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Mr. Putter & Tabby #1
Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea
"The gentle, affecting first volume introduces elderly Mr. Putter, who decides that a cat will keep him from feeling lonely. Rylant’s texts reflect admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word. They are in perfect sync with Howard’s expressive sketches, which slip abundant visual jokes into sunny, transparent watercolors and gouaches, and fluid pencil and pastel scribbles."--Publishers Weekly
44 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
33 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
536 books845 followersAn 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
May 8, 2015
It's probably biased to give a book 5 stars because the cat reminds me of my own cat. But I don't care!
I also adopted a cat that was old and orange.
And he likes all the same things Tabby likes.
Like lying in the sun.
And eating.
And sleeping on me.
And not getting wet or exercising or having adventures.
I also adopted a cat that was old and orange.
And he likes all the same things Tabby likes.
Like lying in the sun.
And eating.
And sleeping on me.
And not getting wet or exercising or having adventures.
October 10, 2022
My daughters and I first discovered this series back when they were little. They loved it for the cat, Tabby, and I loved it for the calm, elderly Mr. Putter. Did I already identify with what was ahead for me, old age? I prefer to think it was Mr. Putter's appreciation of the simple pleasures, which are good for ALL ages. The things Mr. Putter and Tabby share in this book—tea, telling stories, appreciating beauty, taking walks, laying in the sun, naps and singing—are often overlooked but very enjoyable family activities. Books like this subtly illustrate those quiet times and show they are not only safe, but delightful and fun.
We only read the first eight or nine Mr. Putter & Tabby books because our children were outgrowing them, but now (hopefully) I can reread those early ones as well as the rest to/for grandchildren. 😊
We only read the first eight or nine Mr. Putter & Tabby books because our children were outgrowing them, but now (hopefully) I can reread those early ones as well as the rest to/for grandchildren. 😊
June 28, 2010
I completely and utterly love this book! Reading it makes me feel like I am hearing the purr of the cat I love and as cozy as I did sitting on Grandpa's lap as a little girl.
Mr. Putter is old and creaky. And lonely. He thinks about getting a kitten. But they are so wild and playful and exhausting... BUT, the pet shop lady assures him, EVERYONE wants kittens. They are so CUTE!
Well, Mr. Putter does NOT get a kitten. He waits for the perfect feline match. And it comes in the form of Tabby. She is a little old, and a little creaky, just like Mr. Putter. But she and Mr. Putter are kindred spirits in so many other ways, too. This is the start of their adventures together--indeed, the start of several "Mr Putter and Tabby" books.
Rylant is really a genius with these "easy reader" books—the words are relatively simple and few, but she weaves them in such a way that you are still completely drawn into the story. The accompanying illustrations are so charming, sweet and humorous--a perfect match to the text!
Highly recommended for anyone who loves cats, or needs to be reminded that no matter how old or worn-out or lonely or seemingly forgotten we might be, there is always the possibility for love to walk in, if you let it.
This book also holds a special place in my heart because I volunteer at a cat shelter and see kittens get adopted almost instantly, where as the adult cats (some barely more than two years old) take months to get adopted. Some are never adopted at all; thankfully, they get to live out their days in a beautiful cat shelter where they are visited by lots of volunteers who love them as much as I do. But, not every cat in the world is so lucky. Mr. Putter is a wonderful "spokesperson" for the joy that can come from adopting an adult cat.
Mr. Putter is old and creaky. And lonely. He thinks about getting a kitten. But they are so wild and playful and exhausting... BUT, the pet shop lady assures him, EVERYONE wants kittens. They are so CUTE!
Well, Mr. Putter does NOT get a kitten. He waits for the perfect feline match. And it comes in the form of Tabby. She is a little old, and a little creaky, just like Mr. Putter. But she and Mr. Putter are kindred spirits in so many other ways, too. This is the start of their adventures together--indeed, the start of several "Mr Putter and Tabby" books.
Rylant is really a genius with these "easy reader" books—the words are relatively simple and few, but she weaves them in such a way that you are still completely drawn into the story. The accompanying illustrations are so charming, sweet and humorous--a perfect match to the text!
Highly recommended for anyone who loves cats, or needs to be reminded that no matter how old or worn-out or lonely or seemingly forgotten we might be, there is always the possibility for love to walk in, if you let it.
