Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses

That cool customer Pete the Cat returns in this fifth picture-book devoted to his adventures - the first not written by author/songwriter Eric Litwin - finding that for once he's not feeling quite happy. Fortunately for him, he is given a pair of magic sunglasses by his friend Grumpy Toad, and his new eye-wear improves his outlook considerably. As Pete encounters a number of other creatures who are having a bad day, he shares his glasses, and spreads the joy. But when his glasses break, is it the end of the good times...?

Anyone familiar with the Pete the Cat formula knows that the answer to that is a resounding no! Always one to embrace a positive outlook, our feline hero in Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses learns that although a show more specific item (like the glasses) may prompt us to see things from a different perspective, once we've seen matters in that new light, we don't necessarily need the original prompt, in order to continue doing so. Although I do appreciate that message, I have to say that the narrative here lacked something of the sing-song quality that the earlier Pete the Cat books, written by Litwin, had. The artwork on the other hand, which continues to be done by James Dean, is just as bright and colorful as ever. Although not as good as some of the earlier books, in my estimation, I would still recommend this one to Pete the Cat fans, especially if they're looking for a story with a little bit of encouragement to look on the bright side of things. show less

I was excited to see a new Pete the Cat picture book, but this lacks the awesomeness of the first two Petes. In this new installment (written not by Eric Litwin, but by the illustrator James Dean and his wife Kimberly), Pete is feeling blue. Luckily, Grumpy Toad (who does not look grumpy, nor is he actually grumpy, despite the name) lends Pete his COOL, BLUE, MAGIC sunglasses. The glasses cheer Pete right up!

Then Pete meets a grumpy squirrel. He pays it forward by letting the squirrel wear the glasses. So, I expected the squirrel to be wearing them on the next page, but THEY'RE BACK ON PETE. So Pete just let squirrel wear the glasses for a hot minute? Huh. Pete lets a series of grumpy animals try the glasses, and on the next page, show more those glasses are always back on Pete. I guess Pete's not as generous as Grumpy Toad.

Finally, the COOL, BLUE, MAGIC sunglasses break and a wise owl tells Pete that he never really needed them to be happy (like the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz telling Dorothy she always had the power to go home). Then, on the final page, GRUMPY TOAD IS WEARING THE GLASSES! Even though they just broke! Either they magically un-broke or Grumpy Toad has a stash of COOL, BLUE, MAGIC sunglasses.

Not a bad effort, but not a great one either. show less

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses is about a cat who was having a bad day until he found magical sunglasses. When he puts on his magical sunglasses everything is seen differently and it makes him happy. As Pete the Cat is skateboarding around town he runs into several other animals who are unhappy. He lets each of them wear his sunglasses to see things in a different light and they become happy. At the end of the story, Pete the Cat falls off his skateboard and breaks his magical glasses. An owl who is watching from nearby, tells Pete the Cat that his sunglasses didn’t change his view and make him happy, but seeing the good in every day makes him happy.

Pete the cat is just too cool and never loses his cool. He’s so upbeat and positive. James Dean does a great job conveying his upbeat ness with his illustrations. They are so colorful and upbeat yet calm and cool all at the same time. How do illustrators do that! I mean I know the mechanics behind it but to apply it and make all those things happen at once and convey a message. James Dean is amazing at that with his Pete the cat series.

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses is a story about Pete the cat who is having a grumpy day until he wears the cool, blue sunglasses. He then goes around town helping out the other animals. The story was adorable and the images were great. I enjoyed the artwork and it was quite funny to look at. People who enjoy funny books will like Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses.

I liked this book for many reasons. This book had a great plot that young readers could follow. The problem in this story was that “Pete the Cat did not feel happy”, which made him feel very grumpy. Also the book pushes readers to broaden their perspective in life. In the story the Old Owl explains to Pete “You don’t need magic sunglasses to see things in a new way. Just remember to look for the good in every day”. This book main message is important for students to see the good even in difficult situations.

After reading this very engaging book to my students, I would share a writing prompt with them -- "IF you could have any object in the world, what would be your 'something' that made you see everything in a whole new way?"