FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Pete the Cat is on the prowl and Page and Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, is on his list of stops. Artist James Dean, who brought Pete to life through his artwork and children’s book, will visit the bookstore for a signing on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

He’ll be sharing the story of Pete the Cat and signing copies of, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Dean will also have his artwork, prints and t-shirts available for purchase and signing.

Long before the Pete the Cat came to life on canvas, Dean was an electrical engineer. In 1997, he decided to leave that career and become a full-time artist.

He started selling his drawings at art festivals.  In 1999, he drew a picture of his black cat named Pete. The real Pete was adopted from an animal shelter. 

Dean painted Pete in a deep shade of blue, his favorite color. From that moment, Dean knew Pete would someday develop a strong following, but had no idea his four-legged friend would take over his art.

“I just stuck the painting of Pete in the bin at one of my art shows and was overwhelmed with the response,” says Dean.  “Customers couldn't get enough of Pete. People have continued to buy as many as I can paint. The main thing that I have learned from painting Pete is how many people love cats, and I have to agree that they are very special.”

The latest book and accompanying music CD will leave readers laughing and singing out loud. There's no way NOT to feel good once you've run into Pete the Cat.

Dean will sign copies of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes that are purchased exclusively from Page & Palette. 

For more information, call (251) 928-5295, or visit www.pageandpalette.com.