Teaching Children's Literature
“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” ~C.S. Lewis
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas. Story by Eric Litwin and created and illustrated by James Dean. HarperCollins Publishers, c. 2012, 32 pp.
Reading Level: Not Available
Synopsis: This story follows the traditional tale of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Pete the Cat is giving it his all this year for Christmas by helping Santa, who is ill, deliver toys to the children. Even though Pete is small he can still do BIG things!
Rationale for Use in the Classroom: This story focuses on an important life lesson, that no matter how big or small you are, as long as you try your hardest that’s all that counts.
Content Area Connections: Language Arts, Life Lessons
Possible Areas of Concern: Students that believe in Santa Claus may be perturbed by the illustration of Santa portrayed as a cat. Some students in the class may also be offended by the holiday celebrated in this story.
~Elizabeth Schreiber
