Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes: A Groovy Story About Pete the Cat and His Colorful Shoes on a School Day Adventure

James Dean is an artist who has been painting Pete the Cat in Atlanta, Georgia (and around the country) for a decade. Eric Litwin is a former classroom teacher who is now winning awards for his special combination of music and storytelling. Together, they created this incredible book. In it, Pete the Cat has shoes he loves. These shoes get abused. Does Pete cry about this, though? Goodness no! He keeps walking along, and singing his song. The story uses repetitive phrasing, simple words and call and response to make a wonderful experience for both reader and listener, along with lush and unique artwork. Concepts conveyed are very basic colors (white, red, blue, brown), listening skills (the listener has to pay attention to know when to answer the color that Pete's shoes turn and when to say "goodness no!") and that little things aren't catastrophes. For me? I love this book. I get bored reading the same book again and again to my children. I rarely get bored reading Pete. I'm always discovering new little bits that James Dead added into the illustrations, and singing along with the story can be quite joyous. My kids? My [3 year old] daughter loves this story. She gets excited for the call and response portions, and she pays attention to the (admittedly very simple) story because of this. My [3 year old] son is a whole other level, though. He has special needs, and this book speaks loudly and comfortingly to him. He will sit and reread it by himself for an hour or more. I don't know if it's the repetition, the music, the illustrations, the concepts, or just a beautiful combination that engages him, but engage it does. His preschool teacher also reports that his entire classroom of special needs children feel exactly the same. We can't get enough of Pete the Cat in this house, and have spread the love to many others. Order this, and then follow up with Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes , and after May 2012, snatch up a copy of Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons (or preorder it now, we did). Also essential? Merrymakers Pete the Cat Doll Don't be afraid to hit the net for Pete, either. There are some wonderful prints and original artwork available on the artists own website, music and storytelling available from the author, and videos that have been shared on large video sharing sites (ahem) of Litwin and Dean performing the stories and other works.

This book looks great displayed next to my stuffed Pete the Cat in my classroom! Students of all ages, and abilities, love this book!

Came in perfect condition

I brought this book in for my daughter when I was the mystery reader and it was a total hit. The kids loved the rhythm of the story and the fun little message about going with the flow. The illustrations are bright and playful and the whole room was engaged from the first page. It is one of those books that is easy to read aloud and the kids love repeating the lines. Such a great choice for classroom reading or for adding to a home library.

This book is a favorite in our home! Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes has a fun, catchy rhythm and a great message about staying positive no matter what happens. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the hardcover version is sturdy—perfect for little hands. My kids love reading (and singing!) along. Highly recommended for toddlers and early readers.

My son loves this book. He even loves the song.

Absolutely awesome book - so Fun to read - happy lesson for little ones while they just LOVE Pete the Cats adventures The repetition and outcomes are perfect!

This book is probably the most loved book in my childcare.