Illustrator & Author Profile
James Dean
61 Books
James Dean is an American artist and the original creator and illustrator of the beloved children's book character, Pete the Cat. He initially painted the iconic blue cat in 1999 before collaborating to bring Pete into the world of children's literature with titles like 'Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes'. Dean continues to serve as the primary illustrator for the massive franchise and frequently co-authors the books alongside his wife, Kimberly Dean.
Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
James Dean, Kimberly Dean
Animals
Cats
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Pete the Cat loves riding his bicycle on a sunny day. Ding, ding! But when Turtle rolls up in a new car and wants to race, Pete is ready to pedal into the challenge.
This groovy take on a race story brings Pete and Turtle together for a fun contest inspired by the classic tortoise-and-hare idea. Along the way, the ride matters just as much as the finish line, and Pete keeps his cool, upbeat style from start to end.
With bicycles, cars, friendly competition, and a light lesson about enjoying the journey, this lively early reader is a fun choice for kids who like vehicles, animal characters, and Pete’s easygoing adventures.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Five little ducks are heading out for a day of play, and there is one very cool blue cat leading the way. You will tap your toes to a groovy new spin on a beloved classic children's song. When Pete the Cat calls the little ducks to come back, the countdown begins as they waddle away and return one by one. You will count down from five to one as you explore the bright, cheerful pages with Pete and his feathered friends. This fun adaptation takes a familiar tune and turns it up a notch with Pete's signature style. It is the perfect story to sing out loud together, combining simple counting practice with a catchy rhythm. Get ready to quack, sing, and rock out with the coolest cat around.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The autumn air is crisp, and five little pumpkins are sitting proudly on a gate. But this is not just any ordinary fall evening, because Pete the Cat is ready to rock out to a spooky classic. You will sing along with your favorite blue cat as he brings his own groovy style to this beloved Halloween rhyme. As the wind rolls in and the witches take to the sky, Pete jams out on his guitar, turning a slightly spooky night into a fun, musical celebration. You will count the pumpkins one by one as they roll out of sight, following the catchy rhythm of the words. It is a fantastic, upbeat way to celebrate the season with a cool cat who knows exactly how to keep the party rolling.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Sound the alarm and jump onto the bright red engine! Pete the Cat and his classmates are heading off on a thrilling field trip to the local firehouse. They are having an awesome time sliding down the big brass pole, trying on heavy helmets, and meeting the brave heroes who keep the town safe. But just when they think the tour is over, the loud fire alarm rings! There is a real emergency, and the firefighters have to move fast. Will Pete be able to grab a hose and help the crew save the day? Join the grooviest rescue team around and discover what it truly takes to be a brave firefighter.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Pete the Cat wants to make something great for the school bake sale. The kitchen is ready, the idea is exciting, and Pete is sure he can help. But instead of a perfect treat, he keeps making a big, groovy mess.
As Pete tries again, young readers get a funny look at what happens when baking does not go as planned. Flour, mixing, mistakes, and school spirit all come together in a simple story about trying, laughing, and not giving up too soon.
This early reader is a tasty pick for children who enjoy Pete the Cat, school stories, and cheerful books about creativity, problem solving, and messy fun.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Your stomach is rumbling, and Pete the Cat is right there with you. It is time for lunch, and this cool cat is ready to create the most massive, mouth-watering sandwich the world has ever seen. You will watch in amazement as Pete piles on layer after layer of his favorite foods, building a snack so gigantic that it towers right over his head. But there is a tiny problem with this towering treat. The sandwich is way too big for just one cat to finish alone. You will follow along as Pete sets out on a tasty mission to find the perfect friends to help him tackle this giant meal. As you read the simple words on each page, you will discover that the only thing better than a towering sandwich is sharing it with the people you care about.
