SATA
ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.petethecatbooks.com
CITY: Savannah
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married James Dean; has children.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and artist. State of Georgia Governor’s Press Office, GA, employee, ending 1998. Founder of an art gallery, beginning 2003.
AVOCATIONS:Yoga.
WRITINGS
“Pete the Cat” series was adapted for an animated television series.
SIDELIGHTS
Kimberly Dean is a writer and artist based in Savannah, GA. Previously, she worked in the Georgia Governor’s Press Office but quit that job in 1998 in order to devote herself to pursuing art. She founded an art gallery in 2003 and has presented her works at art festivals and other venues. In an interview with a contributor to the St. Joseph’s/Candler website, Dean traced the roots of her interest in art back to her childhood, stating: “The reason I got into art was because my father decided that he was going to start drawing and painting. … He was my big influence. He was always trying to learn something.”
Dean married a fellow artist, James Dean, and the two began collaborating on a series that became very popular among young readers. Its star and title character, Pete the Cat, was inspired by a real cat that James adopted. In the same interview with the writer on the St. Joseph’s/Candler website, Dean discussed the character they created, stating: “What I see in Pete is what I saw in James when I met him. … He was this very laid-back guy who took hardships in stride. He stays calm and looks for something good in everything. And that’s want we want the message to be with Pete.”
Books in the “Pete the Cat” series include Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day, and Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party, which a Children’s Bookwatch writer described as “full of fun alliterations and tasty foods.” Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie finds Pete attempting to improve his dancing skills before ultimately learning that his own dancing style is best. A Children’s Bookwatch critic categorized it as “very highly recommended.” In Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock!, Pete deals with negative comments about his artistic creations. School Library Journal writer, Amanda Foulk, called the book a “well-intentioned story about making art your own way.” In Pete enlists his friend Callie to help him find the thief who stole his Easter basket in Pete the Cat and the Easter Basket Bandit. Writing in School Library Journal, Laura Ellis noted that its structure “helps young emerging readers acquire reading and language skills.” Pete the Cat Saves Up finds Pete summoning self-control to save his money to buy a Sharkbot toy. Kristy Pasquariello, critic in School Library Journal, remarked: “Beginning readers will appreciate the repetition and short, easily comprehensible sentences.”
Dean and James Dean also collaborated on the “Pete the Kitty” series, which was geared toward younger readers. In Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool, the titular kitten packs his backpack, rides the bus to school, and takes part in all the activities. Richelle Rose, contributor to School Library Journal, called the book “an excellent choice for a new crop of Pete the Cat fans to appreciate.” Pete overcomes his resistance to new situations in Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art Project, which School Library Journal reviewer, Jennifer Noonan, called “a simple yet cohesive story with the vibrant and appealing illustrations.” The classic story of Goldilocks shapes the narrative of Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears.
Dean worked with illustrator Kristen Haffke on Willow & Oliver in The Case of the Missing Sock, the first book in a proposed series written solely by Dean. The story features a sloth, Willow, and a hedgehog, Oliver, who come together to solve a mystery involving a sock. In an interview on the Pete the Cat website, Dean discussed the characters, stating: “The characters are based on real life. Willow is my inner best self. She is a yoga loving artist that wants to take life slowly and with intention. I’ve always felt the sloth is my spirit animal!”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Children’s Bookwatch, July, 2017, review of Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie; November, 2019, review of Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party.
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2015, review of Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues; August 15, 2019, review of Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool.
School Library Journal, November, 2016, Henrietta Verma, review of Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, p. 69; August, 2019, Richelle Rose, review of Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool, p. 51; October, 2020, Amanda Foulk, review of Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock!, p. 64; June, 2022, Heather Maneiro, review of Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day, p. 66; December, 2022, Laura Ellis, review of Pete the Cat and the Easter Basket Bandit, p. 70; March, 2023, Jennifer Noonan, review of Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art Project, p. 79; April, 2023, Kristy Pasquariello, review of Pete the Cat Saves Up, p. 123; December, 2023, Ellen Williams, review of Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears, p. 82.
Teacher Librarian, October, 2014, Erlene Bishop Killeen, “Welcome to School!,” review of Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School, p. 52.
