy to see you drop by.
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