📖 Overview
Pete the Cat enters a race around his town against Turtle, bringing his skateboard to help him compete. Pete faces the challenge with his signature positive attitude and confidence.
Along the way, Pete encounters obstacles and setbacks that test his resolve. The race takes him through familiar locations and past friends who cheer him on.
The story presents themes of perseverance and sportsmanship through Pete's approach to competition. It reinforces the value of trying your best and maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of circumstances.
👀 Reviews
Parents and young children embrace this Pete the Cat story for its simple, repetitive text that helps beginning readers. Reviewers note the positive message about perseverance and trying new things.
Likes:
- Builds confidence for early readers
- Pete maintains an upbeat attitude
- Illustrations keep kids engaged
- Short length works well for bedtime
Dislikes:
- Text is more basic compared to other Pete books
- Plot feels predictable and formulaic
- Some find it too short for the price
- Limited vocabulary range
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,800+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (790+ ratings)
"Perfect for my 3-year-old who's just starting to recognize words," notes one parent reviewer. Another mentions: "Not as creative as earlier Pete books, but my toddler still requests it nightly."
Barnes & Noble readers rate it 4.7/5, with comments focusing on its value for pre-K reading practice and Pete's encouraging personality.
📚 Similar books
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
A story about dragons and their food preferences follows the same pattern of repetition and cause-and-effect as Pete's adventures.
The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems This tale tracks a stubborn pigeon's resistance to getting clean with the same persistence Pete shows in his endeavors.
I'm a Frog by Mo Willems The book presents pretend play and imagination through a character-driven narrative similar to Pete's approach to challenges.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems A determined character pursues a goal with the same single-minded focus Pete demonstrates in his stories.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt The narrative follows multiple characters working through a situation, mirroring Pete's problem-solving methods.
The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems This tale tracks a stubborn pigeon's resistance to getting clean with the same persistence Pete shows in his endeavors.
I'm a Frog by Mo Willems The book presents pretend play and imagination through a character-driven narrative similar to Pete's approach to challenges.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems A determined character pursues a goal with the same single-minded focus Pete demonstrates in his stories.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt The narrative follows multiple characters working through a situation, mirroring Pete's problem-solving methods.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐱 Pete the Cat, created by James Dean, started as a local art piece in Georgia before becoming a beloved children's book character
🎨 Author James Dean painted Pete as a black cat originally, but his wife convinced him to make Pete blue, which became his signature look
📚 "Go, Pete, Go!" is part of the "My First I Can Read" series, specifically designed for shared reading between parents and emerging readers
🚗 The book teaches children about different modes of transportation while incorporating simple, repetitive phrases that build reading confidence
🌟 James Dean left his job as an electrical engineer to become a full-time artist, leading to Pete the Cat's creation and eventual success