Mr. Putter & Tabby Fly the Plane

Mr. Putter & Tabby #5

by Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator)

Mr. Putter loves toys. He’s old and he knows he shouldn’t love them anymore. But he does. His fine cat, Tabby, however, does not. She’s especially bothered by toys that fly. So when Mr. Putter brings home a little toy biplane that’s supposed to really fly, he and Tabby are in for quite an adventure.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Cats, Chapter Books, Fiction, Animals, Humor

44 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We really enjoy Cynthia Rylant's stories and the Mr. Putter and Tabby series of books are fun to read aloud. I love the perspective of an older person and I think it helps children understand more about senior citizens. The story is sweet and we enjoyed the ending very much.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen carefully, little children-for this, too, will happen to you. One day you will wake up and look in the mirror, and wonder who the old person is looking back at you. Sure, you will have fond memories of times long gone. People, places and things no longer in your life. You might even buy a toy plane because you never owned such a fancy flying machine and always longed for one. Soon, neighborhood children will begin clamoring to be near you (and the plane). One shy and clumsy little boy will catch your eye in particular, because he will remind you of yourself at that age. Seeing the glint in his eye will spark you to give the plane to him, who will be the neighborhood hero that you never were. Just wait...it will happen to you, too.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Mr. Putter loved toys. He was old, and he knew that he wasn't supposed to love toys anymore. But he did. When Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, drove into town, they always stopped at the toy store.

Premise/plot: Mr. Putter LOVES toys. Tabby doesn't love toys--especially toys that do something. But she loves Mr. Putter. This chapter book is about when Mr. Putter buys a radio control airplane.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I love Mr. Putter. I really love Tabby. My favorite part was when Mr. Putter decided to give away his new plane to a little boy--a shy boy, a clumsy boy--who reminded him of himself. The writing continues to impress.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, touching book, and I enjoyed reading it. The kids seemed to like it, too. My nephew was troubleshooting Mr. Putter's airplane problems, and my niece was indignant that the thought should be put out there that old people shouldn't like toys. The book engaged the kids, and it speaks to the inner child in adults. Mr. Putter and Tabby are very likable characters.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacob read this to us as part of the LQ Library summer reading program. Ben started teaching Jacob how to tell others about the story he read. This is something we are going to start working on with the kids this year in school.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter gave the plane to the shy boy and Alissa liked that. She also liked the colors for the plane.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I like planes. I also enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Mr. Putter got a plane and flew it. It was a toy plane. Mr. Putter likes toys still.

[Lisa Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book, Fiction, Picture book, Early reader
Estimate of grade level of interest- K-2 grade  
Estimate of reading level- 6-8 years
Brief description-Love Mr Putter and Tabby! In this volume, the story explores Mr Putter's love of toys, and Tabby's aversion to them! The illustrator perfectly captures Tabby's feelings/facial expressions, as Mr Putter brings home a remote control bi-plane and works at flying! Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book - "coping with the problems of the human condition" (Huck, page 201). In Mr Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane, Mr Putter finds a way to indulge his love of toys, and an activity that he can participate in at an older age. "helps children to enlarge their frame of reference" (Huck, page 201). This book helps children understand that older folks (like their parents or grandparents) may have interests outside of themselves!
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience? The text and illustrations work together to help young children to decode the meaning of the text. For example, without the illustrations, the children might not really understand that Mr Putter's new interest does not interest Tabby at all! In addition, children this age are beginning to develop the ability to understand other's points of view. This book presents the interests of an older person, which may help children relate to the older folks in their lives.
Awards if any - none
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Putter-Tabby...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #5 in the series.

09/12: We read all the "Mr. Putter & Tabby" books ages ago. But, we love them so much, that we still read the newest ones whenever they come out. Recently, "Mr. Putter & Tabby Dance the Dance" was released. We enjoyed it so much. Made us miss the series. And, Mr. Putter's birthday is October 2, so we are revisiting the books again.

Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter loves toys. He’s old and he knows he shouldn’t love them anymore. But he does. His fine cat, Tabby, however, does not. She’s especially bothered by toys that fly. So when Mr. Putter brings home a little toy biplane that’s supposed to really fly, he and Tabby are in for quite an adventure.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I both thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series (through #18; the rest weren't published / available at our library yet). Mrs. Rylant's sentence structure is simple enough for beginning readers to enjoy but don't let that fool you! Each book contains an engaging plot, clever & silly humor, and underlying themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, and responsibility. We spent many hours laughing together at the (mis)adventures of Mr. Putter, Tabby, and their friends. We were excited to find out what would happen as we started each book. HIGHLY recommend!!!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylant is admittedly one of my favorite authors. This particular series strikes me as it reminds me of my relationship with my previous cat, Snakes. This book is chock full o' sentimentality and pet-loving goodness. Her characters are always endearing and this particular book sheds light on Mr. Putter's boyhood dreams.

Definitely a must-read.

I will admit it made me tear up a bit, and also believe in the goodness of humanity again.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Putter and Tabby story. I've noticed that I like the stories with only Putter and Tabby the best. Though neighbors Mrs. Teabury and dog Zeke are fun characters, I prefer stories without them. That said, all of the stories are worth reading. So far I've rated stories with only Putter and Tabby, like this one, with four stars and those which also include Mrs. Teabury and Zeke with three stars.

[Ann Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What I like about the series is that is about an old grandpa and who is kind of old. I think it helps kids to see things from others point of view besides other kids their own or similar age! Very endearing story about generosity!

[Schmobes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiddo's first completed "chapter" book. He did a great job with this one! The story was cute and interesting enough to make him want to read on. This is probably Level 2 or 3. We did have some vocabulary to cover and a few rules to review. But it wasn't overwhelming for him.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These earlier books are perfect - realistic and not too silly. I love the way Mr. Putter interacts with the kids, admits his liking for toys, and is such an honest and REAL character. Tabby is perfect. I would go back and re-read these early ones over and over and I'm an adult!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I listened to the audio version of this book. Like always, we enjoyed it immensely. I thought it was endearing. The Mr. Putter and Tabby books are wonderful.

I secured a copy of this title from the public library.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work for a before school daycare and one of my first graders read this book to me. It was easy for her to read and she loved it! I think it is a great length for first and second graders for them to transition to longer books, but it is short enough to keep their attention.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter always dreamed of flying a plane, so he buys a remote control one and flies it in the park. Soon he is joined by many eager children, and remembering himself as a child, gives the plane to a boy who reminds him of himself. Heart-warming.

[Tobinsfavorite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tabby. I love how a few lines and splashes of color define the attitudes of a cat. Plus, this is another funny Putter&Tabby book.

[Don Gubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story about aging childishly and sharing.

[Alaina Sloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite early reader series. Sweet, gentle stories that many kids love, perfect for kindergarten through 2d grade.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good choice for story time. If you are reading to toddler age, it may be too long, but is good for the 5 - 8 year old range, and it was enjoyed by the adults as well. :)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr putter is sweet. he gives his plane to the little boy who reminds him of himself. tabby seems old and cranky but she loves Mr putter.

[Chessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

August loved this book and read it all himself (5.5). He liked the idea of warm english muffins the best. I liked when Mr Putter felt like a proud grandpa. We love this series!

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're never to old to play!

[Julia Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabby purred and purred when she realized that Mr. Putter's plane didn't work. Because she didn't like things that flew. They gave her the hiccups.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Potter loved toys.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww... sweet enough to be a Christmas story. I liked reading the other reviews and seeing several people note that children like this series, too.

[Reading Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

My used copy is a withdrawn book from the collection of the Pendleton Co, KY library and is excellent condition. I wondered a bit why it was withdrawn. I get that it is not meeting diversity criterion, but the messages of never give up a dream and the goodness of sharing and helping others build their dream are much needed today. However, there is a picture of Mr. Putter driving sans seatbelt, which would not have been unusual given the printing date. And the cat is not in a carrier. As someone who, back in the day, has travelled with a loose cat in a car--bad idea, lol!!!!

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Mr. Putter doesn't give up on his childhood loves and when he meets a few setbacks. But I wish the following line were not in the book "He told it that he was an old man and old men shouldn't have toys anyway." Someday we're all going be old and we're still going to want things that bring us pleasure. That phrase felt really judgmental to me. It could have been left out.