Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page

Mr. Putter & Tabby #23

by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, love reading their favorite books over and over. So when Mr. Putter sees a sign at the library that says “Read Aloud with Your Pet at Story Time,” he signs up! But then Mr. Putter's friend and neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, wants to join. If Mrs. Teaberry reads aloud at the library with her good dog, Zeke, who knows what will happen? With Zeke up to his usual tricks, story time might get too exciting!

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

Audible Audio

First published November 1, 2014

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

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series about old Mr. Putter and his elderly cat Tabby! This story is one of my favorites. Mr. Putter and Tabby and their neighbors, Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke, go to a special story time at the library where you bring your pets and read to them (and the rest of the children). What a cool idea, though I'm not sure it would work in a practical sense. I can just picture cat fights, or dog fights, or mischief and mayhem! Of course, this doesn't happen in the story because, oddly enough, I didn't see any other children with pets, and Tabby and Zeke know each other and get along. I do think it's a great idea to read to your pet. I read aloud to my cats, who seem to like to hear the sound of my voice. I also read an article online about a pet shelter where kids can come and read to the animals. Nice idea. Maybe this book will inspire more pet owners to do the same. Recommended!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, loved quiet time. They loved quiet baths. They loved quiet naps. They loved quiet thinking. Mr. Putter and Tabby spent their favorite quiet times reading. Mr. Putter loved to read, but he did not like to read alone. He liked having someone to read to. And Tabby was the someone.

Premise/plot: Reading has always been a quiet activity that is until Mr. Putter spots a sign at the library: Read aloud with your pet at story time. He signs up! He also tells his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, about the event at the library. What story will Mr. Putter (and Tabby) choose to read to children? What story will Mrs. Teaberry (and Zeke) choose to read to children?

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. Mr. Putter and Tabby are two of my favorite, favorite characters. They are relatively new acquaintances of mine. But I know we are kindred spirits at heart. The writing is DELIGHTFUL.

Mr. Putter thought and thought about what story to read aloud at the library. He thought about cowboys and he thought about rabbits. He did not think about gardens. Gardens were not adventures to most people. Gardens were an adventure to Tabby, but that is because Tabby knew how to make them exciting.

But a big part of the satisfaction--the delight, the joy--comes from the illustrations. Some of my favorite illustrations in this one include: Tabby sitting on Mr. Putter's feet as he is reading; Tabby sitting on Mr. Putter's head as he is reading; Mrs. Teaberry's celebrating "new" with her band 'The Zeekers' and a plate full of cauliflower cookies; Mrs. Teaberry's library hat.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

One of my favorite suggestions for beginning readers who are not quite ready for chapter books is the Mr. Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant! In this book, Mr. Putter and his orange cat, Tabby, show up at the library to "Read Aloud with Your Pet at Story Time." However, Mr. Putter tells his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry about this event and she brings her mischievous bulldog, Zeke. Needless to say, comic hijinks ensue, in regard to Zeke, but a good time was had by all. Beginning readers will love the fun story and the delightful illustrations!—Sara H.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud with your pet.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is simple, but fun. Not one of those “see Dick run” books. This one has real sentences about Mr. Putter reading to his cat, and reading to kids at the library. And don’t forget Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. This story is fun with entertaining pictures.

[Kay]

*Reread

[Sue Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read the Mr. Putter and Tabby series on a regular basis back when my young reader was just starting to read independently, but he’s 15 now. I was thrilled to rediscover this series at my local library.

Mr. Putter and Tabby share a love of many quiet activities from taking a bath to napping to reading. Not surprisingly, they have favorite books. Mr. Putter loves cowboys. Tabby loves rabbits. They both love gardening.

At the library, Mr. Putter sees a sign-up sheet for story time with your pet. He signs up to do this with Tabby and then tells his friend Mrs. Teaberry about the opportunity.

Mrs. Teaberry loves new things so it isn’t surprising that she latches onto this idea. Will anyone want to hear Mr. Putter and Tabby after hearing Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog Zeke? Mr. Putter practices reading with gusto.

If you haven’t read Mr. Putter and Tabby, you may be surprised that to discover just how funny these took are. There is generally a slapstick, silly element that appeals to the youngest readers. This comes through in Arthur Howard’s expressive, colorful illustrations.

There is also a more subtle side to the humor. Often these jokes come through the text or subtleties in the illustrations (look for Mrs. Teaberry’s cookies and check out the ingredients).

Because this is an early reader, the illustrations may expand on the text but only a little. Their true role is to support the text and the reader, providing clues for words the reader may have troubles deciphering.

If you haven’t read these books, share them with your young reader who is working to develop his own reading skills. There is enough to these books that you can also share them with your picture book-aged child. These books are great read-alouds.

Don’t glance at the illustrations and put them down because the characters are not kids. They may be a little older than many early reader characters but these two are kids at heart. Whether your young reader is somewhat shy or a real fire cracker, she will identify with one of these characters.

–SueBE

[Jordan Krasniewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page" by Cynthia Rylant is a picture book divided into small chapters that explores Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby reading books. The book explores Mr. Putter and Tabby reading books alone, together, and with a group at the library. Mr. Putter and Tabby get to share their love for reading with others by doing a read aloud for the local library together. They also get to explore new books by getting recommendations from their new friends at the library.
The major themes of this book discuss friendship and trying new ideas, and how trying new ideas can lead to new friendships.
I thought this book was a great way to show children different ways to read books, whether it be with your pet, at the library with friends, or on your own. The funny characters of Mr. Putter's cat and his friend Mrs. Teaberry's dog Zeke makes the book entertaining for young children. This book emphasizes that reading on your own does not have to be boring or time consuming, but it can become fun when they have friends and interesting topics to read about.
I would recommend this book to all young classrooms, especially those who may be struggling to get students excited to read. This book shows how reading can be more than sitting at your desk and reading alone, and explores multiple ways to make reading fun. The teacher could emphasize the important of reading on topics the children are interested in, and then lead a class discussion on it.

[Araceli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Mr. Putter and Tabby books are books that any elementary school age child would enjoy. I myself enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations went perfectly with the text.

The book is about Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby. Mr. Putter enjoys reading and reads aloud to his cat Tabby who enjoys being read to. One day he comes upon a library sign that says “Read Aloud to Your Pet at Story Time” Mr. Putter signs up and tells his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry. They go to the library and the kids are excited of seeing Zeke, Mrs. Teaberry’s dog and Tabby. Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry read their books and the children enjoy story time. When it is time to go they receive free stuff from the library. They go home and Mrs. Teaberry fixes up some food for them to eat. They swap books Mrs. Teaberry gets the one about the bear and Mr. Putter gets the one about the dog. That night they read their books before bed time.

There is no lesson that is being taught in this book. I think the theme if this book friendship. Reading is something that Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby love to do together. This is a book that I would read to my class just for fun. I think it is a great book that they would enjoy. These books could also be used for children that are just beginning to read longer books. They are simple enough to where they can read on their own or with guidance.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and his fine cat Tabby love quiet time. They also love to read. Then one day, Mr. Putter sees a sign at the library for story time. Mr. Putter could read a story to the children AND he could bring Tabby! Mr. Putter and Tabby were excited about reading to the children at story time. He was so excited he told his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry. The problem was that Mrs. Teaberry liked to try new things and she wanted to read at story time too. But her dog, Zeke, was NOT a quiet pet. On the day of the story time, Mr. Putter and Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke all went to the library. Mrs. Teaberry read an exciting story about a dog. Zeke helped her by making the appropriate noises during the story. And when the dog in the story ran away so did Zeke. He would not come back when he was called, but Mrs. Teaberry wasn’t worried, Zeke always came back. Then Mr. Putter read his story, and Tabby sat quietly with the children. At the end of the story, Zeke came back into the room and they all went home together. They had a nice cup of tea and traded books with each other. Then everyone got ready for bed and had a quiet evening, reading their new books. http://julianaleewriter.com/the-cybil...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Geisel Honor book. While it is a lovely book and fun and good reading, I can't help but think that this was almost a perfect subject to write about in order to gain an award from librarians. It is about Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby who like to read, especially when Mr. Potter reads to Tabby. So one day, Mr. Potter sees a sign about reading with your pet at the library. So Mr. Potter and Tabby go do this event. Of course there are a few things not so straightforward. Normally you don't bring along your next door neighbor and the neighbor's dog. And normally it is kids reading to animals, not animals helping their human read to the kids! A wonderful time was had by all and what librarian in their right mind wouldn't give this an award! It deserves one, but I'm just pointing out the subject matter sure helped! I think this is Rylant's first Geisel. She has had other awards over the years of course. This author seems able to turn her pen to most levels and subjects from funny to serious and sad. I have to wonder what she will do next!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Tabby love to read together. When Mr. Putter learns that you can read with your pet at story time at the library, he and Tabby make plans to attend. He wants to share his reading memories with new readers. He selects a read-aloud book that appeals to him and Tabby. Against his better judgment, he invites Mrs. Teaberry and the boisterous Zeke to story time, too. When Mrs. Teaberry reads her dog book, Zeke provides the appropriate sound effects and then runs away to the librarians’ lunchroom and helps himself to a sandwich and a hat. As Mr. Putter shares his book, Tabby purrs and interacts nicely with the children. Everyone gets stickers and bookmarks. Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry agree that sharing books is a fine idea, especially for friends. The larger font, ample white space and simple sentences are enhanced with bright watercolor illustrations that capture the action of the story. The five short chapters are ideal for young readers ready to move to beginning chapter books. It’s a good choice for story time or for shared reading.

[Caitlin Schoessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page is a great children’s book about a man and his cat who love to read together. My favorite part in the book is when Mr. Putter learns he can take his cat to the library. Mr. Putter thinks this is the best thing in the world because his two favorite things are coming together; the library and his cat. The illustrations in this book are excellent and they reinforce what the text is saying. One image that sticks out in my mind is the one when Zeke returns with someone else’s hat, cheese sandwich and smelling like grape juice. The image reinforces what the text is saying. Also, the colorful illustrations appeal to young readers. The book is great for students who are just starting to read chapter books. My favorite character in the book is Mr. Putter. This is because he is very enthusiastic about reading. As a future teacher, I will be enthusiastic about reading, just like Mr.Putter.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn The Page
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Arthur Howard
The story starts out how Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby loved quiet time which included quiet baths, quiet naps and quiet thinking. Then the story goes on how Mr. Putter reads to Tabby their favorite books about cowboys, rabbits and gardens.
One day while Mr. Putter was at the library they posted a sign that said “Read aloud with your pet at story time.” Mr. Putter thought this was a wonderful idea and signed up to do so. His friend and neighbor Mrs. Teaberry who had a dog Zeke signed up too. When the big day came they both read to the children for story time. Mrs. Teaberry read a story about a dog and Mr. Putter read a bear story to the children. Story time was very exciting.
The book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors which make the book come alive. The illustrations in this book were done in pencil, and watercolors.

[Hallie Jackson Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover appeal: Cute, clearly marked as a chapter book with the band and circle design featured at the top.

Okay, maybe I'm biased, but I really love books about libraries. I think doing a read along with your pet storytime would be fun but I can also see the logistical challenges there, so maybe the idea is best fit for this book. What I particularly liked about this book is that the author and illustrator turned the typical gendered pet stereotypes on their heads. It is usually old women that are depicted with cats and men romping around with rambunctious dogs. It's a subtle but important message that being who you are and finding companions that suit you is more important than living inside of a gender binary.

This is the first book that I have read in this series but it makes me want to go pick up the others.

