Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, story by Eric Litwin and created and illustrated by James Dean. Harper, 2012. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"The reindeer were waiting to give Pete a tow, so he packed up the presents and told them to go. Then the minibus flew, just like in a movie. Pete the cat cried,
"This is totally groovy!"
"I can do it!" said Pete, "and although I am small,
at Christmas we give,
so I'll give it my all."

Santa's sick. Who can help? Why, Pete the Cat can...he's first on Santa's list of friends to phone when help is needed. Readers who have met Pete in his other books will know that Pete is a friend extraordinaire and the friend to call on whenever something goes wrong. Should children worry?

"Will Christmas be canceled?
Will it come to that?
"Never!" cried Santa.
"Let's call Pete the Cat!"

Pete is willing to cancel his surfboard vacation to lend a hand with a promise to do his best:

"Give it your all, give it your all.
At Christmas we give,
so give it your all."

Once he arrives at the North Pole, he sets straight to work loading the minibus and arranging for the reindeer to give him a tow. Pete never wavers in his belief that he can get the job done. He gives it his all! His work is very much appreciated by everyone at the North Pole where he is lauded as a hero, despite his diminutive size. Pete proves size doesn't matter when help is needed. Bravo, Pete!

Now, here's the song so you can get it in your head and sing it endlessly as I have been doing all day:

http://youtu.be/a6Qiiksp4sg