6-8 Years
31 Pages
Grab your hard hat and get ready to build something amazing! Pete the Cat is stepping onto the construction site with a brilliant plan to create the absolute best playground his school has ever seen. With giant dump trucks, tall cranes, and roaring bulldozers, Pete is ready to work hard. But constructing a playground is a lot tougher than it looks, and pretty soon, his big project turns into a huge, messy disaster! Things are crumbling down left and right. Will Pete give up and walk away, or will he figure out a way to turn his big mistake into an incredible success? Join the crew and learn why you should never stop trying.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Blast off into an unforgettable, groovy adventure! Pete the Cat is heading to space camp, and he is about to embark on an incredible mission straight into outer space. Get ready to strap into a rocket ship and zoom past the stars with the coolest astronaut around. Once he is up in the cosmos, Pete gets to experience the incredible feeling of floating in zero gravity and exploring the vast unknown. But what happens when things get a little bumpy on the journey? Do not worry, Pete always keeps his cool! Put on your spacesuit and prepare for a stellar journey that proves there is no limit to what a smart cat can do.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Pete the Cat is finally getting a pet of his very own, and he is bursting with excitement. After picking out a friendly goldfish named Goldie, Pete decides to paint a super cool portrait of his new underwater pal. The painting turns out so great that suddenly, everyone in town wants their very own picture of Goldie. You will flip the pages as Pete tries to keep up with the demand, painting picture after picture for his friends. But with all this artwork, Pete is running out of time to finish his homework and actually play with his pet. You will read along to see how Pete uses his clever problem-solving skills to share his art without burning out. This gentle story is perfect for sounding out new words while learning a valuable lesson about sharing, creativity, and taking care of your pets.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready for a groovy St. Patrick's Day adventure with your favorite cool cat! Pete the Cat has a brand new idea. He is opening his very own leprechaun catching business. After all, catching a leprechaun means you get to find a pot of gold, and Pete is ready for the challenge.
But catching a magical leprechaun is a lot harder than it looks. They are quick, clever, and full of sneaky tricks. As Pete tries out different traps and plans, he realizes that this little green guy might just outsmart him at every turn. Will Pete finally catch his leprechaun, or will he discover that there is something even better than a pot of gold? Join Pete on this funny, festive chase that shows you the true meaning of luck and friendship.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Trouble is in town, and Pete the Cat has a heroic new identity: Super Pete. With his cool jet, nifty goggles, and slick slingshot, he is ready for action.
This early reader lets children step into a playful superhero adventure with a familiar favorite character. Pete’s mission is full of energy, gadgets, and confidence, but the story stays simple enough for growing readers to follow and enjoy.
Designed for shared reading and early independent reading, Super Pete is a fun pick for kids who like heroes, action, and imaginative pretend play. It brings superhero excitement into Pete the Cat’s relaxed, groovy world.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Someone new has just moved into the neighborhood, and Pete the Cat is thrilled to say hello. After all, having more friends around always means having more fun. You will tag along as Pete happily introduces himself to Gus the platypus. But as they try to play together, Pete quickly notices that Gus is quite different from him. Gus cannot climb trees or jump as high, and he starts to feel a little bit down. It is up to Pete to show Gus that being different is exactly what makes him cool. You will groove along with the rhythmic story as Pete helps his new pal discover his own special talents. This sweet and funny tale proves that everyone has something unique to share, and true friends celebrate exactly who you are.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Jump into a groovy Easter adventure with everyone's favorite cool cat! One night, Pete the Cat is bunnysitting five little bunnies. Everything is going perfectly fine until, all of a sudden, those five little bunnies start hopping on the bed! You probably know the classic song about the five little monkeys, but Pete the Cat is here to give it a fresh, hippity-hoppity twist. Will Pete be able to get these energetic little bunnies to settle down and go to sleep? Grab your favorite reading buddy and get ready to sing along. This fun, musical story is packed with colorful illustrations and the signature cool-cat attitude you know and love. It is the perfect read-aloud for springtime, bedtime, or anytime you need a good laugh and a catchy tune. Get ready to rock out and hop along with Pete!