[Evan Molin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, it is part of a series about Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby. They talk about all of the things that they like doing, especially when Mr. Putter reads to Tabby. Then they went to the library where they were invited to read aloud with their pets. Mr. Putter prepares and practices to read along with his cat Tabby after Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke do. Zeke during Mrs. Teaberry’s story ran off after the smell of some food so Mr. Putter swooped in and started reading his story with “gusto”. Zeke eventually came back but was a mess and smelled of grapefruit juice. I think that this is a good book for a transitional stage for young readers in to chapter books. This would be considered more of a mini chapter book. The chapters are much shorter than that of a traditional chapter book, and it is also coated with illustrations to reinforce the text.

[Erin Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Picture Book - Easy-to-Read book
Awards: Geisel Honor
Audience: 1st to 4th grade
A: This book has few words on the page and the words are not too complex. There are also five short chapters so kids think they are reading a chapter book and get excited.
B: The illustrator, Arthur Howard, used space very prominently in this book. There is a lot of dead white space on the pages and then he illustrates the key characters into the space. There is never an entire page full of color, but the reader always knows what the important details are based on the simple illustrations.
C: I would give this to children in my class to read during their one-on-one story time. This is a book they should be able to read because there is repetition on the pages and the illustrations help with context too.
D: What was the story about that Mr. Putter and Tabby read at the library? Answer: Bears

[Stephanie Croaning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for students just starting to read beginning chapter books. Mr. Putter is an older gentleman who loves to read to his cat Tabby. When the local library is looking for people to read aloud with their pets at story time, he signs up. So does Mrs. Teaberry and her crazy dog Zeke.

I found this story to be very special, not only because it is well-told, but also because there are starting to be more programs in local libraries that allow children to practice reading aloud to specially trained dogs. The presence of pets in the library, and older characters interacting with young children, makes this story very special. And it shows that libraries do not have to be quiet, but are fun and alive!

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss 4 loves cats so these books are 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 as well.

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.

[Kolbe Bales · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s about Mr. Putter and his cat named Tabby. They both loved each other’s company, and both especially loved to read during quiet times. They each had their favorite books. The motif of this story is the cat, Tabby. It’s always sitting on books or cuddling with someone throughout, which creates this sort of warm, cozy feeling for the readers. The peritext is informational and uses flaps for a summary and also to list other Mr. Putter and Tabby books. The peritext also includes illustrations of Tabby and Zeke on the title page and end pages.

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

About Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby who both like to read. They sign up to read at the library. Not a very thrilling book, but a good starting chapter book.

Would be a good book for talking about reading and rereading to build fluency. The book also discusses how Mr. Putter reads with gusto! I would recommend this book to kids that are ready for "chapter books."

[Ashley Marx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not particularly like the story "Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page". I thought it was a cute story about an old man and his cat but did not really enjoy the storyline, however, a young child would probably appreciate this book more than myself. This book would be a great book for children 4-7 because it is an easy-to-read book.

[Cameron Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there isn't a real moral or anything about this book, it does portray reading as a fun activity. It shows that Mr. Putter likes to read in his free time, and it can be exciting and meaningful or just for entertainment. I believe having this book available is worth it due to these reasons.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about books, a library, a dog, a cat, and of course, dear old Mr. Putter. You can't go wrong. The author and illustrator make a nice duo, keeping the story's pace moving along smoothly.

Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imo not one of the strongest of the series; just a little predictable and implausible. However, the whole set is still a must-read, esp. for older people, ppl who know older ppl, or ppl who hope or expect to become older ppl... ;)

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd recommend doing assisted reading with your kiddos one chapter at a time to absorb the information. I attempted to read the book all at once, and the kids absolutely lost interest.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry volunteer to read at the local library, and Tabby and Zeke help.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for early readers.

[Staciel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Mr Putter and Tabby book- I miss this series!

Going to be adding this one to our collection for sure.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mr. Putter & Tabby! Here they go to the library to read aloud a book to kids. (Library)