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Mr. Putter & Tabby #21
Mr. Putter & Tabby Dance the Dance
Mr. Putter knows what he likes, and dancing is not on the list. But his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry has been watching ballroom dancing on TV! She talks the reluctant Mr. Putter into coming along for an evening at the Crystal Ballroom, along with fine cat Tabby and good dog Zeke, of course. The ballroom is full of sparkles—and surprises. What a wonder!
36 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2012
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
394 books879 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 48 reviews
September 21, 2012
Mr. Putter has grown accustomed to trying new things, thanks to his neighbor, Nrs. Teaberry. Although he has doubts about her latest idea--ballroom dancing--he doesn't want to disappoint here, and gives it a try. His cat Tabby and her dog Zeke manage to have plenty of fun there too, with Tabby snatching at sparkles and Zeke mastering the tango. In the end, no one cares that Mr. Putter is not a very good dancer at all. What a neat way to remind readers that it's how much fun you're having in some cases that matters more than how proficient you are at what you're doing. The pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are especially good in showing emotions on the characters' faces. I laughed at the sight of Zeke with that rose clutched in his mouth.
March 22, 2020
Enchanting
February 23, 2015
I wasn’t sure how Rylant was going to pull this one off. Ballroom dancing? For new readers? But she does.
Mrs. Teaberry has been watching a television show about ballroom dancing. It looks like fun so she decides that she and Mr. Putter should give it a try. Mr. Putter isn’t so sure. He finally agrees, because she is his friend, but hopes he’ll like it more than he liked roller skating.
The four friends, because of course the pets have come along, arrive at the ballroom to discover a world of sparkling lights and sparkling costumes. Mr. Putter doesn’t know the rumba or the foxtrot but he’s certain he can manage a one-two-cha-cha-cha. He and Mrs. Teaberry head out onto the dance floor.
So does Zeke. This is often where things go awry because Zeke gets into some mischief. Out on the dance floor, he grabs a set of tuxedo tails and the rose from a tangoing couple. Everyone is having such a great time, they simply don’t mind. The message is clear — everyone belongs on the dance floor.
As someone with two left feet, I’m not 100% certain I agree — let’s just say that I’d be much harder to get out there than Mr. Putter. But the message comes through loud and clear as Mr. Putter tries something new with his friend and has a great time. His crew may not be a sleek or as stylish as the majority of couples but out on the dance floor it just doesn’t matter. That’s a message that we need to hear much more often in our society.
Zeke’s antics will help pull boys into this book but with the emphasis on sparkle the appeal to girls is more direct. That said, if you don’t share it with your young male reader, he will miss a very important message, subtly delivered.
–SueBE
Mrs. Teaberry has been watching a television show about ballroom dancing. It looks like fun so she decides that she and Mr. Putter should give it a try. Mr. Putter isn’t so sure. He finally agrees, because she is his friend, but hopes he’ll like it more than he liked roller skating.
The four friends, because of course the pets have come along, arrive at the ballroom to discover a world of sparkling lights and sparkling costumes. Mr. Putter doesn’t know the rumba or the foxtrot but he’s certain he can manage a one-two-cha-cha-cha. He and Mrs. Teaberry head out onto the dance floor.
So does Zeke. This is often where things go awry because Zeke gets into some mischief. Out on the dance floor, he grabs a set of tuxedo tails and the rose from a tangoing couple. Everyone is having such a great time, they simply don’t mind. The message is clear — everyone belongs on the dance floor.
As someone with two left feet, I’m not 100% certain I agree — let’s just say that I’d be much harder to get out there than Mr. Putter. But the message comes through loud and clear as Mr. Putter tries something new with his friend and has a great time. His crew may not be a sleek or as stylish as the majority of couples but out on the dance floor it just doesn’t matter. That’s a message that we need to hear much more often in our society.
Zeke’s antics will help pull boys into this book but with the emphasis on sparkle the appeal to girls is more direct. That said, if you don’t share it with your young male reader, he will miss a very important message, subtly delivered.
–SueBE
March 14, 2018
First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, liked living next door to Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. They all had a lot of things in common. They all liked the Sunday funnies. They all liked cheese toasties. They all liked rain. Mrs. Teaberry was good at finding new things for them to like. Sometimes the new things worked. Sometimes they didn't.
