cover image Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Eric Litwin, illus. by James Dean. Harper, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06-191024-1

In his previous outing, blue cat Pete proved his ability to roll with the punches when his white sneakers were accidentally stained red. Sporting the red treads for the first day of school (they match his electric guitar), Pete is again unflappable. "Pete has never been to the library before! Does Pete worry? Goodness, no! He finds his favorite book and sings his song." School setting aside, little differentiates this book from its predecessor. There's humor to be found in the deadpan expressions of Pete and his fellow cats as he sits with friends in the lunchroom, plays at recess, and solves math problems on the board. But whether the simple refrain and Pete's blas%C3%A9 attitude actually assuage anxious schoolgoers is another story. Pete's song is available as a download. Ages 3%E2%80%937. (Aug.)