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Mr. Putter & Tabby #12
Mr. Putter & Tabby Stir the Soup
Mr. Putter and Tabby love homemade soup. But when at last they have all the right ingredients to make some, they find that their treasured stove, Bessie, is on the blink. Luckily, their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, is happy to share hers. But watch out--her good dog, Zeke, would much rather run than cook. . . .
44 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
394 books882 followersCynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 17, 2010
This is a story about an elderly gentleman and his cat, his neighbor and her dog, making soup. It sounds a bit dull, right? This book had my son rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard.
I love these books, the whole series. They are warm and funny. Mr. Putty is so earnest, and kind, and polite. It’s just that funny things keep happening to him. Often in children’s books the elderly are described as crotchety or addled, but Mr. Putter is so easy to identify with. 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. My three year old loves to have these read to her, especially when it’s her brother reading!
I love these books, the whole series. They are warm and funny. Mr. Putty is so earnest, and kind, and polite. It’s just that funny things keep happening to him. Often in children’s books the elderly are described as crotchety or addled, but Mr. Putter is so easy to identify with. 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. My three year old loves to have these read to her, especially when it’s her brother reading!
Read
August 6, 2024Genuinely name a cuter, more wholesome series than these little books. The characters are all so slightly humorous and each book follows a mundane moment in their lives. This book make me feel so giddy.
January 29, 2018
Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #12) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2003. 44 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, lived in an old house with an old porch and an old swing and lots of old things inside. Mr. Putter and Tabby didn't mind old things. They were old, too, so they felt right at home.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter loves soup, but he never seems to have all the ingredients he wants to make soup all at the same time. And the one day it seems that he does, well, his old stove, Bessie, gives out. What's he to do? Who will come to his rescue?
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I too love a good bowl of soup. And this early chapter book is funny. Mr. Putter ends up going to Mrs. Teaberry's house to cook his soup. Zeke, well, he has two sides to him: a good side and a terribly naughty side. Guess which Zeke Mr. Putter encounters?!
First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, lived in an old house with an old porch and an old swing and lots of old things inside. Mr. Putter and Tabby didn't mind old things. They were old, too, so they felt right at home.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter loves soup, but he never seems to have all the ingredients he wants to make soup all at the same time. And the one day it seems that he does, well, his old stove, Bessie, gives out. What's he to do? Who will come to his rescue?
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I too love a good bowl of soup. And this early chapter book is funny. Mr. Putter ends up going to Mrs. Teaberry's house to cook his soup. Zeke, well, he has two sides to him: a good side and a terribly naughty side. Guess which Zeke Mr. Putter encounters?!
May 10, 2018
As charming as ever. My daughter and I truly love this series. Best read together.
October 4, 2017
Mr. Putter and Tabby are such cute characters - you just can't go wrong sitting down to read a story or two about them!
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: Jiminy is used three times.
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: Jiminy is used three times.
December 28, 2017
Mr. Putter + Tabby + soup.... how can you go wrong.
February 17, 2018
2/16/18 Read with Naomi & Julia.
January 17, 2019
When Mr. Putter's stove is on the fritz, he goes to Mrs. Teaberry's to make his soup. She goes out with friends and leave Zeke at home. But Zeke causes more trouble than expected! Cute and funny.
July 1, 2020
I still love Mr. Putter and Tabby, Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke. What a hilarious and helpful foursome.
June 26, 2024
A slice of life story
Mr. Putter was trying to make a soup, but most of the time, he lacked the ingredients. When everything he needed was available, his reliable stove (was it the stove? Yes, I think?) gave up on him. He went to the neighbors, but something chaotic happened with the pets, and the next day, the neighbor brought him soup and all's well with him and his cat.
My imagination ran wild with Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry's relationship and I just can't help it! I am a romance reader, what can I say? Regardless, this series is still a nice way to get my groove back when work is going way over my head.
Mr. Putter was trying to make a soup, but most of the time, he lacked the ingredients. When everything he needed was available, his reliable stove (was it the stove? Yes, I think?) gave up on him. He went to the neighbors, but something chaotic happened with the pets, and the next day, the neighbor brought him soup and all's well with him and his cat.
My imagination ran wild with Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry's relationship and I just can't help it! I am a romance reader, what can I say? Regardless, this series is still a nice way to get my groove back when work is going way over my head.
January 2, 2024
Charm and smiles on every page. Arthur Howard's illustrations are a perfect fit. Thanks to the author, Cynthia Rylant, and thanks to everyone who worked on this. I think I've read the whole series. I'll read them again, just to make sure.
June 30, 2019
I never like the stories that feature Mrs. Teaberry's 'good' dog Zeke. Sorry. I guess I'm just not enough of a dog lover.
December 1, 2020
The first Mr. Putter and Tabby that I read! I have now read them all. This is a fantastic series. Enjoyable.
January 10, 2022
Ok ok I’ll stop reading these for now Bur it’s my childhood and I LOVE THEM I WANT THE BOXSET TO SAVE FOR MY FUTURE CHILDREN
April 16, 2022
Absolutely precious!
February 25, 2024
Another favorite in this beloved series — and so funny!
February 28, 2024
It was okay for a 1st grader read aloud.
May 22, 2024
Such a sweet story of friendship.
June 5, 2024
This is one of my favorite series! This time, the soup-making was interrupted by the "nice" dog next door!
November 20, 2024
I like these old fogeys
May 24, 2025
3.5 stars
December 9, 2025
Mr. Putter and Tabby's attempts to make soup are complicated by faulty appliances and Zeke, Mrs. Teaberry's "good dog".
A cozy beginning reader story from one of my favorite series.
A cozy beginning reader story from one of my favorite series.
