P is for Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party: Library Notes

1n 2019 Kimberly and James Dean produced a new Pete the Cat book perfect for anyone who loves pizza, parties and/or the letter P.  

Rhythm and rhyme help with the flow of reading as seen in the opening lines."Pete the Cat loves pizza. Pete the Cat loves parties too. Pete had an idea of what he could do!"  It is a great opening that naturally creates the question...."What do you think Pete will do?" 

Note small details in the book as you read along.  For example, who is riding the skateboard with Pete?

Ask about the artwork.  For example, what does the lightbulb mean?  (It represents an idea Pete has).

Join in on the fun and plan your own pizza party using this book for inspiration.  If you plan to invite others for the party, maybe you can make up invitations like the one Pete made.

What items would you put on your pizza?  If you want to do this as a craft or game activity, you can add shredded paper cheese and brown circles on a paper plate pizza.  You can put words to practice on the pepperonis.  If you are working on /P/ you can use /p/ words or you can use early reading words like and and the. The only limit is your imagination.

This book repeats a chant.  The chant is actually a tongue twister by the end.  After each item is added to the pizza, it is added to the chant so that by the end it goes like this: "It's a party, a party, a pepperoni, pretzel, pistachio, pickle, popcorn, papaya, pizza party!"  Try that one three times fast!

There are specific rhymes in the book too, such as the list of exclamations shared: dynamite, out of sight and just right!  Can you find others?  What other exclamations could Pete make?

try something new

The party includes some fun activities to consider such as a bounce house, a pool and a beanbag toss, Have the children tell their own story of activities they like to do at a party.  They can write out the events of a past party they attended or they can write out a plan for a dream party of their own.

What is clear in this book is that the party is perfect because it is shared with friends. Talk about the friends of the child(ren) in your life.  Plan ways to build those friendships and create fun memories that will las a lifetime.

A follow up activity to this book would be a matching activity.  Who liked what? Try matching each friend to their chosen topping.

One last thing. Pete the Cat and his friends affirmed that it is important to try something new.  Plan a new activity or try a new food or meet a new friend!  Be sure to use this book as the jumping off point for choosing something new to do to expand your world, even just a little.  There is so much for you and your child(ren) to explore.  The possibilities are limitless!  Enjoy your time together and the fun times that you create....all because of a book you read together!   Keep up the good work!



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