Premise/plot: Mrs. Teaberry wants Mr. Putter to go ballroom dancing with her in this one! Of course who wouldn't take their dog and cat along to go dancing?!?! Will Tabby, Zeke, Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry have a great time on the dance floor?!
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was great fun, very delightful. The text is wonderful. Rylant is truly gifted when it comes to crafting words into stories.
"Just try it," said Mrs. Teaberry. "What have you got to lose?"
Mr. Putter could think of a lot of things he had to lose. Like his dignity. And his nap time.
and
They told Tabby and Zeke to stay. One of them was good at staying. One of them was not.
But the illustrations also do their job. I really LOVED seeing Mr. Putter and Tabby try rollerskating! This one was just a JOY to read.
Premise/plot: Mrs. Teaberry wants Mr. Putter to go ballroom dancing with her in this one! Of course who wouldn't take their dog and cat along to go dancing?!?! Will Tabby, Zeke, Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry have a great time on the dance floor?!
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was great fun, very delightful. The text is wonderful. Rylant is truly gifted when it comes to crafting words into stories.
"Just try it," said Mrs. Teaberry. "What have you got to lose?"
Mr. Putter could think of a lot of things he had to lose. Like his dignity. And his nap time.
and
They told Tabby and Zeke to stay. One of them was good at staying. One of them was not.
But the illustrations also do their job. I really LOVED seeing Mr. Putter and Tabby try rollerskating! This one was just a JOY to read.
November 19, 2012
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are always willing to try new things with their neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. Even though he hasn't danced since 1947, Mr. Putter is willing to give ballroom dancing a try when Mrs. Teaberry asks, because he hates to tell his good neighbor no. Mr. Putter can't rumba or foxtrot, but he can cha-cha, and he and Mrs. Teaberry have a wonderful time dancing together. While they're dancing, Tabby chases the sparkles on the floor and on the walls, and Zeke grabs hold of a tuxedo's tails and a poodle skirt and has a ball on the dance floor. At the end of the evening, everyone goes home happy. What more could anyone ask for?
Still a fantastic beginning-reader series, interesting and fun.
Still a fantastic beginning-reader series, interesting and fun.
June 14, 2013
Yay! A new Mr. Putter & Tabby book. We have really enjoyed this series and I love the whimsical nature of both Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry as they have little adventures and keep each other company.
This story takes Mr. Putter, Mrs. Teaberry, Tabby and Zeke to the dance hall. It was a humorous story and the illustrations were hilarious. I love that it shows that you don't have to be great at something to have a good time.
We really enjoyed reading this story together and although our girls are starting to grow out of these books, I certainly hope that there are more books to come in this series.
This story takes Mr. Putter, Mrs. Teaberry, Tabby and Zeke to the dance hall. It was a humorous story and the illustrations were hilarious. I love that it shows that you don't have to be great at something to have a good time.
We really enjoyed reading this story together and although our girls are starting to grow out of these books, I certainly hope that there are more books to come in this series.
March 23, 2016
#21 in the Series
09/12: We love Mr. Putter & Tabby here. Even though the boys are past this stage, we still read the latest ones as soon as they come out. We also routinely re-visit our favorites. This one made me think of Alice as she loves to dance.
Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter knows what he likes, and dancing is not on the list. But his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry has been watching ballroom dancing on TV! She talks the reluctant Mr. Putter into coming along for an evening at the Crystal Ballroom, along with fine cat Tabby and good dog Zeke, of course. The ballroom is full of sparkles—and surprises. What a wonder!
09/12: We love Mr. Putter & Tabby here. Even though the boys are past this stage, we still read the latest ones as soon as they come out. We also routinely re-visit our favorites. This one made me think of Alice as she loves to dance.
Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter knows what he likes, and dancing is not on the list. But his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry has been watching ballroom dancing on TV! She talks the reluctant Mr. Putter into coming along for an evening at the Crystal Ballroom, along with fine cat Tabby and good dog Zeke, of course. The ballroom is full of sparkles—and surprises. What a wonder!
July 23, 2018
I'm so excited to discover this series. Miss 4 loves cats so this is right up her alley. I love the stories. They're really sweet and I love the friendship between Mr Putter and his neighbour. I feel like these would be books her grandparents would enjoy reading to her. We've just read three of the books and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
January 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and what it had to offer. In a preschool classroom, with a student who doesn't want to try the snack for the day because it looks gross, this book will help explain that trying makes all of the difference. Like Mr. Putter, the student was nervous and had preconceived notions that they didn't like the snack, but have never tried it. Read this book and they will understand, sometimes trying things that make you nervous can end up being a wonderful thing! You never know what you might like unless you try it.
