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Pete the Cat Saves Christmas



Last updated Thursday, December 12, 2013

Author: James Dean
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0062110624
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2013

Synopsis: 'Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill. In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill. Will Christmas be canceled? Will it come to that? "Never!" cried Santa. "Let's call Pete the Cat!" In this rockin' new spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think will happen based on the title?
•  Do you have a cat or other type of pet?
•  Do you think Pete the Cat would be able to save Christmas?
•  How will Pete save Christmas?

Vocabulary:
•  chill - means cold (sickness) in this context
•  groovy - fashionable and exciting
•  townsfolk - people who live in a town
•  in a dash - quickly

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think it was difficult for Pete to save Christmas? Why or why not?
•  Have you ever done something you didn't think you could do? How did you feel about it?
•  What kinds of thinks have you given to others?
•  Have you ever helped a friend in need like Pete helped Santa?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a wish list of things you want to do for the holidays, draw some of the items on your list. Be sure to include things you would like to do for someone else.
•  Make a Pete the Cat mask with a Santa hat. Attach a craft stick to hold up, pieces of cotton balls on the hat, and pipe cleaners or narrow strips of paper for whiskers. (see sample)

*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!