Review Detail

The cat came back—and he’s brought a homemade friend.

Pete just wants to play catch. But when all of his friends are too busy to play with him, he does the only reasonable thing a young cat can do. He builds a robotic copy of himself and plays with Robo Pete instead. His new companion turns out to be good at everything. Maybe a little too good…

My 7 year old son adores all things Pete The Cat, and this book was no exception. The signature simple, boxy marker illustrations are unremarkable but consistent—exactly what one would expect from this series. And the bonus page of stickers was definitely a highlight.

To this parent, the plot itself felt a little erratic and lacking in any real point or takeaway lesson. (Pete’s friends eventually finish what they were doing and come to join in the Robo Shenanigans.) Other books in the series have proven more meaningful, in this reader’s opinion. While it may not make the memorable favorite list, the price is affordable and the reading level well suited to a first grader who is still building their foundation.