For Pete's Sake - Hardcover

Walsh, Ellen Stoll

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 015200324X ISBN 13: 9780152003241

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 1998

Synopsis

Pete is sure he is a flamingo, but he cannot understand why he is green, has four feet instead of two, and has no feathers, but Pete soon discovers that he is not just another flamingo and learns what it means to fit in with friends.

About this title

About the Author

ELLEN STOLL WALSH is the author-illustrator of many popular books for children, including the successful Mouse Paint and Mouse Count books. She lives in upstate New York.

Reviews

PreSchool-A gentle and amusing story about an alligator who believes himself to be a flamingo, despite all evidence to the contrary, and his total and unconditional acceptance by his flamingo friends. The notion that we do not need to be alike to enjoy one anothers' company is nicely expressed and beautifully illustrated by Walsh's collages that employ papers of gloriously varied textures. Simple enough for a three or four-year-old to grasp and attractive enough for adults to respond to, this picture book is an all-around winner.
Miriam Lang Budin, Mt. Kisco Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The sole alligator among three flamingos, Pete knows he is green, but he wants to be pink because "everyone else is." In one of this brief yet insightful tale's typically witty passages, his flamingo pals reassure him: "Don't worry.... You probably aren't ripe yet. It takes longer for some." Pete's cronies continue to comfort him when he disgruntledly observes that he has four rather than two feet ("You're lucky, Pete.... Two, and two extra") and that he doesn't have any feathers ("The best feathers take the longest to grow"). Finally he meets three fellow alligators or, as the text says, "flamingos who looked just like Pete"?and he proudly announces to his pink pals, "I'm different but the same." To which they respond, "Well for Pete's sake, Pete.... You always have been." Disappointingly, Walsh's (Jack's Tale) minimalist cut-paper collage art varies little in some sequences. Yet the narrative's inarguably sound messages, among them the superficiality of appearance and the importance of being a supportive friend, coupled with the lightness of the delivery, virtually guarantee that this read-aloud will spark worthwhile discussion. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

As an alligator among flamingos, Pete is a fish out of water. In a Stellaluna-like storyline, he notices some distinct differences, such as his color (green) and theirs (pink). He's disturbed until he happens upon some fellow alligators, or, as Walsh puts it, ``flamingos who looked just like Pete.'' The happiest aspect of the story is the flamingos' ready acceptance of Pete as one of their own; they exclaim over his luck in having two extra legs and reassure him that the best feathers take the longest to grow. Walsh's cut-paper collages, like those in Pip's Magic (1994), dexterously use flecked paper to add texture to the alligator's skin and visible threads that suggest feathers on the flamingos. The simple green and pink animals stand confidently against white backgrounds, with only a hint of rock to stand on or water to wade in, accentuating shape for young onlookers. A comforting, gladdening tale. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 4^-6. What first appears to be simply another it's-OK-to-be-different story becomes something quite special, thanks to a few mischievous tweaks from the talented Walsh. Pete's friends are flamingos. Although children know Pete is an alligator, Pete is convinced he's a flamingo, too. Unfortunately, he can't account for his four stubby legs and lack of feathers or the fact that he's green instead of rosy pink. Perhaps, like Robert Kraus' Leo, he's just a late bloomer. What finally eases his mind is a chance encounter with three "strangers" (Walsh cleverly avoids using the word alligator in the text) on their way to the swamp: "Flamingos who looked just like Pete." Pete's final conversation with his flamingo buddies brings the joke full circle. Walsh's precise paper-cut collages are just right. Subtly textured and with spacious, stark white backgrounds, they are pleasingly simple, giving the comedy and the message plenty of unencumbered opportunity to sink in. Stephanie Zvirin

Edition details

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 015200324X
• ISBN 13: 9780152003241
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32