Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish

Mr. Putter & Tabby #14

by Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator)

Mr. Putter is sure he is too old for birthday celebrations. And that means he's also too old for model planes and balloons and candles and cake. So on his special day, he invites Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke over for a quiet cup of tea. But—good heavens!—what could possibly be taking them so long to arrive?

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

44 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

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

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the first book in this series, Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea, and even though I loved it, I wasn’t planning on reading any other Mr. Putter & Tabby books. There are just so many of them. But when I saw my Goodreads friend Kathryn’s review for this one, I decided to try it. I am so glad I did. Unfortunately, or fortunately, now I’ll probably want to read more of these books.

I don’t vividly remember the first book, but from what I do remember, I like this one just as much.

Charming. Sweet. Funny. Heartfelt. Perfect for birthday reading. Perfect for reading if a reader is looking for a lovely friendship story. Perfect for cat lovers.

The illustrations are perfection. Tabby the cat is wonderful, as are Mr. Putter, and Mrs. Teaberry and her “good dog” Zeke, and are all the colorful backgrounds.

This picture book is told in 3 very short chapters, but I consider it a picture book, not a chapter book.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not *quite* as good as the first book (Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea) but still very, very good and so heartwarming! I love the gentle humor, the underlying humanity, and the way Rylant is able to convey so much with so few (carefully chosen) words. This is a great "easy reader" for those just beginning to read on their own, or a charming read aloud for anyone who loves cats, or birthdays. (The accompanying illustrations by Arthur Howard fit perfectly!)

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: It was a beautiful morning. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were eating raisin crumpets and apple jam and reading the morning paper. Mr. Putter looked at the date of the paper: October 2. "Good heavens, Tabby!" said Mr. Putter. "It's my birthday!"

Premise/plot: It is Mr. Putter's birthday. At first he tries to be practical and sensible. He is much too old to want to CELEBRATE his birthday. He's "too old" for balloons and cakes and presents. Isn't he? But the more he thinks about birthdays gone by, the more he wants to celebrate THIS ONE. Perhaps a little celebratory tea with his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry would be just the thing...

My thoughts: I love, love, love Mr. Putter and Tabby. In this one, readers get another chance to glimpse a YOUNG Mr. Putter--with his adorable red hair. Readers also get to see Mr. Putter struggling with waiting patiently. I think everyone can relate to that! Mr. Putter has to wait and wait and wait and wait for Mrs. Teaberry to come over. Though readers might suspect that she's busy planning something special for his birthday, something that takes TIME.

This one was a JOY to read.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am doing the reading challenge for Carnegie Library and the more days in a row you finish a book, the more you get put in for the drawings, so I have decided to read kids books to fill in those days where I don't have books yet finished. You gotta do what you gotta do!! LOL

Absolutely lovely!!! This is a great early reader illustrated children's series - I highly recommend them. 💙

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit more frustrating than the others. We have to wait and wait, along with Mr. Putter and Tabby. There is a predictable happy ending, though!

[The Reading Countess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Youngest and I are on a Mr. Putter kick. We love him. We can't get enough of him. We laugh at the silly things that he and his friend Mrs. Teaberry do together. Oh, what would Mr. Putter do with Mrs. Teaberry and her silly antics? This time, she puts off his birthday, much to his consternation under the guise of poor excuses. Mr. Putter is not amused. FINALLY Mrs. Teaberry shows up with a cake in her hand (hence her sorry excuses) and together they blow out the zillions of candles she has managed to stick in the cake. A model airplane kit rounds out the fabulous day, even though Mr. Putter manages to build it with an upside down tail. Laugh out loud funny for a young elementary child-or a middle aged mom.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the popular series following old Mr. Pitter and his cat, Tabby. Within this specific book, Mr. Putter has a surprise birthday party with his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry. I thought this book was fun, easy to read and engaging- I can definitely understand why they are so popular with young readers. Although the plot was simple and easily understandable, there were surprises, repeated phrases, dialogue and illustrations that helped move readers through book easily, while still having to actively participate as they read. I feel the books within this series would be ideal for first and second graders, and even for small book clubs within younger classrooms.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

#14 in the series.

BTW, Mr. Putter's birthday is October 2. ;-) It's on our calendar. Seriously. Ha!

