Pete the Cat is a beloved character in children's literature. One of his many adventures is detailed in the book "Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses." In this story, Pete is feeling down and everything around him seems grey and gloomy. However, a wise old owl gives him a pair of magic sunglasses that change his perspective on life. With these magic sunglasses, Pete is suddenly able to see the world in a new light. Everything becomes vibrant and full of color.
Mekanikos vs. the Minotaur is an elaborate mechanical machine.
While he did unfortunately pass away in December 2020, the artist crafted some of the most playful moving toys using basic mechanisms, even going so far as to educate people on creating their own. Although Dug s automata are built to refresh their technology-saturated viewers, certain technologies have served to bring together automata creators from all corners of the globe.
Everything becomes vibrant and full of color. He sees the beauty in everyday things like the sky, the flowers, and even his friends. The sunglasses help Pete realize that life is too short to be sad or upset all the time.
Magic and Robots: Medieval Automatons
When people think of the medieval or early modern period, often it conjures images of the witch trials across the western world. These people are considered a superstitious bunch, deeply religious, and very suspicious of magic. Whilst there is of course substance to some of these ideas (and I have already discussed one case of an alleged royal witch), medieval people at royal courts did enjoy the suspended disbelief of magicians in the same way that we do today. Part of the reason magic at court was a dangerous thing to practice was that there was a fine line between acceptable and unacceptable magic, magic that bordered on science, and magic there to entertain.
Medieval people were not living in constant crippling fear of magic, and magic often featured heavily in chivalric romances – the booming popularity of Arthurian romances that continues even today demonstrates this. As such, the blurring of ‘magic’ and science often featured at European courts as something to entertain crowds. Whilst we think of machines as more modern inventions, there were some astonishing ‘machines’ created to astonish the court that grew out from performance magic.
Automatons originated in Ancient Greece where they were used for many things from toys to religious ceremonies to science. Rhodes was apparently a centre for mechanical engineering, with one poet remarking “The animated figures stand/ Adorning every public street/ And seem to breathe in stone, or/ move their marble feet.” It was from this culture that the idea of creating machines (often to look like animals or even people) that seemed to move all by themselves continued through to the medieval period.
An automaton designed by Hero of Alexandria (c. 10 AD – c. 70 AD), showing Hercules slaying a dragon (the dragon only spewed water, not fire, however!)
In Emperor Theophilos’ palace at Constantinople in 949, an ambassador describes the automatons decorating the place:
“lions, made either of bronze or wood covered with gold, which struck the ground with their tails and roared with open mouth and quivering tongue,” “a tree of gilded bronze, its branches filled with birds, likewise made of bronze gilded over, and these emitted cries appropriate to their species” and “the emperor’s throne” itself, which “was made in such a cunning manner that at one moment it was down on the ground, while at another it rose higher and was to be seen up in the air.” (quotes via Wikipedia)
Leonardo Da Vinci, famous for many things, wrote extensively about automatons, and his personal notebooks are littered with ideas for mechanical creations. One of his designs included an armoured German Knight which was to be powered by an external mechanical crank and used cables and pulleys to sit, stand, turn its head, cross its arms and even lift up its metal visor. Evidence suggests that Da Vinci may have actually built a prototype in 1495 while working under the patronage of the Duke of Milan, and in 2002 a NASA roboticist attempted to create a version of Da Vinci’s knight; it proved fully functional, showing the genius of his invention.
The life-sized recreation of Da Vinci’s invention.The following century, another ‘robotic’ man was created, this time for Philip II of Spain. The story goes that Phillip II’s son and heir suffered a head injury, and Philip vowed to God that he would deliver a miracle if his son was spared. When the Prince recovered, Phillip II commissioned a clockmaker and inventor named Juanelo Turriano to build a lifelike recreation of beloved Franciscan friar Saint Diego. Completed sometime in the 1560s, the monk was 15 inches tall and was powered by a wound spring. Three small wheels were concealed beneath the monk’s robe and iron levers move the wheels. Artificial feet stepped up and down to imitate walking, and the friar’s eyes, lips and head all moved in lifelike gestures. The monk could walk in a square pattern mouthing prayers, nodding its head, beat its chest with its right arm and kiss a rosary and cross with its left. The 450-year-old device is amazingly still operational today, and is held at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
The Franciscan monk. If you want to see footage of the monk in full automaton action, there is a video on Youtube here (though I take no responsibility for any nightmares incurred as a result of watching it)
Some automatons had more of a practical purpose (though with entertainment still at the heart). In the early 13 th century, Ismail al-Jazari, an Islamic polymath, wrote The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices where he described 100 mechanical devices. One such device was the “peacock fountain” which was a complex hand washing device. Pulling a plug on the peacock’s tail released water out of the beak, and as the dirty water from the basin filled the hollow base a float rose and activated a switch which made a servant figure appear from behind a door under the peacock and offer soap. When more water was used, a second float at a higher level tripped and caused the appearance of a second servant figure with a towel. It sounds pretty impressive! When you think of the automatic taps and hand-driers we have in public bathrooms today, Al-Jazari’s invention sounds just as impressive, if not more so!
The design for the Peacock fountain from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices.These automatons were not always solely for courtly entertainment, however. The day before his official coronation in Westminster Abbey in 1377, Richard II of England was ‘crowned’ by a golden mechanical angel – made by the goldsmiths’ guild – during his coronation pageant in Cheapside. This was not only a show of devotion and loyalty from the goldsmiths, but it would have wowed the crowds, particularly those who weren’t part of the court who probably hadn’t seen such a creation before. It certainly would have emphasised the mysticism behind the crown, and the religious connection between the King and Heaven.
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Instead, he learns to embrace positivity and look for the good in each moment. Pete's new outlook on life spreads to those around him. His friends, who were also feeling down, become inspired by his infectious happiness. Together, they embark on a whimsical adventure filled with joy and laughter. Throughout their journey, Pete continues to wear his magic sunglasses, reminding himself and others to appreciate the little things in life. The book "Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses" is not only a delightful story for children, but it also teaches an important lesson about the power of perspective. It encourages readers to find the good in every situation and to approach life with a positive attitude. With its colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book is sure to capture the hearts of both children and adults alike. Overall, "Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses" is an engaging and uplifting tale that promotes optimism and gratitude. It reminds us all to put on our own "magic sunglasses" from time to time and see the world through a more positive lens..
Reviews for "Pete the Cat and the Magic Sunglasses: Teaching Kids to Embrace Differences"
1. Sara - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pete the Cat: Magic Sunglasses". The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear plot. The characters were also underdeveloped, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Additionally, the illustrations were not as vibrant and engaging as in previous Pete the Cat books. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - I found "Pete the Cat: Magic Sunglasses" to be quite boring. The story felt repetitive, and I felt like I had read similar plots in previous Pete the Cat books. There was nothing new or exciting that grabbed my attention. Additionally, the writing style was too simplistic, and I believe it could have been more engaging for young readers. Overall, I was not entertained by this particular Pete the Cat installment.
3. Emma - 3/5 stars - I have always been a fan of Pete the Cat books, but "Magic Sunglasses" didn't resonate with me as much as other titles in the series. The storyline lacked depth and didn't offer any valuable message or lesson. While the illustrations were still charming, they didn't stand out as much as in other Pete the Cat books. It's not a terrible book, but it certainly didn't leave a lasting impression like some of the earlier stories in the series.