Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea

"The gentle, affecting first volume introduces elderly Mr. Putter, who decides that a cat will keep him from feeling lonely. Rylant’s texts reflect admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word. They are in perfect sync with Howard’s expressive sketches, which slip abundant visual jokes into sunny, transparent watercolors and gouaches, and fluid pencil and pastel scribbles."—Publishers Weekly

Mr. Putter gets an old cat to share his life with him.

Old Mr. Putter has much to do. In the morning he eats his muffin. Then he works in his garden until teatime, when he enjoys his cup of tea. In the evening he has lots of wonderful stories to tell. The problem is, Mr. Putter is lonely. There is no one to share his muffins, drink tea with him, enjoy the flowers in his garden, or listen to his stories. What Mr. Putter needs is a friend - and he finds one at the animal shelter. Now Mr. Putter has Tabby, the old yellow cat, who loves muffins, tea and flowers, and purrs while Mr. Putter tells his stories. What a happy pair!

CYNTHIA RYLANT is the acclaimed author of many beloved books for young people, including the Mr. Putter & Tabby series, the novel Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and the Little Whistle series. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

ARTHUR HOWARD is best known as the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant's Mr. Putter & Tabby series. He is also the illustrator of Kathi Appelt's Bubba and Beau series and has written and illustrated picture books of his own. He lives in New York City.