I couldn’t wait to introduce Cole to Mr Putter Books when he was little.
I would get them in piles from the library and at first, he would flip through them and find all the modes of transportation. He really liked trucks.
But soon he fell in love with Mr. Putter and Tabby the cat, as well as Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke, the creations of author Cynthia Rylant brought to life by Arthur Howard’s darling illustrations.
Mr Putter is a somewhat grumpy old man with a very soft heart. In the first book he acquires an old tabby cat that soon becomes his new best friend. Mr. Putter reminds me so much of my grandmother’s late husband, who we called Grand-George. They are similar in both countenance and appearance. I’m sure this accounts for how much I adore this character.
Mr. Putter’s free spirited neighbor Mrs. Teaberry brings lots of love and laughter into Mr Putter’s otherwise quiet and reserved existence.
One of my kids’ favorite Mr Putter stories is Mr Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog, where Mr. Putter has to walk Mrs. Teaberry’s dog, Zeke, while she is recovering from a fall. The kids laugh hysterically at all the shenanigans Zeke pulls during a week’s worth of walks.
Now that Simon is in the first grade, he has been reading aloud a little each night, so he has been reading the Mr Putter books to me. As I listen, I remember all those times I’ve read these stories to little guys.
We bought them one by one for Christmas presents and Easter baskets, starting with Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train, which is still my favorite. I can’t count how many times I’ve read that story.
I’m pretty sure in ten years or so, when I see a Mr. Putter book somewhere, I’ll start crying.
Sweet memories. Sweet stories.
Do you have a favorite Early Reader series at your house? Please share!
