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Mr. Putter & Tabby #19
Mr. Putter & Tabby Clear the Decks
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are itchy. Not because of fleas, but because it is hot, they're bored, and they're out of orangesicles. So when their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, suggests a sightseeing cruise, they're excited about an adventure. The boat makes them feel free! Plus they get orangesicles! But when it's time to go home, there's a little problem with Mrs. Teaberry's good dog, Zeke.
The nineteenth Mr. Putter & Tabby book has all the sly, sweet humor that has made the series a huge success. Cynthia Rylant's perfect ear for rhythm and Arthur Howard's comical illustrations continue to bring to life the quartet of characters readers know and love.
The nineteenth Mr. Putter & Tabby book has all the sly, sweet humor that has made the series a huge success. Cynthia Rylant's perfect ear for rhythm and Arthur Howard's comical illustrations continue to bring to life the quartet of characters readers know and love.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2010
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
394 books881 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 42 reviews
March 9, 2018
First sentence: It was summer, and Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were itchy. They were not itchy because of fleas. There was never a flea in Mr. Putter's house! They were itchy because they were bored.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter and Tabby need some excitement in their lives to cheer up a dull summer day. Will his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, provide the boost of adventure and excitement they need?! What bright idea will she have this time around? This time around the answer is a BOAT RIDE on a sight-seeing boat. Will the four friends have a great day or a disastrous one?
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best in the series. But the series is such that there really isn't a disappointing one in the series. It's a GREAT series with great characters.
Premise/plot: Mr. Putter and Tabby need some excitement in their lives to cheer up a dull summer day. Will his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, provide the boost of adventure and excitement they need?! What bright idea will she have this time around? This time around the answer is a BOAT RIDE on a sight-seeing boat. Will the four friends have a great day or a disastrous one?
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best in the series. But the series is such that there really isn't a disappointing one in the series. It's a GREAT series with great characters.
The sightseeing boat was named The Olden Days. Mr. Putter liked it right away because he and Tabby were both old. They liked being old. Mr. Putter was glad the boat was not named The Young and Zippy Days. Those were long behind him.
June 27, 2011
I just love the Mr. Putter and Tabby books! This is the third I've read, and the third I've thought was stellar! :) (the other two were "See the Stars" and "Write the Book"). This is a great read aloud, and a great beginner reader book, too.
In this story, Mr. Putter and Tabby are bored (it's summer, the days are long and hot - and they are out of orangesicles!). So, Mr. Putter calls Mrs. Teaberry and she has just the solution!!
I think this book can definitely stand alone, but would be more enjoyed had you read a few of the other titles first - just to understand the characters.
I love that Mr. Putter and Tabby are completely happy with who they are. And that their friendship is so sweet and real.
The illustrations are the perfect complement to the wonderful text (just like Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke are the perfect complements to Mr. Putter and Tabby!)
I will definitely be seeking out the other titles in this fantastic series!
In this story, Mr. Putter and Tabby are bored (it's summer, the days are long and hot - and they are out of orangesicles!). So, Mr. Putter calls Mrs. Teaberry and she has just the solution!!
I think this book can definitely stand alone, but would be more enjoyed had you read a few of the other titles first - just to understand the characters.
I love that Mr. Putter and Tabby are completely happy with who they are. And that their friendship is so sweet and real.
The illustrations are the perfect complement to the wonderful text (just like Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke are the perfect complements to Mr. Putter and Tabby!)
I will definitely be seeking out the other titles in this fantastic series!
April 9, 2011
3.5 In yet another installation of the Mr. Putter and Tabby series for newly independent readers, there is adventure involving Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby. A very bored Mr. Putter tells his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, that he and Tabby are bored. She and her dog Zeke go with them on a boating adventure. But when the adventure ends, Zeke doesn’t want to get off of the boat! Each of the five short chapters is filled with bright drawings. The words are large and there is space between sentences to aid in reading. The book jacket states that this edition has reinforced binding and it appears to be pretty well made. Another good addition to the series.
April 10, 2011
We just love Cynthia Rylant's stories, and the Mr. Putter and Tabby series is one of my personal favorites. The stories are a hoot and I love that senior citizens are portrayed in such a fun and active way. We enjoyed reading this story together, and we laughed at Zeke's antics.
April 21, 2011
Why would a early gradeschooler want to hear about an old man and his cat? I don't know, but they do. Maybe because it's written so well, short but to the point sentences and discriptions. Maybe they identify with the animals, and the old man becomes a grandfatherly figure, protective but not strict. Maybe I'm over-analyzing an early reader...
August 19, 2025
I really, really want to be neighbors with Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, and Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. Really!