ONLINE
Concord Theatricals website, https://www.concordtheatricals.com/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
Pete the Cat website, https://petethecat.com/ (June 25, 2019), author interview.
“Pete the Cat” Series website, https://www.petethecatbooks.com/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
St. Joseph’s/Candler website, https://www.sjchs.com/ (fall, 2017), author interview.
Kim
Kimberly Dean is a children’s author, artist, and yoga enthusiast best known as a NYT bestselling author and co-parent of children’s book character Pete the Cat. Before fulfilling her dream of becoming a full-time author and artist, she worked for the State of Georgia, leaving the Governor’s Press Office in 1998 to pursue her art.
She began selling her work at art festivals in 1999 and opened a small art gallery in 2003. She dabbles in multiple mediums and enjoys experimenting with new styles and techniques. She says of her job, “I love what I do! Work is like going to kindergarten everyday!”
In 2004, she began collaborating with fellow artist James Dean to create children’s books about Pete the Cat. The Misadventures of Pete the Cat, a coffee table book of James’s art, was released in 2006. Her dreams of becoming a published children’s book author became a reality in 2013 with the release of her first children’s book, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses. She has now written many of the Pete the Cat books, as well as started another series starring her own characters Willow and Oliver.
Kimberly lives in Savannah with her dog, Gypsy, and cat, Phoebe. Her children and grandchildren live nearby, and her favorite word is “Lovie,” which is the name her grandchildren lovingly call her.
Kimberly Dean
Kimberly Dean is a children’s author, artist, and yoga enthusiast best known as a New York Times bestselling author and co-parent of children’s book character Pete the Cat.
Before fulfilling her dream of becoming a full-time author and artist, she worked for the State of Georgia, leaving the Governor’s Press Office in 1998 to pursue her art. She began selling her work at art festivals in 1999 and opened a small art gallery in 2003. She dabbles in multiple mediums and enjoys experimenting with new styles and techniques.
She says of her job, “I love what I do! Work is like going to kindergarten everyday!”
In 2004, she began collaborating with fellow artist James Dean to work on children’s books about Pete the Cat. The Misadventures of Pete the Cat, a coffee table book of James’s art, was released in 2006. Her dreams of becoming a published children’s book author became a reality in 2013 with the release of her first children’s book, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses. She has now written many of the Pete the Cat books, as well as started another series starring her characters Willow and Oliver.
Kimberly lives in Savannah with her dog, Gypsy, and cat, Phoebe. Her children and grandchildren live nearby, and her favorite word is “Lovie,” which is the name her grandchildren lovingly call her.
QUOTED: "The characters are based on real life- Willow is my inner best self. She is a yoga loving artist that wants to take life slowly and with intention. I’ve always felt the sloth is my spirit animal!"
An Interview with Author Kimberly Dean
June 25, 2019
Kimberly Dean is the author of many of your favorite Pete the Cat books, including Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses and Pete the Kitty and the Groovy Playdate. Now, she's used her creative genius to create a whole new cast of characters.
She teamed up with illustrator Kristen Haffke to create her newest book, The Case of the Missing Sock. The story stars an adorable detective team, Willow and Oliver. This dynamic duo makes up the A. OK Detective Agency, and they're always looking for cases to solve around their neighborhood.
Just after the release of The Case of the Missing Sock, we sat down with Kimberly to talk about her new book and the creative process.
1. As an artist and author, you're constantly exercising your creativity. Is there anything new you learned while creating this particular story?
I learned that there is a lot of thought when creating a character- building a personality and character traits is so much fun! There is nothing more exciting than creating!
2. Where did you draw your inspiration from for The Case of the Missing Sock?
I have always gotten a laugh at how socks disappear! I end up with some random sock that never again finds its mate. It has been a mystery I’ve tried to solve for years.
3. When you sit down to write a new story, what usually comes first (ex. the ending, the lesson, the characters' personalities)?
The personalities of the characters are first for me. How do they act and react? I usually have someone I know in mind.
4. How was writing this new story different from writing for Pete?
This story was different because Pete was already an established character that was easy to put a voice to. In writing my own characters I was able to establish what their personalities and interests were.
5. Do you hope to create more stories starring Willow and Oliver?
I already have the story for the second in the series! Another fun mystery with a life inspiring twist!
