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Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie
Last updated Sunday, March 2, 2025
Author: James and Kimberly Dean
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 0062404342
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2025
Synopsis:
Pete is learning a new dance - the Cool Cat Boogie! When he hears a groovy beat, he's full of happy in his feet. But when Grumpy Toad tells him, "Pete, you dance all wrong!" Pete is determined to become a better dancer.
With the help of his friends and some wise words from Owl, Pete learns that he's his grooviest when he's being himself. Includes step-by-step dance moves so readers can dance along with Pete!
| Note to readers: |
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This story has a musicality to it. Try to read with some rhythm. While the topic is dancing, the message is really about everyone being comfortable being different and expressing themselves confidently. Be ready to dance with the kids!
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you like to dance? Do you think you’re a good dancer?
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Does everyone dance the same? Are there right and wrong ways to dance?
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How do you feel when you do something differently from someone else? Think about how you dance, sing, speak, dress …
Vocabulary
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Dig - a funny way to say you like something
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Groovy - an old-fashioned way to say something is cool
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Groove - move to the music
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Robot - a stiff/jerky style of dancing
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Do you think Grumpy Toad ever danced?
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How did Pete feel when he just turned and walked away?
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What kind of animal is Gus? (a duck-billed platypus?)
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Have you read a Pete the Cat book before? If you like this one, there may be others in the library.
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| Special activities: |
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Go through the pages again and let the kid imitate each character’s dance style (squirrel ballet, Gus robot, Turtle break-dancing).
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Follow the steps in the back of the book to learn your own Cool Cat Boogie. Here’s a great video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKX-ar3pAS4
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Have fun with everyone dancing however they want!
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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