This Grandma recently read that celebrities are getting into writing children’s books because children’s books sell. I am always looking for new children’s books to get for the grandchildren as visit presents. Books are a win-win as a visit present–grandchildren love owning books and we have them in our lap for a period of time to hug while we read them their new book. I think even though Pete the Cat is listed at beginning age 3, you can start younger, especially including singing the books.
Opening up the New York Times Book Review on August 31, 2014, I immediately went to picture books and saw three “Pete the Cat” books listed. It seems Kimberly and James Dean and Eric Litwin, the authors, are becoming celebrities by writing the most popular children’s books!
Number 3 is Pete the Cat and the New Guy, and the blurb in the newspaper says, “Pete and his new friend, Gus the platypus, search for an activity they can do together.” I like grandchildren learning about animals they may not know and platypus is a great one to introduce and learn about. Here is what Wikipedia says about a platypus so grandma can looks smart when reading the book:
The platypus is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna (spiny anteaters), it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. Their diet consists of ants and termites, but they are not closely related to the true anteaters of the Americas.
The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate hoax. It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of its 20-cent coin. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales.
Of course, we do not use the vocabulary above, but can mention that it lays eggs even though it is a mammal, and is duck-billed, beaver-tailed, and otter-footed– and comes from Australia. how unusual. On the internet, you can look and learn more at National Geographic.
Back to Pete the Cat with number 4 on the Best Seller List: “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes,” in which “Pete discovers the library and other cool places.” See the beginning of a grandma field trip?
Finally, at number 6 on the Best Seller List: “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, in which “well-shod Pete has rainbows on his feet.
Like any winning series, Pete the Cat is an industry, but there are some free downloads and activity ideas available, and more on the publisher’s website. You can even sing the books, learn colors and more.
The publisher’s website includes information about the authors as well.
Consider buying one or the series for a holiday present. There are even holiday Pete the
Cat books. Here is a link to all Pete the Cat books, etc.
For $2-$10 average you have hard or soft cover books that get top stars from young children, and many ideas to play with grandchildren with
Joy,
Mema
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