6. Were these characters inspired by characters in your life?
The characters are based on real life- Willow is my inner best self. She is a yoga loving artist that wants to take life slowly and with intention. I’ve always felt the sloth is my spirit animal!
7. What was your absolute favorite part of creating The Case of the Missing Sock?
Brainstorming is always my favorite part of writing and creating. Letting ideas just bubble up—always endless possibilities!
8. What are you cooking up next in your creative kitchen?
After I complete the new Pete picture book I’m currently working on, I want to finish up the story brewing for #2 in the Willow and Oliver detective series.
9. Do you have a favorite illustration from the book? If so, why?
My favorite image is Willow in tree pose! With the words take a deep breath in and out! It just reminds me to stay grounded and balanced- and she’s so beautiful!
10. Is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans about your new book?
The idea for a sloth and hedgehog detective duo has been an idea I’ve had for 6 years! It’s so wonderful to see an idea whose time has come!
QUOTED: "The reason I got into art was because my father decided that he was going to start drawing and painting. ... He was my big influence. He was always trying to learn something."
"What I see in Pete is what I saw in James when I met him. ... He was this very laid-back guy who took hardships in stride. He stays calm and looks for something good in everything. And that’s want we want the message to be with Pete."
James & Kimberly Dean
Cardiovascular surgery advances
da Vinci Xi
Daily wellness tips
Drowsiness
Magnet Nurse Jason Mungo
Smoking cessation
Make an Appointment
Find a Physician
View Our Locations
Insurance Accepted
The Coolest Blue Cat
James & Kimberly Dean and their beloved Pete the Cat turn thousands of kids into eager readers
While the old warnings about your permanent record may be a myth, what happens in grade school can affect your entire life. Just ask James Dean, the illustrator whose bestselling Pete the Cat books now entertain early readers across the country.
“The reason I got into art was because my father decided that he was going to start drawing and painting,” Dean recalls. “He was my big influence. He was always trying to learn something.”
Now James and his wife Kimberly, who is also an artist and writer, are helping children to learn to read with Pete the Cat. Originally, James had created drawings and paintings for adults while living in Athens, GA, including some based on a scrawny black kitten that he had rescued from a shelter and named Pete. The little black cat became blue in Dean’s drawings, and Pete had an immediate impact on Dean’s growing audience.
Many of Dean’s fans felt that Pete should be a children’s book character. James and Kimberly attempted to create such a book, but weren’t happy with the process. Then James had a chance meeting with a singer-songwriter who was a Pete the Cat fan, and who had written a song about the character that he had recorded for Dean that very day. The songwriter was Eric Litwin, and his lyrics, illustrated by Dean, eventually became the first book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, published by Harper Collins in 2010. That book and three more by Litwin and Dean all became best-sellers.
“I still wanted to do one with Kimberly,” Dean says. “So we learned how to work together. We bounce ideas off of each other and go further with the ones we like, rather than telling each other what we don’t like. It’s still not an easy process, but when things start falling into place, it’s really fun. And the first book we did together, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, turned out real well.”
The Deans moved to Savannah about four years ago, lured as many are by its beauty and history. They are as busy as ever and feel overwhelmingly humbled by the response to the Pete the Cat books. They hope to honor what the character has meant to children with more stories to come.
“What I see in Pete is what I saw in James when I met him,” Kimberly says. “He was this very laid-back guy who took hardships in stride. He stays calm and looks for something good in everything. And that’s want we want the message to be with Pete.”
Parents and teachers have expressed immense gratitude for what Pete the Cat has done for their kids.
“Many parents of children with autism say that Pete’s book was the first that they read out loud,” Kimberly says. “And a lot of teachers will use Pete in teachable moments, asking ‘What would Pete do?’ The kids are amazing. They use Pete in a beautiful way.”
Smart Reading Starts Early
James and Kimberly Dean love to hear that children who were not interested in reading will gladly read all of the Pete the Cat books. That’s something John Rowlett, MD, is encouraged by as well. Dr. Rowlett has been interested in the effect of reading on child development for more than 20 years.
“Studies have shown that the earlier your start reading to a child, the more comfortable that child gets with reading and language,” Rowlett says. “And clearly, children still have to learn how to read. We may have all of these new media sources, but you still have to sit down, look at the written word and translate it into something useful in your world.”