This book also holds a special place in my heart because I volunteer at a cat shelter and see kittens get adopted almost instantly, where as the adult cats (some barely more than two years old) take months to get adopted. Some are never adopted at all; thankfully, they get to live out their days in a beautiful cat shelter where they are visited by lots of volunteers who love them as much as I do. But, not every cat in the world is so lucky. Mr. Putter is a wonderful "spokesperson" for the joy that can come from adopting an adult cat.
July 2, 2010
I read this on the recommendation of my Goodreads friend Kathryn (thank you, Kathryn!) even though I thought it might make me feel a bit melancholy, what with yearning for a companion animal yet unable to have one.
But, this book is so wonderfully lovely in every way, I couldn’t help but feel happy as well as slightly sad.
The cover illustration won me over, and the whole book got better and better.
This is an incredibly sweet story about a lonely old man who wants a cat, not a kitten, and finds one at a shelter. The story is beautifully told. I wonder if it appeals to kids as much as it will to adults, especially older adults. I hope so because it’s a good early reader book, and I notice that it’s the first book in a long series about Mr. Putter & Tabby. There are 3 chapters: Mr. Putter, Tabby, and Mr. Putter & Tabby.
The illustrations are perfect. They’re comfy and pretty and I love the style of art. They were done in pencil, watercolor, gouache, and Sennelier pastels on 90 pound vellium paper. I was going to refer to some of the illustrations but I like too many of them to single out just a few.
This is a gem of a book, and I am curious about the other books in the series. This is a book I’d like to own; I enjoyed it so much.
I’m giving this 5 stars not only because I loved the story and illustrations, but I was also deeply emotionally touched, and because I’ve never read a children’s book quite like this, that addresses the issues of older animals (and older people) and shelters vs. pet stores in quite this way, and there is so much included that can be discussed. Maybe the story and illustrations aren’t truly amazing, but they were to me, and so from me it’s 5 stars.
But, this book is so wonderfully lovely in every way, I couldn’t help but feel happy as well as slightly sad.
The cover illustration won me over, and the whole book got better and better.
This is an incredibly sweet story about a lonely old man who wants a cat, not a kitten, and finds one at a shelter. The story is beautifully told. I wonder if it appeals to kids as much as it will to adults, especially older adults. I hope so because it’s a good early reader book, and I notice that it’s the first book in a long series about Mr. Putter & Tabby. There are 3 chapters: Mr. Putter, Tabby, and Mr. Putter & Tabby.
The illustrations are perfect. They’re comfy and pretty and I love the style of art. They were done in pencil, watercolor, gouache, and Sennelier pastels on 90 pound vellium paper. I was going to refer to some of the illustrations but I like too many of them to single out just a few.
This is a gem of a book, and I am curious about the other books in the series. This is a book I’d like to own; I enjoyed it so much.
I’m giving this 5 stars not only because I loved the story and illustrations, but I was also deeply emotionally touched, and because I’ve never read a children’s book quite like this, that addresses the issues of older animals (and older people) and shelters vs. pet stores in quite this way, and there is so much included that can be discussed. Maybe the story and illustrations aren’t truly amazing, but they were to me, and so from me it’s 5 stars.
September 6, 2025
The most heartwarming children's series for the most curmudgeonly old farts begins here.
I've read and reread every title I could, and loved almost all of them.
The right animal companion can certainly make all the difference in a human's life, so I highly recommend that you go to shelter and rescue one! And if you're elderly, get an older one, so you can give it better last years, just as you hope for yourself.
I've read and reread every title I could, and loved almost all of them.
The right animal companion can certainly make all the difference in a human's life, so I highly recommend that you go to shelter and rescue one! And if you're elderly, get an older one, so you can give it better last years, just as you hope for yourself.
August 5, 2010
When I asked for this book at the circulation desk, the children’s librarian popped up from her desk all the way across the room and ran over to show me where it was. She was very excited that I was going to read it and made me promise to come back for the rest of the Mr. Putter books. I definitely will.
I was so enthralled with this book that I made my husband read it. He’s not really a picture book kinda guy, but he liked it a lot. Then, on my way to take it back to the library, I detoured to a friend’s house so that she could read it, too. It’s the kind of book you want to share with everyone! Wonderful illustrations and an endearing story.
I was so enthralled with this book that I made my husband read it. He’s not really a picture book kinda guy, but he liked it a lot. Then, on my way to take it back to the library, I detoured to a friend’s house so that she could read it, too. It’s the kind of book you want to share with everyone! Wonderful illustrations and an endearing story.