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Strap on your shining armor and grab your sword, because Pete the Cat is heading out on a medieval quest. As Sir Pete the Brave, he is the most gallant and courageous cat in the entire kingdom. When Lady Callie, the greatest harp player in the land, suddenly goes missing, Sir Pete knows he must ride to her rescue. You will follow his daring journey as he gallops on his horse, climbs towering castles, and bravely faces the unknown. But when Sir Pete accidentally gets trapped in a dark dragon's lair, things take a surprising turn. You will read along to discover that sometimes the friends you are trying to save might just be the ones who end up saving you. This funny adventure is perfect for practicing your reading skills while learning about teamwork and bravery.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Preparing for a big party is a lot of work, especially when the main treats suddenly vanish! Pete and his friends have been incredibly busy baking delicious cupcakes for their upcoming celebration. Everyone is excited, and Pete is especially eager to perform some groovy tunes with his band. But just as the party is about to begin, they notice that several cupcakes are missing from the plate.
Who could have taken the sweet treats? Pete and the gang must put on their detective hats to solve the mystery before the party is ruined. As they follow the clues and interview their friends, they uncover the surprising culprit. Instead of getting angry, Pete uses the moment to show that forgiveness and understanding are the best choices. This delightful mystery tale teaches a wonderful lesson about how it is always cool to be kind.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pete is heading out to visit his Grandma, and the best part of the journey is getting there! He gets to ride a real train, an experience full of exciting new sights and sounds. When the friendly conductor invites him for a special tour, Pete gets to see exactly how the train works. He even gets to visit the engine room and honk the loud horn for everyone to hear.
Along the way, the journey is packed with fun. Pete meets new friends in the different train cars and plays train-themed games to pass the time. This engaging story captures the excitement of travel and the joy of visiting family. Perfect for young readers starting to explore books on their own, it combines a favorite character with the thrill of a big adventure. Grab your ticket and join Pete for a ride you will not forget!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pete the Cat is strutting his stuff in his absolute favorite shirt, decorated with four totally groovy, colorful buttons. You will sing along with Pete as he confidently shows off his awesome outfit. But suddenly, pop goes a button. As his buttons roll away one by one, you might wonder if Pete is going to cry. Goodness, no. Instead, you will practice counting backwards as Pete just keeps on singing his catchy tune. He knows that buttons come and buttons go, and there is no reason to lose your cool over a little missing piece. You will laugh and count along with every page of this upbeat, musical story. Pete proves that keeping a positive attitude is the most stylish thing you can wear, no matter how many buttons you have left.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Travel back in time to a prehistoric world filled with gigantic creatures! Meet Cavecat Pete, a groovy feline who lives happily right alongside the mighty dinosaurs. Pete is friends with everyone, no matter how big they are or what they like to eat. To celebrate their friendship, he decides to plan a massive, fun-filled picnic for the whole prehistoric crew. There is just one big problem. The plant-eating herbivores and the meat-eating carnivores are having a hard time getting along! Can Cavecat Pete use his laid-back attitude to bring the different dinosaurs together for a peaceful meal? Grab your favorite snack and find out how this clever cat saves the day.
6-8 Years
29 Pages
Winding down after a spectacular day of play can be the hardest part of the evening. Pete and his friends have spent hours having an absolute blast surfing and playing in the warm sun. Because nobody wants the fun to end, Pete comes up with a groovy idea: they should all have a giant sleepover!
As the night gets later, the energy finally starts to dip. Pete is ready to catch some sleep and rest up for tomorrow. Unfortunately, his friends are still wide awake and definitely not ready to close their eyes. With everyone tossing and turning, Pete realizes he needs to find a clever way to help his guests settle down. He tries a new idea to calm the group, leading to a gentle and relaxing conclusion. This humorous nighttime tale is the perfect story to help energetic kids transition into a peaceful slumber.
