Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book

Mr. Putter is writing a book!

Susan Hepler, Ph.D. - Children's Literature

Mr. Putter sets out to be a mystery writer. But first, he needs a snack, and for three days, the snack preparation time outweighs the writing time about a hundred to one. Finally, Mr. Putter writes, but it is not his hoped-for mystery. Instead, it is a list of "Good Things," which he shares with his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog. When she gives his work a great review, they celebrate with vanilla malts at the local soda shop. Writers who are stuck with all those tricky bits of writing: how to begin, how to keep going, and being surprised by a topic that is not what they started out with, will identify with Mr. Putter's gentle dilemmas and final satisfactions. Older readers may appreciate the way a person overcomes writer's block, which will go right over the head of young readers. Howard's mixed media celebrations of the two old friends, the depictions of Mr. Putter's cozy house and hearth against the snowy setting, plus the pleasantly varied page design all contribute warmth to this cheerful thirteenth book in the excellent "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series. 2004, Harcourt, Ages 5 to 9.

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.