Pete the Cat and Read Aloud volunteers visit local preschool

Ask any preschoolers, “Who has white shoes, four groovy buttons and is rocking in his school shoes?” and they will happily answer, “That’s Pete the Cat!”

“Pete the Cat books are among the most requested by our students,” said PJ Kotowski, a Read Aloud Delaware volunteer. “Pete is one of the most recognizable characters in children’s literature today.”

Now, Pete the Cat is coming to life in Sussex County child care centers, preschools and kindergartens thanks to the efforts of volunteers from Read Aloud Delaware.

Funded by a general grant from the Freeman Foundation, Pete the Cat, accompanied by one of his pals, is making the rounds at Read Aloud Delaware partner sites, at no extra cost to the sites. The characters spend some time with the students, and Pete’s pal reads one of the many “Pete the Cat” books written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean.

The statewide children’s literacy program is dedicated to ensuring that each preschool child in the state is regularly read to one-on-one. There are currently 165 active volunteers reading at 26 sites in Sussex County.

“We’re excited to offer a new, creative way to get children excited about reading,” said Stacy Penaranda, Read Aloud Delaware Sussex County director. “We know that the kids love Pete!”

Any child care center, preschool or kindergarten class that is not already associated with Read Aloud Delaware but is interested in having a visit from Pete the Cat is encouraged to consider becoming a partner.

To learn more , contact Stacy Penaranda in the Georgetown office at 302-856-2527.

For details about volunteering with Read Aloud Delaware, go to readalouddelaware.org.