Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes

Pete the Cat

by Eric Litwin, James Dean (Illustrator)

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 . . . because it's all good.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Cats, Animals, Storytime, Music

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2011

About the author

Eric Litwin (Mr. Eric) is a guitar strumming, book writing, harmonica blowing, song singing, folksy, fun type of guy. He is the # 1 New York Times Best Selling author of the first four Pete the Cat picture books and the author of the new musical series The Nuts. Eric's books have sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into seven languages and won 15 state and national awards including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award. He has also recorded award winning music CDs. Eric is a popular performing artist who plays guitar, sings, tells musical stories and brings books to life. He is also a nationally respected keynote speaker on interactive literacy and music. Eric is the co-creator of The Learning Groove which offers parent and child music classes and preschool music curriculum. Eric likes music, books and coffee.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pete the Cat is back rocking in his new school shoes. Every new school experience Pete sings about rocking, reading, eating, playing, singing, painting, adding, and writing in his new school shoes. The colorful illustrations keep the child eagerly engaged as he or she follows Pete on his different school adventures. A nice introduction for kindergartners and first grade students to school activities.

[Erma Talamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review pending...

Read at Barnes & Nobles' storytime...

Pete is a funky little cat with a cool, laid-back attitude. Nothing gets to him as he keeps on singing!

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pete the Cat books rock. Didn't know anything about them, until I saw a Pete the Cat class at my local library for my K-5 grade and signed him up. Then I checked out some of the books, to see if he'd like them. Not only did he love them, but my 2 yr old twins do as well. He's laid back, cool, and groovy with beautiful and colorful illustration. All three of my kids love finding the yellow bird that follows him around on every page. (Makes me think of my Richard Scary books I had as a kid where I was always looking for Goldbug) On top of great stories, there are parts of each story that's a song that's repeated. I just make up the tune, but if you'd like to hear the actual song, each book has an audio and video file on the Harper Collins Children's website. Along with fun things to do and games, the additional website makes Pete the Cat very appealing to my 5 yr old. We're both looking forward to the library class, and I've already reserved the rest of the books at our library.


This one is about Pete visiting the different places in his school, such as the library, the lunch room, and the playground. Lots of fun! Highly recommended!

[Alissa Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be a little bit awkward to read since Pete the Cat sings a song throughout the book. But this became a quick favorite when we checked out the website to hear the book read aloud complete with the song. (www.harpercollinschildrens.com/peteth...) The kids danced and danced to the music and were quickly reciting the book along with the recording.

[Hector Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book I would use it to practice rhymes and sing along with the class. I would also talk about Pete's positiveness, and how important it is to have a positive spirit and attitude in the class and at home.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my nephew and we had a blast! I love Eric Litwin's writing style! I feel like it has a groovy beat to it. 😊 Definitely a fun book to read!

[Tayana Taylor (MB) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text-to Self Connection

This is one of my favorite books. I love it because in this story Pete the Cat goes to the library while in school. The library was one of my favorite places to be growing up. I loved all the stories that I came across. I remember vividly as a child my mother would always tell me, "Tayana, we can only take home ten books. Do not forget how many once you get there." Even though I had my limit on books, I always begged my mother to take home just one more book that I couldn't live without. The library was my second home.

[Brittany McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guided Reading: K
Grade 2
Lexile Level: 300
This young children’s picture book tells the story of Pete on his first day of school. Pete is excited because he is wearing his school shoes. Pete goes into his classroom where he is learning to read and goes on a trip to the library. In the library he sings his favorite song, “I’m reading in my school shoes.” After the library, Pete goes to the lunchroom and eats in his school shoes before going to the playground. Pete sings his song all day long with every event that he does. When he returns home he tells his mother that he had a great day because he was “rockin’ in his school shoes,” and can’t wait to go back. This story teaches a lot about self confidence in yourself and daily routines in school.
One idea for this book would be to have the prompt: “If I was rockin’ to school like Pete, I would wear my…. The things I would do in school would be…because…” The students would also have to write their own song to accompany their response. (W.2.3 and W.2.11)
Another idea for this book would be to have the students discuss how Pete might feel throughout the story and how they might know that. The students would recall different events from the story and then use those events to discuss how it describes Pete as a character. (RL.2.7)

[Carolyn Cirasole · Rating 4 out of 5]

FANTASY--- I LOVE Pete the Cat books! They're such a great way to get younger children excited about reading. Pete the Cat books are engaging and interactive which is exactly what Kindergarteners need. Pete the Cat:Rocking in My School Shoes would be the perfect book for those jittery first days of shcool for the younger ages. Pete is ready to tackle the schol bus, the lunch room and the playground all while wearing his school shoes. It seems no matter what kind of obstacles or activities Pete faces, he keeps a positive mindset and rocks it in his shoes. This children's book talks about a few of the daily activities that children encounter while at school and children can become more comfortable transitioning to these different activities after having read this book.
I would specifically use this book, along with several other Pete the Cat books, to keep my Kindergarteners fully engaged during real aloud time. I have seen teachers put together a play using this storyline and song. Very cute and creative! Teachers can also upload the videos/songs for an added resource to class time.

[Alesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Welcome to Kindergarten because Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is my new favorite book for new Kindergarteners. Maybe I was a little biased because after the classroom, the first place Pete visits in his school shoes is the library! Although he's never been there before, Pete doesn't worry (goodness no!), instead he finds his favorite book and sings his song "I'm reading in my school shoes!" He visits other important schoolyard locales (the playground, lunchroom) and does many activities (play, eat, sing, paint, write, and add) in his school shoes during the day. He even rides the bus!

The kids really enjoyed listening to "Mr. Eric" tell the story while they rock out, too.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried I would not like the sequel as much, but the school material is great and Pete's personality shines through.

[Mrs. Cubby Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. Especially when I have the opportunity to share it with my FridyBoyz!! We LOVE Pete the Cat!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my son's favorite Pete the Cat book.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pete the Cat proves that whatever his footwear, he's one cool customer in this second picture-book devoted to his adventures, following upon the initial Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes . This time our intrepid feline is wearing his red school shoes, shoes that take him through any number of activities throughout the day. Pete just sings his favorite song as he goes along, because: "It's all good."

Like its predecessor, Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes pairs an entertaining sing-song narrative, one that lends itself to being read aloud, with colorful cartoon-style artwork that adds to the sense of fun. Author Eric Litwin, who is also a song-writer, created the Pete the Cat song, which readers can listen to on the HarperCollins website. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first book about Pete the Cat, or to anyone looking for children's stories just made for reading aloud.

[PATRICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work with children with special needs now and this is my students' favorite book and mine too. "I'm rockin!!! In my school shoes!!"

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was beautiful and extremely emotional tale of of a cat who just always keeps rocking I CRIED🖐 read this book It WILL move you #gopete

[Erik D]

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin (2011) Illustrated by James Dean
Join Pete the cat as he rocks his school shoes through the classroom, library, lunchroom, playground, and even the bus! Written by author, musician, and song-writer Eric Litwin, the reading of the book evokes a musical tune as Pete’s “rocking his school shoes” refrain is repeated at every location he visits. Beautifully illustrated with paintings by James Dean, the lines, color, and texture transport readers to Pete’s side on his journey through school with his special shoes. The illustrations vary in perspective from wide angles to zoom-in shots as well as multiple collages that allow readers to see just how busy Pete the cat is rocking his school shoes. Text fonts vary in size and color and serve to accentuate the illustrations as well set up a visually easy-to-read storyline. Inside covers of the book display Pete on the bus, and the outside hard-covers of the book reviewed, were colorful and have an eye-catching glossy finish. While this book has the approximate page count typical of a picture book. It is important to note that none of the pages are numbered. This might be problematic with young readers learning numbers and sequences, but it does not detract from the book aesthetically or from a storyline/arc perspective. A fun-to-read book with lively, colorful artwork, and one of the many Pete the Cat books in a large series, this book would make a good addition to any primary school library or kindergarten class.
Awards: South Carolina Book Award for Picture Book (2014), Monarch Award (2013)
Target Audience: Pre-k to 2nd grade or ages 3-7

[Halley Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pete the cat is just too cool while he is in school. Pete is just beginning school, and has some truly awesome school shoes that he is obsessed with. All day long as he discovers new things about school, he never worries or gets intimidated because he has not done something before, mostly because he knows his school shoes are cool. This story incorporates great practices for younger readers by including questions about where Pete is (i.e. the library, the lunchroom). The rhyming of the words gives the story a fun energy, and the reader can't help but to try and mimic Pete's cool attitude when reading out loud. The sounds makes it so easy. The pictures add to the story by illustrating the rooms that the text is describing, so if a young reader doesn't know the word, he will understand by looking at the pictures. The pictures also add humor into the story by adding things, like a kitty door into the back of the school bus. The pictures themselves add to the laid-backness of the story by not being perfect. The lines are fuzzy, and the color isn't always inside the lines, which can be comforting to a young reader who somehow just can't always color in the lines. This story will appeal to both young boys and girls, and will especially help children that are scared to begin school to get over their fears. They will remember how Pete didn't worry at all that day. This book is highly recommended for readers ages 4 to 7.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: PB9

This is a great series written by Eric Litwin that makes kids and adults want to get up and sing and dance while they read the book! I love books that can incorporate many ideas and actions into one story and this book does just that. The book allows the reader and the audience to sing, follow patterns and practice their colors all while following Pete the cat through his day at school. Pete the cat is wonderfully illustrated and helps draw readers into his world. The story keeps the reader guessing what will happen next and shows them how to handle different situations that can arise in school. I found the pages that discussed all the noises in the lunchroom to be one of the best parts of the story because it is something that is not discussed as much in school, but can be a problem for a lot of younger students. This story can easily be read every day and to be honest adults would like to read it everyday too with all the great singing that can be done throughout the story! The added bonus that comes with the story is the song that goes along with the story that is available online! I LOVED IT! If you ever have some extra time go online and listen to the songs from any of the Pete the Cat books! They can easily become the song that you can't get out of your head.

Three words to describe the book: Happy, warm, cool

[Bryce Akey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes." I decided to read this book to my eight year old sister. This book is about a cat named Pete who owns an awesome pair of red shoes. While he’s at school he does fun activities in his shoes, and sings about them. Pete reads in his school shoes, he eats in his school shoes, and he also plays in his shoes. Pete can’t wait to go to school again so he can rock in his school shoes.

The main character of this book is Pete. Pete is a black cat with a rocking red pair of school shoes. He enjoys going to school to show off his shoes.

The setting of this book takes place at Pete’s school. Pete goes on the playground, the lunchroom, the library, and also the school bus. The time period of this book is not mentioned.

The theme of this book is courage. The book asks is Pete was worried about going to these different places in the school. Pete was never worried, because he has courage and his read shoes.

This was a good children’s book, with great illustrations.I enjoyed reading this book to my sister, because it taught her that she should be proud of the things she has, and not worry about what others think. I would recommend this book to younger children who are just beginning to read.

[The Library Lady · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am giving this a one star review in protest of the zillions of librarians and teachers who apparently have been brainwashed into thinking this is anything but well publicized mediocrity.

I have bought this and the rest in the series because they are on the NY Times bestseller list and I therefore have had a few (and let me emphasize a "few") patrons ask for them. And I don't have the excuse of them being related to a TV show/movie or containing any fold outs, lift the flaps or other assorted gizmos.

So buy them I have. But this is not a series I expect to see on the shelf for years along with the Sendaks, the Galdones, the McCloskeys and the other books good enough to become classics.

They will be read for a few years, they will wear out and they will be weeded out. And odds are, by then, they will be out of print.

[Zina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun little story about Pete the Cat going to school in his school shoes. Pete rocks out at the bus stop, in the classroom, in the library, in the cafeteria, on the playground and he sings his song about what he is doing in his school shoes. For example, he was singing, painting, adding and playing in his school shoes. What I liked most about the book is that it leads the reader into the next place Pete will be while at school, by giving them clues and asking the reader questions. It also uses repetition when he sings his song; I'm rocking in my school shoes, Im rocking in my school shoes, Im rocking in my school shoes, that allows other to be apart of the story telling fun.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Here comes Pete
strolling down the street,
rocking red shoes
on his four furry feet.”


Pete completely charmed the socks (and shoes) off of me! :D From that look in his eyes to his cool, cool ways, Pete’s story made me giggle and grin from ear to ear!

Pete’s tale of jumping right into new things and adventures will show readers of any age how we can land on our feet if we relax and go with the flow!


4/25/12

[Rachel Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book for the Monarch Award. This story is a fun and interactive sing-a-long story about Pete the Cat and his school shoes. I love that this story is fun and energetic and makes it seem like a breeze to make it through the school day. This would be a great book for kindergartners who are having a hard time making it through a full day of school because he rocks his day at school until he gets back home. The audio CD that goes with this book is a favorite in my classroom!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grade schooler thought this book was hilarious. He loves cats and we read this right before school started again. I love the positivity of Pete the Cat- no first day of school jitters for him as he sings his song and rocks the whole day in his fabulous red shoes. It’s a wonderful back-to-school book for young kids, and especially encouraging for kindergartners.

[Eyehavenofilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pete has returned with some hot to trot shoes... So so cute and attracting much attention both positive and negative... Maybe some are jealous... Who's to say... But as usual Pete wins the daddy cause he's PETE! And we love him!
This is a way for kids to get to know him better and to know themselves better as well.

[Brittany Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 year old cousin was the first person to introduce me to Pete the Cat. In this story Pete is going to school for the first time, and as he encounters all the different areas of the school "Does he worry?/ Goodness no..." I would use this book in a kindergaten class on the first day of class. It would be fun to have them interacting and trying to guess where Pete ends up by the clues given.

[JoyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope I remember this book when my kids start Kindergarten or if the ever have to switch schools. It's so positive and fun and could really put young kids at ease that are transitioning at a school. "Does Pete worry? Goodness, no!" And the repetitive song throughout is fun for read alouds (or should I say sing alouds).

[Brittney Daniel]

Oh how I love these stories. Pete the cat is so cool. His books incorporates rhymes as well as questions that children can answer while reading the stories. Pete the cat rocking his cool shoes can also introduce colors to younger children who are learning their colors.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pete the cat has an adventure. He is going to school with new red tennis shoes; reading in the library,eating in the lunch room, playing outside on swings and the slide, painting and writing all in my new red school shoes.
School is all great for Pete.