Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses

April 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Pete the Cat feels blue until Toad shares his "Cool, Blue, Magic sunglasses" that make birds sing, skies brighten, and the sun shine. He rides his skateboard down the sidewalk and encounters animal friends along the way who are also feeling unhappy or grumpy. He shares his glasses with Squirrel, Turtle, and Alligator to improve their moods, too, until he hits a crack in the sidewalk and his glasses go flying. Wise Old Owl reminds Pete that it doesn't take glasses to make him see things positively; he can find the good in every day on his own. Though fans of the feline may find this story less engaging than the earlier ones, the charming folk-style illustrations reflect the mood of the characters. An animated version of the story is available through the publisher's website.-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa

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