March 23, 2016
09/10: We adore Mr. Putter and Tabby. These books always crack us up.
Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are itchy. Not because of fleas, but because it is hot, they're bored, and they're out of orangesicles. So when their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, suggests a sightseeing cruise, they're excited about an adventure. The boat makes them feel free! Plus they get orangesicles! But when it's time to go home, there's a little problem with Mrs. Teaberry's good dog, Zeke.
The 19th Mr. Putter & Tabby book has all the sly, sweet humor that has made the series a huge success. Cynthia Rylant's perfect ear for rhythm and Arthur Howard's comical illustrations continue to bring to life the quartet of characters readers know and love.
Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are itchy. Not because of fleas, but because it is hot, they're bored, and they're out of orangesicles. So when their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, suggests a sightseeing cruise, they're excited about an adventure. The boat makes them feel free! Plus they get orangesicles! But when it's time to go home, there's a little problem with Mrs. Teaberry's good dog, Zeke.
The 19th Mr. Putter & Tabby book has all the sly, sweet humor that has made the series a huge success. Cynthia Rylant's perfect ear for rhythm and Arthur Howard's comical illustrations continue to bring to life the quartet of characters readers know and love.
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!!!
July 29, 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're looking 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.
November 12, 2018
Cute Mr. Putter and Tabby book. They decide they need an adventure and go out on a sailing day trip. Overall, nice and cute illustrations. I also really like that it features older people going out doing things that kids would find fun.
Good easy reader format book for second grade. My daughter really likes how Tabby is illustrated and also the style of the neighbor's dog.
Good easy reader format book for second grade. My daughter really likes how Tabby is illustrated and also the style of the neighbor's dog.
July 15, 2014
What better way to spend a hot summer day except at sea! I wish there had been a bit more about being on the boat and a little less fussing about Zeke at the end. Still, a fun story and worth reading.
July 27, 2016
My son and I both loved this Mr. Putter book. In fact, my son loved the book so much, he had to re-read it to the cats the same night. I think he found the bit about Zeke in this book especially funny.
February 3, 2017
Mr Putter and Tabby are bored and don't know what to do. So they call their neighbor that is always having fun adventures. She sets them up on a very fun adventure on a boat that only good friends can share.
January 22, 2019
When Mr. Putter is bored, he always calls on Mrs. Teaberry for an adventure. This hot day, she comes up with the refreshing idea of a boat ride. But when the sightseeing boat ride is over, one member of their party isn't ready to leave...
December 13, 2010
Beautiful and funny and just right for a new reader.
August 12, 2011
Best line: "Mr. Putter was glad the boat was not named The Young and Zippy Days.
Another fun early chapter book from Cynthia Rylant. You cannot go wrong with Mr. Putter & Tabby.
Another fun early chapter book from Cynthia Rylant. You cannot go wrong with Mr. Putter & Tabby.
October 27, 2011
MCL. It was funny when Zeke bit the mast because he didn't want to go home.
October 11, 2012
Notes:
not as funny as they used to be
kids don't request to re-read this one
pictures are still great
not as funny as they used to be
kids don't request to re-read this one
pictures are still great
May 19, 2012
Another heartwarming book
June 13, 2012
This is a funny book I like all books about Mr. Putter. J.C.
April 25, 2014
MCL. It was funny when they got orangesicles.
May 3, 2015
Cynthia Rylant needs to keep the Mr. Putter books coming! As delightful as the other books in the series.
February 2, 2016
Super cute book! My daughter loved it and is excited to read more Mr. Putter adventures!
July 20, 2023
7/1/16 Read with Julia.
7/16/17 Read with Julia.
11/21/17 Read with Naomi
7/19/23 Read with Naomi and Julia
7/16/17 Read with Julia.
11/21/17 Read with Naomi
7/19/23 Read with Naomi and Julia
January 9, 2017
This is super duper kid friendly. Everyone should read it at least once. This is a funny story about going on a boat ride.
Read
July 2, 2017Mr. Putter and Tabby is gold! Lines like "because he and Tabby were old. They liked being old."
November 18, 2018
Early reader me (and some I know) would enjoy this duo. They are cute and fun.
June 9, 2019
One of H's read-alouds. A cute story about an old man and his cat. H enjoyed it, so I see a bunch more of this series in my future...
January 3, 2020
A cute story.
March 16, 2021
Mr. Putter and Tabby is an enjoyable book for beginner readers who can read on their own or like to be read to. Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby is fun filled with a cast of characters as their friends. Mrs. Teaberry their neighbor and her dog Zeke are willing to help Mr. Putter and Tabby get over their summer boredom. Adventure ensues as the four of them embark on a boat ride. There is some problem resolution and value of friendship shared.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews