Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, like sharing music with their neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. But when Mrs. Teaberry decides they should join a band, Mr. Putter isn’t so sure. He doesn’t even play an instrument--in fact, neither does Mrs. Teaberry. But they aren’t going to let that stop them!
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.
My kids and I enjoy all the Mr. Putter and Tabby books. I love how Mr. Putter seems comfortable with being old and sometimes too tired to do much more than nap with Tabby (not a bad life at all!) and I appreciate the kindnesses that Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry show each other in every book. The Toot the Horn book is one of my favorites because of Mrs. Teaberry's insistence that it's never too late to try something new - a great life lesson for kids to hear early on - and then her compassion towards the non-musical Mr. Putter when he tries but falls short. The illustrations never fail to make me smile - Arthur Howard adds enough wry humor to his illustrations to make the adult reading the book grin in recognition but keeps it simple and sweet enough to enhance Cynthia Rylant's dear stories. I am a huge fan of this series, if that hasn't come across. (I love everything that Cynthia Rylant writes)
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!!!
First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were neighbors to Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. Mrs. Teaberry and Mr. Putter had a lot in common. They both liked bingo. They both liked free samples. They both liked rain. And they both liked music.
Premise/plot: One day Mrs. Teaberry decides that they both need to join a band. Her reasoning is simple: "Old people can do anything they want." He tries to get out of it by countering with this argument: "Can they say they can't play an instrument?!" She shuts him down--fast. Try, he must. This chapter book is about them both trying something new.
My thoughts: I loved this one. It was a super-fun addition to the series. Mr. Putter is NOT a good tooter. And that is okay. He tried--and that is something worth celebrating with a treat. The writing continues to delight me. Here is one of my favorite paragraphs:
Mrs. Teaberry liked country music the best. She liked the broken hearts. She liked the big silver boots and the tall hair. Mr. Putter liked opera. He also liked broken hearts. And he liked the big round heroes and the violins. Some days Mrs. Teaberry would play her country music very loud for Mr. Putter to hear. Some days Mr. Putter would play his opera very loud for Mrs. Teaberry to hear. They liked sharing.
Once again, Mr. Putter showed his face at bedtime story time per Youngest's request. Though this one wasn't as well received as the others have been, we did giggle over Mr. Putter's planting of his horn in the vegetable garden. Hey, we all can't be good at everything. Yet another great lesson to learn, thanks to the incomparable Ms. Rylant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry both love music, but when Mrs. Teaberry wants to start a band, Mr. Putter isn't so sure. Our girls like these stories. They are fun, with great illustrations, and are good to read aloud.
This is a delightfully rendered early reader! Rylant's subtle humor and tender treatment of her characters breathes life into a simple but satisfying story. Howard's art adds humor and emotion of its own. I absolutely love this one (and the element of music is a bonus as well)!
They are simple enough for kids to read on their own, but the plots are surprisingly complex. Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry sound like delightful people -- even if Mr. Putter is rather a bad tooter.
I think the important message here is trying. I like how Mr. Putter is open to new experiences. Sure, he might grumble from time to time, but he TRIES. I love these books more and more.
This is just the same as any other Mr. Putter book, which is to say, a great early reader. Man I am such a fan of Cynthia Rylant. I think Poppleton is the stronger series, but these ones are definitely fun and kind of have you rooting for Mr Putter and his neighbour to fall in love. My 3.5 year old really enjoyed the idea that one of the bands was so loud it could make someones teeth hurt. She showed that page gleefullly to family and friends, and when we read through the book often wanted to start there.
I didn't like this book because Mr. Putter couldn't toot a horn. Mr. Putter & another person (I forgot the name) decided to start a band. The other person started a band, but Mr. Putter couldn't toot a horn. so the other person was alone in the band. However, she didn't care if she was alone.
Oh, Mr. Putter and Tabby are back. Their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, wants to start a band. While she has real talent, let's just say Mr. Putter needs a lot of practice. Or just be an appreciative audience member.