6-8 Years
Get your costume ready for the coolest Halloween night ever! Pete the Cat absolutely loves getting dressed up and eating sweet candy, but he is not a big fan of scary surprises. As Pete walks from house to house in his neighborhood to go trick-or-treating, he needs your help to figure out what is waiting behind every single door. Is it something spooky, or just something silly? In this fun, interactive Halloween adventure, you can lift the flaps to uncover all the hidden secrets waiting in the shadows. Join Pete on a magical autumn evening and find out why this special holiday is much more sweet than it is scary.
6-8 Years
16 Pages
The winter wind is howling, and Santa Claus has caught a terrible chill right before the biggest night of the year. It looks like the holiday might be ruined, but Santa knows exactly who to call for help. You will ride along with Pete the Cat as he steps up to save the day. Pete might be small, but he proves that giving it your absolute all is the most totally groovy thing you can do. You will bounce along to the rockin twist on a classic poem as Pete travels the globe, delivering presents with his own cool style. With his guitar in hand and a big heart, Pete shows that the true spirit of the season is all about helping others. Get ready to cheer for your favorite blue cat as he brings joy to everyone around the world.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pete the Cat meets a super-cool caterpillar and thinks he has found a new best friend. The caterpillar is interesting, exciting, and fun to watch.
Then one day, the caterpillar is gone. Pete has to figure out what happened, and his search leads him toward a surprise in nature. Young readers can enjoy the light mystery while learning, through the story, that living things can change in amazing ways.
Simple sentences, familiar words, and bright illustrations make this early reader a friendly fit for children starting to read on their own. It is a groovy Pete adventure with friendship, curiosity, and a small nature discovery at its center.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready for a groovy holiday adventure with everyone's favorite feline! When Pete the Cat wakes up on Easter morning, he discovers that the Easter Bunny is in a bit of a jam and desperately needs his help. Never one to turn down a friend in need, Pete steps up to save the day. But delivering eggs and spreading holiday cheer is a big job for one cool cat. Will Pete be able to help the Easter Bunny finish the route before Easter is officially over? Put on your favorite shoes and tag along as Pete hops into action. Full of fun, teamwork, and classic Pete the Cat charm, this festive story proves that helping others is the grooviest thing you can do!
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Pete the Cat has a box of crayons and a big idea: he is going to draw his friends. Red, blue, and every color in between give Pete plenty of ways to create.
But when his friends do not react the way he hoped, Pete begins to doubt his artwork. Should he put the crayons away, or can he find a new way to see what he has made? This colorful story celebrates creativity without pretending that making art always feels easy.
With humor, heart, and Pete’s upbeat spirit, this picture book is a strong choice for young artists, Pete fans, and children learning that art can be personal, expressive, and wonderfully imperfect.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree with everyone's favorite cool cat! Pete and his friends are counting down the days until Santa arrives, and they are doing it in their own signature style. Forget about five golden rings—who needs those when you can have five delicious onion rings? Join Pete the Cat and his groovy gang as they put a fun, energetic spin on the classic Twelve Days of Christmas carol. Packed with one-of-a-kind holiday cheer, this vibrant story brings a hip and musical spirit to the season. It is the perfect festive read to get you singing, laughing, and grooving along as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Grab your guitar, warm up your singing voice, and discover all the cool gifts Pete receives during his twelve groovy days of Christmas!
6-8 Years
Pack your sleeping bag and pitch your tent, because Pete the Cat is heading into the great outdoors. Pete is buzzing with excitement for his very first camping trip, ready to hike through the woods, catch fish, and roast gooey s'mores over a crackling fire. But as night falls and the campfire shadows grow long, he hears a spooky story about a giant, mysterious creature named Bigfoot. You will read along as Pete looks into the dark forest and starts to wonder if the legendary monster might actually be real. Will he let his fears ruin the trip, or will he bravely uncover the truth? You will build your reading confidence as you join Pete on this funny, nature-filled adventure, learning that the woods are full of surprises and that overcoming your small fears can be a truly groovy experience.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A Father's Day Gift Book From Kids
Pete the Cat knows Mom and Dad do a lot for him, and he wants to say thank you in a special way. The hard part is figuring out what that special surprise should be.