Want to Read
February 19, 2013May 16, 2010
This is a story about an elderly gentleman and his cat, his neighbor and her dog, making soup. It sounds a bit dull, right? This book had my son rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard.
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. Often in children’s books the elderly are described as crotchety or addled, but Mr. Putter is so easy to identify with. 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. My three year old loves to have these read to her, especially when it’s her brother reading!
2-19-2013
Little Miss is reading these herself now. She loves them too.
This is a story about an elderly gentleman and his cat, his neighbor and her dog, making soup. It sounds a bit dull, right? This book had my son rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard.
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. Often in children’s books the elderly are described as crotchety or addled, but Mr. Putter is so easy to identify with. 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. My three year old loves to have these read to her, especially when it’s her brother reading!
2-19-2013
Little Miss is reading these herself now. She loves them too.
April 7, 2014
I've been having fun rediscovering the Mr. Putter and Tabby series with the kids, but this is the first one that has had them laughing out loud. Mr. Putter and Tabby's stove Bessie (that's the first funny part, that their stove has a name) gives out just as they are trying to make soup, so they go next door to borrow Mrs. Teaberry's stove. Mrs. Teaberry has to go out, but her good dog Zeke stays behind...and while Mrs. Teaberry promises he won't be a bother, he is. First, he fetches the usual toys for a dog who wants to play: his leash, a ball, a stick. When none of that works, he goes for the more interesting items: a potted plant, a radio, and a lamp, to name a few. Mr. Putter and Tabby are soon worn out rescuing the many things Zeke fetches, and my kids shriek with laughter each time Zeke fetches something that makes Mr. Putter say, "Jiminy!"
As in every Cynthia Rylant book I've read, all ends well for everyone, but I'll be interested to see what the kids decide to do the next time I try to make soup...
As in every Cynthia Rylant book I've read, all ends well for everyone, but I'll be interested to see what the kids decide to do the next time I try to make soup...
October 27, 2011
POPULAR SERIES
Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby, are two old friends, and they want to make soup for dinner. When Mr. Putter's stove doesn't turn on, they go to Mrs. Teaberry's house next door to use her stove. The only problem is Zeke, her dog, is being a bother. The three have quite an adventure, but in the end, Mrs. Teaberry comes home and they all have a nice dinner.
This is good book for transitional readers, since it reads as a graphic novel. There is a lot of repetition and words that are easy to read. There are still chapters, but the font is big, there aren't too many words to a page, and the illustrations correspond with the story well. The illustrations are very bright, and look as if they have been penciled, but colored in. Arthur Howard (illustrator) did a good job with making the illustrations just big enough to keep the book at a transitional level.
Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby, are two old friends, and they want to make soup for dinner. When Mr. Putter's stove doesn't turn on, they go to Mrs. Teaberry's house next door to use her stove. The only problem is Zeke, her dog, is being a bother. The three have quite an adventure, but in the end, Mrs. Teaberry comes home and they all have a nice dinner.
This is good book for transitional readers, since it reads as a graphic novel. There is a lot of repetition and words that are easy to read. There are still chapters, but the font is big, there aren't too many words to a page, and the illustrations correspond with the story well. The illustrations are very bright, and look as if they have been penciled, but colored in. Arthur Howard (illustrator) did a good job with making the illustrations just big enough to keep the book at a transitional level.
October 24, 2012
I liked this book because it taught many lessons that are good for kids. It was about an elderly man who lived with his cat. He realized that his stove was broken and was not able to make soup, when he really wanted it. The neighbors were nice enough let him come over to cook and warned him in advance that the dog may get in the way. Mr. Putter was nice about it and tried to work around the dog but it just did not work out. When the woman came home she found Mr. Putter on the couch asleep and a bunch of items in the bath tub and this is how she knew the dog got in the way! I liked how Mr. Putter never complained about the dog or got very mad, it shows maturity and I also liked how the lady was so nice and made a lot of food for them both! That shows kindness. Kids could gain a lot from this book and think it is comical.
February 16, 2014
Rylant, C., & Howard, A. (2003). Mr. Putter & Tabby stir the soup. San Diego, CA: Harcourt.
I believe this book was intended for children from grade 1-3. The vocabulary is easy to understand, the sentences are short, and the illustrations are clean cut and not distracting. The story line also would be interesting to this age group. Children are at this point able to identify with having a pet and seeing that pet has a friend and part of the family. I've never read a Mr. Putter and Tabby book. It was a fun read.
I believe this book was intended for children from grade 1-3. The vocabulary is easy to understand, the sentences are short, and the illustrations are clean cut and not distracting. The story line also would be interesting to this age group. Children are at this point able to identify with having a pet and seeing that pet has a friend and part of the family. I've never read a Mr. Putter and Tabby book. It was a fun read.
May 11, 2015
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!!!
January 19, 2009
When Bessie, Mr. Putter's stove, conks out, he has to make his soup at Mrs. Teaberry's house. Unfortunately, she's just on her way out to shuck oysters with the girls. Mr. Putter can still use her stove, but her good dog Zeke will be in the house. That's no problem. "Zeke's not a bother," says Mr. Putter. The next chapter, of course, is titled "The Bother." Another delightful entry in an always delightful series.
April 19, 2017
Mr. Putter and Tabby, his fine old cat, live in an old house with an old porch and lots of old contents inside. They don't mind their old items; after all, they too are old. Mr. Putter makes soup but can't cook it on his very old stove, (named Bessie) so he seeks help from a friend, Mrs. Teaberry. Mrs. Teaberry agrees to help, but says she will be gone and assures Mr. Putter that her dog Zeke will be "no bother"; however, Zeke proves to be quite a challenge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews