Book post: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

Book cover from HarperCollins

Dean, J. and Litwin, E. (2012). Pete the Cat and his four groovy buttons. New York, NY: Harper.

*Winner of a 2013 Geisel Honor*

Pete the Cat is stoic as always in this story, in which Pete starts losing his buttons but just keeps singing. He teaches that we have to take what life throws at us, and keep a positive attitude through it all: a great message for kids and adults alike. This is a great book for early readers because of its repetition. One of the librarian aides at my local public library says the Pete the Cat books are like the new Dr. Seuss, and I am inclined to agree with her when it comes to books that are great for new readers. The book also teaches basic subtraction; when the first button pops off, it asks how many are left and answers "4-1=3" on the next page. One of the great features that is not to be missed is the free song included. There is a web address included on the book to go to HarperCollins Children's to watch Pete's song about his four groovy buttons and other videos featuring Pete.