As Pete thinks, plans, and tries to find the right idea, young readers can follow a warm family story about love, gratitude, and doing something from the heart. The book keeps Pete’s familiar cool-cat charm while focusing on a feeling children know well: wanting to show someone how much they matter.
Gentle, upbeat, and easy to enjoy together, this Pete the Cat story is a sweet choice for family reading, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any day a thank-you feels just right.
6-8 Years
29 Pages
A gloomy, gray sky is trying to ruin a perfectly good day at the beach, but Pete the Cat will not let the rainy blues win. When his outdoor plans are canceled, Pete does not sit around feeling sad. Instead, he discovers an ordinary, giant cardboard box and unlocks a world of endless possibilities. You will zoom into space, dive into the deep sea, and race through wild adventures right alongside him. With just a little bit of creative thinking, you will watch Pete transform a simple brown box into the most spectacular toys and vehicles. This playful story shows you that the best adventures do not require sunshine or expensive gadgets. All you need is a spark of creativity to turn a boring afternoon into the most epic, groovy journey ever.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Pete the Cat is ready for hide-and-seek. He closes his eyes, counts to ten, and starts looking for his friends. But they are not as easy to find as he expects.
Are they behind a tree? On a bus? Somewhere even sneakier? As Pete searches, young readers get to enjoy the suspense of each new peek while watching Pete practice patience when the game gets tricky.
Playful, calm, and full of small surprises, this Pete the Cat story is a friendly pick for children who enjoy funny picture books about games, friends, and keeping your cool when things do not go exactly as planned.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Grab your mittens and step into a winter wonderland with your favorite blue cat. School is officially canceled, and Pete cannot wait to dive right into the fresh powder with all his friends. Get ready for an epic day packed with snowball fights, warm mugs of hot chocolate, and building the coolest snowcats in the neighborhood. It seems like the perfect day off. But when the snow keeps falling and the days off keep stacking up, Pete starts to wonder if you can actually have too much of a good thing. You will love sounding out the words as you join this hilarious journey to discover that playing in the snow is fantastic, but going back to school might just be even better. This funny adventure is a great way to practice reading while celebrating the joyful surprises of a chilly winter season.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pete the Cat has a school-day problem: he cannot decide what to wear. One outfit seems cool, then another, and soon Pete has more choices than he knows what to do with.
This funny beginning reader follows Pete as he tries to pick the perfect look for school. With simple sentences, bright illustrations, and Pete’s relaxed attitude, the story gives young readers an easy way into reading while exploring creativity, confidence, and making choices.
Perfect for shared reading or new readers gaining independence, this Pete the Cat book turns a familiar morning routine into a playful school story with plenty of style.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pete the Cat is visiting the library for the first time, and there is so much to discover. He gets a tour, checks out the shelves, and finds that books can take him on adventures without leaving the building.
With a library card and a little imagination, Pete steps into stories that feel big, exciting, and new. Young readers can follow his visit while seeing the library as a place for curiosity, choice, and fun.
This upbeat picture book is a welcoming introduction to libraries, reading, and imagination. It is especially appealing for Pete the Cat fans, classroom storytime, and children getting ready for their own first library trip.
6-8 Years
29 Pages
Something unusual is going on, and Pete the Cat is ready to investigate. Meet Secret Agent Meow, Pete’s undercover alter ego, complete with a spy watch, a secret catcher, and a meow-mobile.
As Pete follows clues and tries to crack the case, young readers get a playful mystery with gadgets, action, and Pete’s signature cool attitude. The story keeps the suspense light and fun, making it easy for children to enjoy the secret-agent setup without anything too scary.
Fast-moving and imaginative, this Pete the Cat story is a fun choice for readers who like spies, mysteries, vehicles, and animal adventures with a groovy twist.
