Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race

by: Cynthia Rylant; Illustrated by Arthur Howard

Published by: Harcourt Books

Reviewed by Jill Stovall

Mr. Putter and his delightful cat Tabby enjoy lazy days filled with cozy teatimes and yummy biscuits and muffins. But, when his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry calls and tells him about a prize at the upcoming senior marathon, he must make a decision to start a workout program to get into shape. Because the prize is a very special train set that has lights and switches and tunnels, Mr. Putter will do almost anything to win.

He is surprised that the train set is second prize but figures Mrs. Teaberry will surely win the golf clubs that are offered as first prize. He doesn’t care about winning the race. He just wants that wonderful train set.

First he gets into shape by searching for his sneakers and trying to touch his toes and having plenty of tea and biscuits with Tabby. Then they sit at the dining room window and watch Mrs. Teaberry’s dog Zeke run with his jump rope in his mouth. Zeke is very excited about the race, too. On race day Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke wear matching outfits, and Mrs. Teaberry is ready to win first prize. She wants those golf clubs.

Mr. Putter is surprised at how many old people have turned out for the race. When the horn sounds Mrs. Teaberry is way out front and Mr. Putter is at the very end.

Then something very exciting happens! Zeke gets tired of watching and decides to run with all of the seniors in the race. But this one little decision causes a lot of trouble. Zeke was still dragging the jump rope. People started tripping and bumping into one another, and worst of all, Mr. Putter grabbed the end of the jump rope. Zeke is pulling him so fast that he became the fastest runner in the race–and everyone started cheering. It is an exciting ending. But who wins the amazing train set?

You must read the book to find out. After that you will be pleased to know that award-winning author Cynthia Rylant has written over 60 books for children of all ages and has a series dedicated to the loveable Mr. Putter and Tabby.

Armchair Interviews says: Another wonderful book from this children’s book author.

Author’s Web site: http://www.kidsreads.com