Mr. Putter and Tabby

This summer we started reading the Mr. Putter and Tabby series, an early reader collaboration from author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Arthur Howard. Every couple of weeks I bring home another volume with my library haul and we are never disappointed. Rylant and Howard are not only in tune with the needs of new readers, they fill the tales of the every day with a kind humor and curiosity that appeals to any audience.

 

The elderly Mr.Putter may be a bit "creaky", but he and his Tabby cat- along with their fiery grandmotherly neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her bulldog Zeke- have plenty of adventures. There is excitement in the simple because of Rylant's engaging storytelling and Howard's always expressive illustration. The stories have action, conflict and are often very touching- they offer all of this while the characters row a boat or paint a porch or pick some pears. The world Rylant and Howard share is funny, warm and bright and it is one that we look forward to visiting again and again.

Images: mrleepersbookshelf,  juiniorlibraryguild,  juniorlibraryguild