Linda B. Tang

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

LESSONS IN OVERCOMING HARDSHIPS FROM PETE THE CAT, PART 2

September 18, 2012 By Linda

18 Sep

I know I posted this on Friday from  The Nerdy Book Club , but I have received several responses from parents on how this book encouraged their kids….wow! Who knew?  Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Have a favorite book that you really connect with? Please share!

LESSONS IN OVERCOMING HARDSHIP FROM PETE THE CAT

My daughter brought home a book entitled Pete, the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, by Eric Litwin. I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable with most of the picture books out there, but this one I had missed and am grateful that my daughter didn’t.

The story begins with the main character Pete, a four-legged feline, who, when out walking, experiences a few misfortunes that alter the appearance of his white sneakers. Depending on one’s outlook, this could be considered a huge disappointment or a minor inconvenience. After each mishap, the author lets us know that Pete chooses “to keep walking along and singing his song. “

I don’t know about you, but I have to work hard at not getting rattled when events occur that I hadn’t anticipated. Through whatever means each of us resorts to when they do, be it prayer, positive thinking, a trip to the therapist’s office, yoga class or maybe an encouraging pep talk from a supportive friend, it’s probably fair to say that we do our best to stay focused and not allow setbacks to derail us from moving ahead. (It is after all, one of the bitter-sweet themes we witnessed in these Summer Games from some of the Olympic athletes in their moments of defeat.) Perseverance, ambition and dedication are traits that, those of us who are parents, most likely have topping the “characteristics-we-want-our-children-to-have” list.

Not only does the theme of moving forward take its place in Pete’s response but so does the meaning of remaining faithful to one’s character.  After each event that alters Pete’s white shoes, Pete not only keeps walking along but keeps singing his song. Another wonderful lesson: despite the challenge, stay true to who you are.

So thank you, Mr. Litwin, for illustrating such important principles through this beloved fury friend. We all hear and know these truths, but sometimes we encounter seasons in our lives where our spirits are low and motivation tanks are running on empty. We question whether to push forward when stopping to have a tantrum is what feels most natural. Sometimes, we just need a Pete to remind us that in the face of interruptions, obstacles or disappointments, we need to keep walking along and singing our song. Maybe even at the top of our lungs.

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Hope, What About Me? 1 Comment

Previous Post: « Lessons on Overcoming Hardship from Pete the Cat: Today’s Nerdy Book Club Post
Next Post: What Makes You a Better Mom? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paula says

    September 19, 2012 at 6:46 am

    sounds like a great book Linda, for both me AND my child!!! I may go check it out, thanks!!! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

WELCOME!

Subscribe by Email

Receive All Linda B. Tang posts in Your Email!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Recent Posts

  • Dear Passenger Seat, Thank You for Being Along for the Journey
  • Be the Dew, Mom
  • Lessons on Overcoming Hardship from Pete the Cat
  • Carry Your Children While You Can
  • Dear stay-at-home mom, you have something contagious to pass on

Recent Comments

  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Andrea D. WIener on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Where I’ve Been Published

Member of the Nerdy Book Club

Archives

  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • June 2019
  • September 2018
  • June 2016
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • September 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012

Categories

  • Blog (91)
  • Faith (18)
  • Favorite Poems (8)
  • Home Page (4)
  • Hope (26)
  • Integrity (2)
  • Main Callout (1)
  • Marriage (3)
  • Motherhood in the News (2)
  • Obedience (4)
  • Parenting (25)
  • Patience (11)
  • Peace (9)
  • Perseverance (15)
  • Praying for Your Children (6)
  • Seasons (7)
  • Slider (4)
  • Trusting God (33)
  • Weary (21)
  • What About Me? (44)
  • What's Brewin' in Your Cup? (54)
[footer_backtotop] · Copyright © 2023 2014 Crown Laid Down Designs All Rights Reserved · Log in