Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Winter has set in and Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby are bored. Mr Putter remembers when he was a kid how much fun he had sledding. So he decides that that is what he and Tabby should do. Tabby is not thrilled at the prospect. But they enlist the help of their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. All four bundle up and head outdoors to go sledding. Tabby is not happy about this at all and it shows. And things don't turn out as Mr. Putter had imagined. Tabby ends up zipping down the hill with Zeke on his sled. Mr. Putter is stuck with Mrs. Teaberry on her sled. Mr. Putter had wanted to share a sled with Tabby. But Mr. Putter still ends up enjoying himself a bit. But it was not as he remembered as a child. The moment that Tabby's sled stops, she darts of a tree in anger and frustration. She will only come down when Mr. Putter promises her muffins and cream. Mr. Putter and Tabby get home and each takes a warm bath in their own way. They then enjoy muffins and cream. They are worn out from the day's activities. They cuddle up together on a nice soft chair and take a lovely nap together. Now that is what I call fun. And Mr. Putter and Tabby would probably agree. The illustrations are done in pencil, watercolor, and gouache. They are colorful, cheerful, amusing, and simple and detailed all at the same time. This shows in the hammock in the snow to the detail in Mrs. Teaberry's garage. The illustrations also nicely depict the emotions of all the characters. This is never more evident than in Tabby's obvious fear and displeasure at having to go sledding. This is an excellent beginning reader. There are five chapters, as are in most of the 24 other titles in this series. There is some repetition of words and sounds. The larger font makes it easier to read. And the sentences are short and simple with accessible text. The illustrations flow nicely with the text. They even help to visualize the meaning of less familiar words, such as hammock and twitches. A first purchase for several reasons. If you have others in the series. If you have children who love cat stories. If you are in need of bolstering your beginning reader collection. And if you children who enjoy amusing stories.

Overall Book Score: very good