6-8 Years
29 Pages
Pete the Cat does not think Valentine's Day is cool. In fact, he is not quite sure what the big deal is. But when he stops to think about all the special friends in his life, he realizes that celebrating them is actually pretty groovy. Grab your markers and join Pete as he works hard to craft the perfect Valentine's Day cards for everyone he cares about. Just when he thinks he has finished his massive list, he discovers that he has forgotten one very important cat. You will love riding along on Pete's festive adventure as he rushes to make things right and learns that showing people you care is the coolest thing of all. This fun holiday story is packed with heart, humor, and the classic laid-back attitude that makes Pete a favorite friend for young readers.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Take a deep breath and dive straight into a spectacular underwater adventure! Pete the Cat is putting on his fins, adjusting his goggles, and going scuba diving for the very first time. Before he splashes into the ocean, he learns all about the amazing creatures living below the surface, and he is especially excited to spot a tiny seahorse. But once he is swimming through the colorful coral reefs and gliding past the big fish, that little seahorse is nowhere to be found! As Pete searches high and low through the deep blue sea, he might just make an unexpected friend along the way. Jump into the waves and explore the ocean with Scuba-Cat.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Pete the Cat has a tree house, and he wants all his friends to come over. But when everyone climbs up, there is one big problem: the tree house is not big enough.
Instead of leaving anyone out, Pete and his friends start working together. Young readers can follow the building, teamwork, and problem solving as the group turns a too-small space into something cooler and more welcoming.
This early reader combines Pete’s groovy attitude with a clear, child-friendly story about friendship and cooperation. Short sentences, familiar words, and bright illustrations make it a strong choice for children beginning to read on their own or with support.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Lace up your dancing shoes because Pete the Cat is ready to boogie down. Pete has discovered a brand new dance, and whenever he hears a groovy beat, his feet just cannot stop moving. But when Grumpy Toad points out that his moves are all wrong, Pete starts to lose his rhythm. You will step onto the dance floor as Pete sets out to become a better dancer, seeking advice from his animal friends. With a little bit of practice and some wise words from Owl, Pete discovers a very important secret about dancing. You will learn the fun, step-by-step moves right alongside him. This energetic story proves that you do not need to be perfect to hit the dance floor. You are at your very best when you are just being yourself and having fun.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Before he was Pete the Cat, he was Pete the Kitty, and he is excited for a playdate at Grumpy Toad’s house. Grumpy Toad has a truck, blocks, a superhero cape, and lots of cool toys.
There is just one problem: Grumpy Toad does not want to share. Soon the playdate is not much fun for either friend. Young readers can follow Pete and Grumpy Toad through a familiar friendship challenge, with toys, feelings, and gentle humor guiding the story.
Bright, simple, and easy to read aloud, this Pete the Kitty picture book is a warm choice for children learning about sharing, playdates, and what makes time with friends more fun.
6-8 Years
43 Pages
Pete the Cat arrives at school and gets a surprise: his teacher is sick, and his mom is the substitute. School is familiar to Pete, but it is all new to Mom.
Now Pete has to help her learn the classroom routines, the rules, and the little things that make his school day work. Young readers can enjoy the funny switch as Pete becomes the guide and Mom becomes the one who needs help.
Warm, simple, and school-focused, this Pete the Cat story is a good fit for children who like classroom adventures, family stories, and gentle humor about unexpected changes in the day.
6-8 Years
Look up at the night sky and get ready for a groovy bedtime! Join everyone's favorite cool cat as he brings his own special style to a classic lullaby. Pete the Cat is stargazing and singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star in a wonderfully soothing nighttime adventure. Whether you are winding down after a busy day or just love looking at the stars, this peaceful journey is the perfect way to relax. With beautiful, calming illustrations and a familiar song, it is time to snuggle up and drift off to sleep. Say goodnight to the glowing stars with Pete and get ready for sweet dreams.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