February 19, 2013
I love these books, the whole series. They are warm and funny. Mr. Putter is so earnest, and kind, and polite. It’s just that funny things keep happening to him. The illustrations are very expressive, they really communicate the emotions of the characters, especially Tabby.
These books are written for children who have outgrown “early readers” but are not quite ready for “chapter” books. They’re still easy to read and have a picture on each page, but they have more words on each page, and an increased vocabulary. So I really, really recommend Mr. Putter if you have a child at that stage. I also recommend Mr. Putter for reading out loud.
Legomeister loved these books when he read them, and now Little Miss is reading them and she loves them too.
These books are written for children who have outgrown “early readers” but are not quite ready for “chapter” books. They’re still easy to read and have a picture on each page, but they have more words on each page, and an increased vocabulary. So I really, really recommend Mr. Putter if you have a child at that stage. I also recommend Mr. Putter for reading out loud.
Legomeister loved these books when he read them, and now Little Miss is reading them and she loves them too.
February 2, 2010
An excellent series that causes my 7yo to burst out laughing hysterically. The illustrations (by Arthur Howard) are superb. That man knows his cats, and the cat expressions, emotions, and body language are sometimes funnier than the text.
This is the first in the series, and it is so sweet. And funny.
My older son also loved these books at about the same age--and he is sneakily listening in to me reading them :)
This is the first in the series, and it is so sweet. And funny.
My older son also loved these books at about the same age--and he is sneakily listening in to me reading them :)
October 8, 2019
I couldn't tell you for sure which Mr. Putter & Tabby books my mom read to me as a child, but I think this is one of them.
Super charming all around! Except for the fact that tulips are VERY POISONOUS FOR CATS and caffeine is bad for them too. (If your kitty gets into your tea briefly it probably won't hurt them toooo much, but don't make a habit of it.). So maybe keep them away from both of those things.
Super charming all around! Except for the fact that tulips are VERY POISONOUS FOR CATS and caffeine is bad for them too. (If your kitty gets into your tea briefly it probably won't hurt them toooo much, but don't make a habit of it.). So maybe keep them away from both of those things.
February 18, 2024
A heartwarming story about a sweet man who finds a loving feline companion.
March 23, 2019
This has always been one of my favorite series of books to read to my children. I love how Mr. Putter realizes he needs company and how he chooses to get a cat instead of a kitten. He finds the perfect cat for him and they become inseparable. They share meals and snacks together and thoroughly enjoy one another's company. The book is so sweet and the characters are very endearing!
July 18, 2013
I just thought this story was so sweet. I loved how Mr. Putter found Tabby at the shelter and she was old and he choose her.
August 7, 2013
Perfection.
or should I say purrrrrfection.
Haa. ha.
My dream for one day is to live like Mr Putter & Mrs Teaberry.
or should I say purrrrrfection.
Haa. ha.
My dream for one day is to live like Mr Putter & Mrs Teaberry.
January 24, 2014
beautiful book. wonderful bedtime or classroom reading.
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Mr. Putter got a cat. I did not like this book because I do not like living alone.
April 17, 2018
Oh no it’s adorable.
June 10, 2025
Any parent who is unacquainted with this series needs to know about it for kids 2-10. They make for great longer read alouds with small children, golden material for early readers to tackle on their own, and sweet revisit reading for older kids.
I love how Rylant has created such endearing characters to help kids see old people are not scary and there’s nothing wrong with aging. In fact, kids and old people have a lot in common!
I had so much fun reading several of Mr. Putter and Tabby’s adventures with my 6 year old son this morning while he was feeling under the weather and it cheered us both up after a long night.
I love how Rylant has created such endearing characters to help kids see old people are not scary and there’s nothing wrong with aging. In fact, kids and old people have a lot in common!
I had so much fun reading several of Mr. Putter and Tabby’s adventures with my 6 year old son this morning while he was feeling under the weather and it cheered us both up after a long night.
October 2, 2020
How have I not read this until today? I have worked in a children's library for years and I have had more than one young patron love these books. I have also read and loved many other Cynthia Rylant books, including some from her Henry and Mudge series. SO WHY HADN'T I READ A MR. PUTTER AND TABBY BOOK BEFORE TODAY??? This book is so cute and sweet, I can't even handle it. I am in love with this old man and his old cat!
I think I've said it before, but Cynthia Rylant just knows how to write a good beginning reader book that is actually interesting. And Arthur Howard's illustrations are the perfect match here. I don't care how old you are - go read this book. It's delightful.