Dr. Rowlett notes that for years the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that pediatricians encourage early literacy, not only to enhance the parent-child relationship but to support early brain development.
“Children that are read to earlier have a bigger vocabulary,” Rowlett says, “and they then read better themselves.”
Dr. Rowlett acknowledges that some parents have limits on their time and means when it comes to reading. But he says whatever a parent can do to help is worth it.
“There’s no better investment that you can make in your child’s future than reading to them at an early age,” he says. “You can read the same story 20 times, but also read 20 different books. Those experiences will become part of the language and the fabric of your child’s life.”
Illustrations from Pete the Cat and Cool Cat Boogie (c) 2017 by James Dean. Used with the permission of HarperCollins Children's Books.
Learn more about the Deans and Blue Heaven, their gallery on Tybee Island, at petethecat.com.
QUOTED: "Beginning readers will appreciate the repetition and short, easily comprehensible sentences."
DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat Saves Up. illus. by James Dean. 32p. (I Can Read 1). HarperCollins. May 2023. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062974372; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780062974365.
PreS-Gr 2--Pete the Cat is back to teach kids the value and satisfaction of earning and saving money. After visiting the toy store, Pete realizes that he doesn't have enough money in his piggy bank to buy the coveted Sharkbot. He decides to earn money through chores, such as shoveling snow and planting flowers. He also opens a lemonade stand and successfully resists the urge to spend his new money on things like ice cream and store-bought Halloween costumes. Bright, happy simplistic illustrations bring Pete and his community to life. Both longtime and new fans of Pete the Cat will appreciate the message of this story, while beginning readers will appreciate the repetition and short, easily comprehensible sentences. VERDICT Recommended where stories of Pete the Cat are popular and where beginning readers are in demand. --Kristy Pasquariello
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Pasquariello, Kristy. "DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat Saves Up." School Library Journal, vol. 69, no. 4, Apr. 2023, p. 123. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A743483902/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=8cd45d90. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "a simple yet cohesive story with the vibrant and appealing illustrations."
DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Kitty's Outdoor Art Project. illus. by James Dean. 32p. (My First I Can Read). HarperCollins. Mar. 2023. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062974327; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780062974310.
K-Gr 2--Pete the Kitty loves art class. But when his teacher takes them outside for a special nature art assignment, lie's unsure he can make art in this way. As he and his friends collect leaves, sticks, and other outdoor elements and he sees his classmate's creations, Pete comes up with a great idea for his own art project. One to three sentences per page, with a fair amount of repetitive text, make this title appropriate for those who are becoming more independent readers or older readers who need practice with fluency. It would also be a good title to be read aloud when larger format "Pete" picture books are not available. It's a simple yet cohesive story with the vibrant and appealing illustrations readers have come to expect from the franchise. VERDICT A recommended purchase for all early reader collections.--Jennifer Noonan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Noonan, Jennifer. "DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Kitty's Outdoor Art Project." School Library Journal, vol. 69, no. 3, Mar. 2023, p. 79. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A739108644/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c2ee6114. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears. illus. by James Dean. 32p. (My First I Can Read). HarperCollins. Feb. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780063096080; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780063096073.
K-Gr 2--Once upon a time, a cool kitty" wandered through the woods and into the home of three bears, where he found pizza that was just the right temperature and a guitar that was just the right size for his little paws. Pete the Kitty embodies the character of Goldilocks in this fairy-tale twist, and a growling baby bear soon finds friendship with the unlikely visitor. The new friends rock out until the end of the story. This tale from the Dean team feels familiar, as it contains illustrations and colors similar to other "Pete the Cat" books and even incorporates various words in the style of Pete, such as dynamite and out-of-sight. Young readers can enjoy the story as a simple read aloud or a shared reading experience with a caregiver. VERDICT An inexpensive addition to "Pete the Cat" or fairy-tale remix collections. --Ellen Williams
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Williams, Ellen. "DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears." School Library Journal, vol. 69, no. 12, Dec. 2023, p. 82. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A779118663/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b51f14cb. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "helps young emerging readers acquire reading and language skills."
DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat and the Easter Basket Bandit. illus. by James Dean. 24p. HarperFestival. Feb. 2023. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780062868374.
K-Gr 2--An interactive picture book for young readers that starts with a mystery. Pete is concerned that his Easter basket, which should be full of treats, is missing. He searches everywhere for it but cannot find it. He then notices a colorful jellybean trail that leads him to his friend Callie's house. She has her basket but has not seen his. They see another trail of candy and decide to follow it. The trail leads them to another friend. Pete's missing Easter basket turns into a mystery that he and his friends work together to solve, but what they discover isn't what they expected. Pete finds his basket, but he and his friends also learn how important it is to give and share with others. Along with teaching a lesson, the authors use a repetitive literary pattern, a strategy that helps young emerging readers acquire reading and language skills. The book comes with eight cards, a fold-out poster, and stickers. VERDICT Due to the extra materials, this is perhaps more for personal than public or school library ownership. A satisfying addition to a child's or children's library.--Laura Ellis
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Ellis, Laura. "DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat and the Easter Basket Bandit." School Library Journal, vol. 68, no. 12, Dec. 2022, p. 70. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A729547979/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ab720ff6. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat's Not So Groovy Day. illus. by James Dean. 32p. (I Can Read!). HarperCollins. May 2022. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062974228; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780062974211.
PreS-Gr 2--Everyone's favorite cat is back, but this time the adventure is not so groovy. Pete is having a very bad day. It seems like every childhood mishap that can happen does. From a dirty favorite shirt to a missed bus to forgotten school supplies, Pete just doesn't see how this day can turn around. In the end, Pete's friend Callie turns out to be his playground hero, reminding Pete that even if his day isn't groovy, he still is. The Deans's latest book for early readers includes illustrations rich with contextual clues and opportunities for story prediction. The text includes short sentences with repetition. Characters converse, which provides an opportunity to highlight and introduce dialog with quotations. VERDICT Purchase for early reader collections, as Pete the Cat is always a hit.--Heather Maneiro
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Maneiro, Heather. "DEAN, James & Kimberly Dean. Pete the Cat's Not So Groovy Day." School Library Journal, vol. 68, no. 6, June 2022, p. 66. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A705791251/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=f05d8e5f. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "well-intentioned story about making art your own way."
DEAN, James. Pete the Cat Crayons Rock! adapted by Kimberly Dean, illus. by James Dean. 40p. (Pete the Cat). HarperCollins/ Harper. Sept. 2020. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780062868558.
PreS-Gr 2--Pete uses his groovy crayons to draw a variety of objects, eventually deciding to make portraits of his friends. When Pete proudly presents his drawings to Grumpy Toad and Gus, they react with negative criticism. With his trademark optimism, Pete declares "Hey, no sweat. That's alright!" and moves on to the next friend until he reaches Callie. When Callie also criticizes his work, Pete admits defeat and frowns. With a quick cut to art class, we see that Pete is now so discouraged and "afraid of making a mistake" that he won't even pick up his crayons. His previously critical friends cheer him up by saying his art is cool and unique, and encourage him to draw again. When he tries again, his friends celebrate his "rockin' masterpiece" showing them all having fun and all agree that "the best art comes from the heart." The distinctive illustrations of Pete will be satisfying to fans, even as they are sometimes disconnected from the meaning of the text. For example, when Pete "started to frown" and "put his crayons down" the crayons are not pictured anywhere in the scene. The abrupt shift to art class may take some readers by surprise who didn't notice the classic schoolhouse in the background. The moral of the story is undermined slightly by the fact that Pete's initial rejected portraits were clearly also "from the heart." VERDICT With dynamic illustrations of the rockin' crayons, Pete fans are likely to enjoy this well-intentioned story about making art your own way. A solid purchase where Pete is cool.--Amanda Foulk, Sacramento P.L.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Foulk, Amanda. "DEAN, James. Pete the Cat Crayons Rock!" School Library Journal, vol. 66, no. 10, Oct. 2020, p. 64. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A638792732/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4b722547. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
Dean, Kimberly PETE THE KITTY'S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL HarperFestival (Children's Fiction) $7.99 6, 1 ISBN: 978-0-06243582-8
The popular character enjoys storytime, painting, and a snack on the very first day of preschool.
The younger incarnation of Pete the Cat packs his backpack that he picked out from the store himself, gets a snack from his mom, and rides the school bus with his big brother, Bob (who isn't much bigger than Pete, sizewise). At school, Pete meets his stylish teacher, Mrs. Lopez, and fellow feline classmates while keeping his signature cool. The day ends with Pete declaring: "Preschool is awesome! Pete loves everything!" James Dean's big-eyed cats populate the simply drawn scenes that look as though they were painted in preschool-esque fashion with thick swaths of tempera. At a couple of moments (when he eats his banana and declares it tasty and when he sings along) his customarily expressionless face actually breaks into a smile. Kimberly Dean's text is uninspired, but it's in sync with the upbeat tone of the series. Pete's preschool experience, while not particularly realistic, is a highly positive one; refreshingly, there is no trace of the separation anxiety or anxiousness found in many first-day-of-school books.
Likely to be popular with young Pete the Cat fans and parents seeking a gentle introduction to preschool. (Board book. 2-4)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Dean, Kimberly: PETE THE KITTY'S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Aug. 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A596269692/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=3c38bf4d. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "an excellent choice for a new crop of Pete the Cat fans to appreciate."
DEAN, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool. illus. by James Dean. 24p. (Pete the Cat). HarperCollins/HarperFestival. Jun. 2019. Board $7.99. ISBN 9780062435828.
Toddler-PreS--Pete the Kitty--a preschool spin-off of the popular button-popping, shoe-soiling cat--licks his first day of school with style. What should he take to school? Pencils, paintbrush, and a groovy rocket backpack he picked out himself. Pete knows what to do when he gets on the bus. His brother asks: '"Are you nervous?' 'No,' says Pete. 'I'm cool.'" At school, Pete loves reading, singing, and painting. When it's time to go home, Pete doesn't want to leave. Pete loves preschool. Flat illustrations are the Deans' signature style. Vibrant colors draw attention, while the irregular fill and thin black outlines feel relaxed and childlike. Big-eyed Pete and his classmates look similar to the popular big-eye plushies. The illustrated content clearly matches the narrated text. The text reads like a voice-over and describes the action and Pete's own thoughts and feelings. Tots headed for their first day of preschool will find this straightforward approach accessible and encouraging. Pete is confident on his first day and embarks with a can-do attitude. While touching only briefly on the activities a new preschooler may encounter, Pete's mind-set is one for youngsters to emulate. VERDICT This title is an excellent choice for a new crop of Pete the Cat fans to appreciate.--Richelle Rose, Kenton County Public Library, KY
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Rose, Richelle. "DEAN, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool." School Library Journal, vol. 65, no. 7, Aug. 2019, p. 51. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A596317662/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=a864d6db. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "full of fun alliterations and tasty foods."
Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party
Kimberly Dean, author
James Dean, author/illustrator
HarperCollins Children's Books
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
9780062404374, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
It's a party, a party, a perfect pizza party!--That's what Pete thinks as he piles the pie high with his favorite topping - pepperoni. But then his friends come over and add their own toppings to the pizza. Will Pete's perfect pizza be ruined? There's only one way to find out! "Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party" is picture book for children ages 4-8 that is full of fun alliterations and tasty foods by the team Kimberly and James Dean as Pete, the gang, and young readers learn that the best kind of pizza is one you share with your friends! While unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party." Children's Bookwatch, Nov. 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A608508597/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=95107ecf. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
QUOTED: "very highly recommended."
Children ages 4 to 8 can join Pete the Cat in a brand-new story from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team James and Kimberly Dean! Pete is learning a new dance--the Cool Cat Boogie! When he hears a groovy beat, he's full of happy in his feet. But when Grumpy Toad tells him, "Pete, you dance all wrong!" Pete is determined to become a better dancer. With the help of his friends and some wise words from Owl, Pete learns that he's his grooviest when he's being himself. Includes step-by-step dance moves so readers can dance along with Pete! "Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie" is very highly recommended for family, day care center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. Also strongly recommended are Pete's other picture book adventures, including Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues and Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes.
Kimberly Dean & James Dean
HarperCollins
c/o HarperCollins Children's Books
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
9780062404343, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Dean, Kimberly, and James Dean. "Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie." Children's Bookwatch, July 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A500224127/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c053e514. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
EAN, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes. illus. by James Dean. 40p. HarperCollins. Oct. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062304346. POP
PreS-Gr 1--Pete's back, this time in a rhyming counting book that has the cat and his platypus buddy, Gus, solving a mystery: Who's taking the cupcakes for the party? The tale sees the friends, most of whom will be familiar to fans of the mischievous feline, giving alibis one by one ("Turtle said, 'It wasn't me! It couldn't be! I've been swimming in the sea!'") while Pete and Gus seek clues. Observant readers will enjoy finding hints along the way--amphibian footprints are a dead giveaway--and the rhyming and counting down as the cakes disappear make the book highly interactive. As usual, the Deans accompany their rollicking tale with jump-off-the-page bright artwork. Even the endpapers get in on the fun--they show sumptuous cupcakes, with the possible culprits popping up here and there. VERDICT For storytime or anytime sharing, this appealing picture book will be eaten up by readers and listeners alike.--Henrietta Verma, National Information Standards Organization, Baltimore
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Verma, Henrietta. "Dean, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes." School Library Journal, vol. 62, no. 11, Nov. 2016, pp. 69+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A468699148/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=8732242f. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
Dean, James PETE THE CAT AND THE BEDTIME BLUES Harper/HarperCollins (Children's Picture Books) $17.99 10, 6 ISBN: 978-0-06-230430-8
After a fun-filled day at the beach, Pete and his friends decide to continue the fun with a sleepover, but if they can't sleep, will it still be fun? Gus, Alligator, and Toad join Pete at his house, and it's all fun and games until the lights go out for bedtime. "Clap! Clap! Clap!" Toad doesn't want to sleep--he wants to clap. Another round of good nights and the lights go out. "Rat-a-tat-tat!" Gus wants to jam. And then, "Munch! Munch! Munch!" Alligator is hungry. What can Pete do to get a little shut-eye? Maybe his favorite bedtime book holds the answer. As in the rest of the tales featuring Pete, the characters are heavy-lidded and expressionless. Even a day surfing at the beach and a sleepover with friends can't elicit smiles from this group. And Pete, though readers assume that he's increasingly frustrated with his noisy friends, never bats an eyelash or expresses his feelings. Words like "gang," "groovy," "far-out," and "cool cat" try too hard to appeal to Beat Generation wannabes. Much better books about not being able to sleep abound--skip these bedtime blues. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Dean, James: PETE THE CAT AND THE BEDTIME BLUES." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Aug. 2015. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A425152252/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=1df6f9f0. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
Dean, James. Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School. Illus. Kimberly Dean. Harper Collins, 2014. 32 p. $3.99 PB. 978-0062110756. Grades PreK-2. Pete is back and trying to decide what to wear to the first day of school. Of course, he wants to be cool and asks others' opinions which vary greatly. Brightly colored and humorous this is an My First I Can Read Series title with the popular picture book cat who discovers that what he thinks matters most. It's not what you wear but how you wear it that makes you cool!
Ganz-Schmitt, Sue. Planet Kindergarten. illus. Shane Prigmore. Chronicle Books, 2014. 40 p. $16.99. 978-1452118932. Grades PreK-K. A dramatic "take off" to kindergarten as seen through the eyes of a rookie 5 year old NASA Astronaut. Space language is sprinkled through colorful, graphic, and exciting pages. A new world of school with aliens and a beloved commander makes the mission an adventure and the "splash down" at home a relaxing place to ready oneself for the next "blast off." Good laughs for parents and teachers too!
Moreillon, Judi. Ready and Waiting for You. illus. Catherine Stock. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2013. 32 p. $17.00. 978-0802853554. Grades PreK-1. With bright colors and fold out, extended pages, every aspect of school is mentioned and laid out as a fun, delightful place to spend time. Children are introduced to the school bus, library, playground, and classroom. The school is described as a community all shiny, joyful and just waiting for the most important ingredient--you, the student.
Killeen, Erlene Bishop
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC
http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Killeen, Erlene Bishop. "Welcome to school!" Teacher Librarian, vol. 42, no. 1, Oct. 2014, p. 52. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A387953047/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9182cf50. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.