Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race

Mr. Putter & Tabby #17

by Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator)

Mrs. Teaberry has persuaded Mr. Putter to sign up for the seniors' marathon. First prize is golf clubs, but second prize is . . . a train set! Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Never mind that he can't even touch his toes. Somehow, he has got to find a way to place second. . . .

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

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Mr. Putter and Tabby. Funny, gentle and revelatory. We discovered these books when our first son was learning to read and they are such a great comfort. They celebrate friendship and enduring companionship. There are not many books that feature the elderly or give you any particular insight appreciating the world or simple pleasures such as a freshly picked pear or making soup or spending time looking at the stars with your best and closest friends. Love these books.

[Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylant's books are some of my favorites! She creates fun and creative stories that kids will love reading; and I absolutely love Howard's illustrations! This particular story is about Mrs. Teaberry trying to convince Mr. Putter to run a senior's marathon with her, but Mr. Putter can't even remember how to run! She convinces him to do it because the second place prize is a train set, and Mr. Putter loves train sets. He does what training he can (touching his knees!) and the day of the race arrives. With lots of trips and turns, the race doesn't turn out how expected, but everyone is happy in the end! The only thing I didn't like about this story was the fact that everything turned out perfectly even though Mr. Putter didn't work for his goal nor did the race really happen "fairly." Might give kids the wrong message.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so funny! Very dry humor that most children will miss but adult's will enjoy. Great illustrations too. It's beginning chapter book with 5 chapters and 2-4 sentences per page.

One of my favorite lines: "Mr. Putter didn't want to work out. He wanted to eat muffins with Tabby." I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these children books. They are great! I love how the main character is an older man. The stories are simple and make me laugh. My children enjoy listening to them as well. :)

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter enters a marathon at the insistence of his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry. He has his mind set on one thing: winning second place. Second, not first, because he desires the prize train set much more than the golf clubs that first place awards.

Mr. Putter is bringing up the rear when Mrs. Teaberry's dog makes its way onto the race course. He's carrying a jump rope in his mouth and is ready to play. Little did Mr. Putter know that grabbing hold of the jump rope would help secure him a 1st place finish!

A humorous easy reader series for beginning readers grades 1-3.

Pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations.

[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!!!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though not too realistic, this is a fun story about fitness and running a race. I can't imagine that this was a true marathon. Without proper training and given Mr. Putter's level of physical fitness, I could hardly imagine him running a mile, let alone 26.2 miles. But it's just a story, and a funny one at that. We have really enjoyed this series and we will look for more at our local library.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun tale with Mr Putter and the neighbour Mrs Teaberry but this time they prepare for a race! Mr Putter is not really into training but he really wants to win the second prize so he goes for it.
AND WINS! But what will he do with the prize he doesn't want? A fine solution presents itself.

A great little story to encourage young ones to either train or put the effort into going for what they want in a light way.

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heart Mr. Putter and Tabby. (I'm sure a teenager could have shown me how to make a heart sign out of keyboard letters, but I am not that cool.) Rylant's beginning chapter books are so terrific for first- and second-graders just ready to tackle longer stories. They are full of comedic situations and gentle humor.

[Intrepid47 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that I am probably way too old to be reading these kinds of books, but still, I loved it. This book always makes me crack up, and it is perfect for getting me sleepy before I go to bed. It is also great for when you are sick, and you just want a little something to read. I really liked this book.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #17 in the series.

Amazon Book Description:
Mrs. Teaberry has persuaded Mr. Putter to sign up for the seniors' marathon. First prize is golf clubs, but second prize is . . . a train set! Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Never mind that he can't even touch his toes. Somehow, he has got to find a way to place second. . . .

[Tobinsfavorite · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very fond of Mr Putter and Tabby, and I liked this book as much as any of the others, except... why did the race have to be a marathon? Is it because "5K" isn't a useful word for early readers? A marathon would have killed poor Mr Putter, and no one would want that!

[David Belokonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a great book, as well as series, for emerging readers. The antics of Mr. Putter and his cat along with their neighbor, Mrs. Teaburry, are highly amusing. These books would be great for students at or near the second grade reading level.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter is looking for a heart attack the way he suddenly takes up running in this book. But hoping he's got his doctor's approval first, he runs a race - and has the most unexpected results. Love these books!

[Stacy]

Beginning Reader Picture Book

This would be great for beginning readers. It is part of a series.
Lesson Ideas:
Research running marathons
Read nonfiction about older adults who run
Use with a unit about respecting the elderly

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Teaberryhas persuaded Mr. Putter to sign upfor theseniors' marathon. First prize is golf clubs, butsecond prize is . . . a train set! Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Never mind that he can't even touch his toes. Somehow,he hasgot to find a way to place second. . . .

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a runner, the idea that Mr. Putter could run a marathon without training is implausible, and if it wasn’t an actual marathon then Rylant should have clarified. Other than that, another fun story in the series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, though rather more unrealistic than most of the books in this series.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no denying that Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry are good friends. But when the two decide to run a senior race, it's going to take cooperation in order for them to come out of the race winners.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Tabby "train" for a senior race, while Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke actually train. When the big day comes, will he be able to win the train set he so dearly wants?

[Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/6/16 Read with Naomi and Julia.
7/13/17 Read with Julia & Elena.

[Ann M. Noser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of this series. Super fun and cute! I read them aloud with my sweet, adorable third grade daughter. :)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aren't we too old to run a race?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry decide to run a Seniors marathon. Mr. Putter doesn't train very hard, but still wins the prize he wants because of an unexpected little helper.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zeke should absolutely not have been on the track. Putter and Teaberry should have been disqualified. I hope none of the other seniors were injured. And wtf do they mean by 'marathon' - surely even a couple of miles would have been too much for Putter!

I love most of the stories in this series, but not all!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter runs a race with his neighbor because he wants to come in second place because the prize is model train. Against all odds, he comes in first and is disappointed because he won a set of golf clubs. He ends up swapping with his neighbor and gets the train set after all.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the books in this series! The great stories! The wonderful pictures! This one has another surprise ending!

[Kate Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me CRYING. It's hilarious.

[Becker Children · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think we've met a Mr. Putter and Tabby book we DON'T like, but this is a new favorite; it's quite funny!