Excuse me while I go read the rest of the series now...
I think I've said it before, but Cynthia Rylant just knows how to write a good beginning reader book that is actually interesting. And Arthur Howard's illustrations are the perfect match here. I don't care how old you are - go read this book. It's delightful.
Excuse me while I go read the rest of the series now...
August 9, 2024
Why did I actually start tearing up while reading this sweet little book. It’s been a while since I’ve read a children’s book that will make it on to my favorites of the year butttt this definitely will be on my list for 2024. Aging is such a beautiful thing and an old man with his old cat is a perfect story in the making.
October 8, 2021
This little story is perfect for beginner readers. Especially those who like cats. Easy to read, but fun.
October 10, 2021
Cute story about a old man finding a good companion in an old cat.
December 26, 2022
maybe my favorite of my recent childrens book kick
May 27, 2023
This book is so sweet! The illustrations are captivating. If you have an older cat lover in your life this would make a very thoughtful gift.
November 22, 2017
First sentence: Before he got his fine cat, Tabby, Mr. Putter lived all alone.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea is the first book in the Mr. Putter & Tabby early chapter series by Cynthia Rylant. In the first chapter, readers meet Mr. Putter. "He had warm muffins to eat. He had good tea to pour. And he had wonderful stories to tell. Mr. Putter was tired of living alone. Mr. Putter wanted a cat." In the second chapter, readers meet Tabby. Tabby is not a kitten; she is an old cat. "The shelter man brought Mr. Putter the old yellow cat. Its bones creaked, its fur was thinning, and it seemed a little deaf. Mr. Putter creaked, his hair was thinning, and he was a little deaf, too." In the third chapter, readers see these two living together happily. "After a while it seemed as if they had always lived together. Tabby knew just what Mr. Putter was going to do next. Mr. Putter knew just where Tabby was going to sleep next. In the mornings each looked for the other as soon as they opened their eyes. And at night each looked for the other as their eyes were closing. Mr. Putter could not imagine life without Tabby." It has a PERFECT ending.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I had read a few books in this series--those published the past few years--but never went back to the series beginning. It is a WONDERFUL book.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea is the first book in the Mr. Putter & Tabby early chapter series by Cynthia Rylant. In the first chapter, readers meet Mr. Putter. "He had warm muffins to eat. He had good tea to pour. And he had wonderful stories to tell. Mr. Putter was tired of living alone. Mr. Putter wanted a cat." In the second chapter, readers meet Tabby. Tabby is not a kitten; she is an old cat. "The shelter man brought Mr. Putter the old yellow cat. Its bones creaked, its fur was thinning, and it seemed a little deaf. Mr. Putter creaked, his hair was thinning, and he was a little deaf, too." In the third chapter, readers see these two living together happily. "After a while it seemed as if they had always lived together. Tabby knew just what Mr. Putter was going to do next. Mr. Putter knew just where Tabby was going to sleep next. In the mornings each looked for the other as soon as they opened their eyes. And at night each looked for the other as their eyes were closing. Mr. Putter could not imagine life without Tabby." It has a PERFECT ending.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I had read a few books in this series--those published the past few years--but never went back to the series beginning. It is a WONDERFUL book.
November 18, 2020
This was so good! It made me laugh and cry while reading it to my daughter, which I am pretty sure no early chapter book has tempted me to do before.
December 15, 2019
Short and delightful! There’s a line in there for the adult who’s helping an early reader as well. With three chapters to help measure progress, it is a perfect starter for the early independent reader!
December 20, 2018
The story of how Mr. Putter and Tabby came to share their lonely lives together. This story is about aging, and being alone. It tells how friendships can develop through sharing and understanding one another's likes and dislikes.
January 17, 2019
Mr. Putter is a lonely, old man. He decides that he wants a pet cat. The kittens at the pet shop are too young for him. He rescues an old cat from the animal shelter and names her Tabby. She joins him in his routines and they share their days together.
September 20, 2019
Wonderful little books. My 5 year old and me loves to read this togather .easy and sort reading. After sometime my kid just lost track of stories which are long. She enjoys this one. I personally love most of the books by Cynthia rylant.
January 29, 2020
This is a sweet novel, good for both the young and the old! An aging Mr. Putter is lonely, so he seeks an old cat for his pet. This book cherishes the little things in life that make up a sweet relationship!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews