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Thursday 7 July 2011

Pete the Cat - I Love my White Shoes and Rocking in my School Shoes by Eric Litwin (AKA Mr Eric)



Pete the cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes turn from white to red to blue to brown to wet. But what does he step in to make his shoes turn these colours? It doesn't really matter, because Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song ..... because it's all good.



















Pete the cat is back - and this time he's rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song ... becuase it's all good.














These two books follow their huge storytelling and song success on You Tube, where 'Pete The Cat' rose to number 8 on the New York Times picture books besteller list.


The first book is about a cat who, while out on a walk, discovers his new white shoes will change colour after he steps in different things – something I am sure children would love to try!

The second book is about Pete the cat going to school and finding the different areas of school. I did find the pictures were ‘Americanised’, the yellow school bus and the lunchroom; however

they do not overpower the story.

The pictures are of childlike images, bright and colourful, but simplistic in makeup. Looking through both books, there appears to be a yellow bird on most pages – I am unsure if this is deliberate by the author and illustrator but I found myself looking for it on every page.

The text is written in a handwritten style, very few words per page, perfect for a story to share. Children can learn colours and also about what happens at school. The repetitive song throughout the books will soon be remembered by children and I am sure will be sang throughout the day, adapted to different situations. One of those songs you will be unable to get out of your head, but very useful in those situations young children do not want to be part of!

The books are aimed at children aged 3-7 years and I think they will appeal to them. There is the opportunity to listen to the song on the internet and children will enjoy this interactive experience. They will make a perfect gift for young children who are learning colours or maybe starting school.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me the books to review.

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