03/16: We still have this one and re-read it sometimes for one of our birthdays. Can't remember when we first got it and read it. We are big Mr. Putter & Tabby fans.

Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter is sure he is too old for birthday celebrations. And that means he's also too old for model planes and balloons and candles and cake. So on his special day, he invites Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke over for a quiet cup of tea. But--good heavens!--what could possibly be taking them so long to arrive?

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I both thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series (through #18; the rest weren't published / available at our library yet). Mrs. Rylant's sentence structure is simple enough for beginning readers to enjoy but don't let that fool you! Each book contains an engaging plot, clever & silly humor, and underlying themes of friendship, thoughtfulness, and responsibility. We spent many hours laughing together at the (mis)adventures of Mr. Putter, Tabby, and their friends. We were excited to find out what would happen as we started each book. HIGHLY recommend!!!

[James Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose the Mr. Putter and Tabby books as the emergent reader book because I ended up having to use several of the series' books in teaching lessons on story structure to kindergarten. I found that while the stories were simple and short, they did really help young students understand that stories all have a beginning, middle, and end. I did like how each story in the series showed children that you can still be a kid at heart even when you're old and that you're only as old as you feel.

[Mrs. Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading the morning newspaper Mr. Putter remembers that today is his birthday! He and Tabby decide to celebrate and they invite Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke over. Mrs. Teaberry makes them wait and wait and wait! Will Mr. Putter ever get to celebrate his birthday!

These are wonderful early chapter books that are just right for cat lovers!

[Madison Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this is a good book to read to your class to show what kindness looks like. If there are issues within my class of students not being nice to each other are having a hard time being friends I will refer to this book, and ask them to remember how patient Mr. Potter was with Mrs. Teaberry. I will remind them that patience, kindness, and being there for each other is very important.

[Schmobes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Level 3. Mr. Putter and Tabby books offer a great sense of accomplishment because they are "chapter" books. Kiddo likes reading them, they provide a bit of a challenge, a good story, and fun illustrations.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story that reminds us that we are never to old to celebrate our birthday. Our girls love Cynthia Rylant's books and this series is particularly fun (especially when we read it with Gram.)

[Catriona Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an especially sweet tale. Mr. Putter's friendship with Mrs. Teaberry (and Zeke & Tabby) is beautiful. Like "Pick the Pears" and so many others, it really blooms here. It is also nice for my daughter to see Mr. Putter remembering his life as a little boy.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though you know just where this story is going, getting there is all the fun. I love his expressions, how he gets mad and then sad and then so happily surprised. There's a lot here in such a short story, which is perfect as usual!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite cute. It's easy to relate to as an adult as birthdays lose some of their excitement. Not sure kids would connect as well, but I was able to share the feeling with my boys as we read. I truly enjoy these characters and these books.

[Jailene Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter begins to reminisce about his birthdays when he was a little boy so he decides to invite the neighbor, Ms. Teaberry, to celebrate his birthday. Mr. Putter becomes impatient with Ms. Teaberry but little does he know he is in for a surprise!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww, a cute and comical story about dear old Mr. Putter's birthday and what Mrs. Teaberry does to make it special.

Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades

Cleanliness: "Good Heavens!" is exclaimed a few times.

#birthdaybooks

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Mr. Putter's birthday and he wants to have tea with a friend. But she makes him wait, and wait, and wait some more! Is it worth the wait?

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family enjoys all the Mr. Putter and Tabby books.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL. My favorite part was when he got the big cake with all the candles.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish
Rylant, Cynthia
a good early reader learning about friendship

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always nice to find a decent book to read. Nothing incredible (in my opinion), but a fun and feel-good story.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A birthday happened, Mr. Putter got presents.

[Lydia Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book because Mr. Putter had to wait a lot for his neighbor to come for his birthday. And he was too old. I read it on my car ride back from Florida.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might be my favorite of all the Mr. Putter and Tabby books I've read. Arthur Howard is pretty much a genius at illustrating them. My faith in Cynthia Rylant has been restored.

[Ann M. Noser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Birthday to Mr. Putter! Cute little stories are found in every book in this charming series. Enjoy reading these with my third grade daughter. They never disappoint.

[Marj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly charming with perfect illustrations.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good heavens, Tabby! It's my birthday!