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!!!
June 16, 2013
Mrs. Teaberry invites Mr. Putter and Tabby to try ballroom dancing with her and her dog, Zeke. At the Crystal Ballroom, Tabby is fascinated by the sparkly lights, and Zeke “dances” in his own unique way, while Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry have an enjoyable time dancing the cha-cha. The gentle and humorous story is simply written, with larger font and white space, ideal for young readers ready for beginning chapter books. Fans of the series will enjoy this addition.
August 23, 2016
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, like to nap. His friend and next door neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, liked adventures. One day Mrs. Teaberry suggested ballroom dancing. Even though Mr. Putter had two left feet, he and Tabby joined Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke at the Crystal Ballroom. Tabby enjoyed the sparkles, Zeke enjoyed dancing the tango, even Mr. Putter had a good time. Everyone went home happy. And Zeke went home with a rose!
December 19, 2016
I love this series, and this latest edition is also one of the best. My favorite thing is that Mr. Putter doesn't magically turn out to be a good dancer, but that Mrs. Teaberry doesn't mind because they are both having fun. And of course, Zeke has to get in on the action as well, which provides some good silly comedy in the middle of an otherwise somewhat adult-centric story line.
April 6, 2015
Mr. Putter does not think that he can dance. He gives it a try and learns that even though he is not the best, he still enjoys dancing. I think that this story has a good message to have kids to try new things. I liked how to transitional chapter book included numbered chapters. This book will help students in first grade progress into reading chapter books.
October 2, 2012
I like cats and dancing (on my slippery kitchen floor) which means I like this book. It's awesome! I've read a different Mr. Putter & Tabby book before, but I don't remember which one it was. My Grandparents have a cat, too! The first one died. The second one is still living, and she has kittens!
October 18, 2012
This book was made up of three, short chapters. Children who are beginning to read chapter books can be introduced to this book. The book would allow them to see how chapter books work and they see the table of contents. I liked this book about the dance. It shows older people can still have fun.
October 30, 2014
Another fantastic Mr P & T book with masterful illustrations. The depictions of Tabby make me think that the illustrator has a cat himself and is well-versed in their varying emotions.
I love reading these books to AJ. His belly laughs are outstanding.
I love reading these books to AJ. His belly laughs are outstanding.
March 1, 2017
I want to either be more like Mrs. Teaberry, or have a friend like her. Lucky Mr. Putter to have someone who keeps him young & active!
September 9, 2017
This book is a funny book. I like the characters, and I like how they're always very fun and always going on adventures.
November 5, 2018
Really good next-step book series from the very early readers out there.
March 2, 2020
Will be getting more of these books. Linc really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2020
We love Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry. This may be the most delightful of all. We laughed out loud at several of the illustrations and felt as good at the end as if we had been part of the dancing fun ourselves.
June 2, 2023
I wonder whether the concepts in this book might be too advanced for young readers, e.g. what are the various ballroom dances?
July 23, 2024
Fun Story
This was my first introduction to Putter and Tabby books. I would enjoy reading others. Cute, fun, uplifting story of friendship and trying new things out of your comfort zone.
This was my first introduction to Putter and Tabby books. I would enjoy reading others. Cute, fun, uplifting story of friendship and trying new things out of your comfort zone.
December 9, 2025
Mr. Putter and Tabby go on a ballroom dancing adventure with Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke. Zeke steals the show with his antics. This is such a fun series and the illustrations are also great. Zeke shines through in this one and he manages not to get into trouble for his activities. Great book!
January 7, 2019
Enjoyable since I like ballroom dancing, but plot could use a little more boosting.
January 22, 2019
Mr Putter and Tabby enjoy an evening of dance when Mr.s Teaberry and Zeke ask them out.
May 27, 2020
This is a fun book in this series by Cynthia Rylant! The two seniors and two pets go dancing. Each has fun in a different way!
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May 28, 2020Hoopla Bonus Borrow
January 5, 2022
My favorite Mr Putter & Tabby. It is so so sweet, and as a Putter/Teaberry shipper, I love seeing them dance together haha! Not my kids favorite, but they still really like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews