Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

I can't read this book anymore without hearing the song and seeing the faces of all of the kids I've watched perform this in reader's theater.

Have I taught it? No. I have just been trolling YouTube for examples of how primary teachers are using this book, and the more I find, the more I want to look!  It's infectious...the story is simple but the language ("Did he cry? Goodness no!") and the message ("everything's good") just grab me. It's about dealing with adversity, with a smile and a cool cat mentality.  Make the best of the next thing to come along.  Don't compromise ... but stay flexible.

I think it might be worth elevating this to "anthem" in my teaching.  Watch a great performance here and a variation on the theme by some pre-K, K, and first graders.

-Marta