Mr Putter and Tabby Take the Train

From the Publisher
Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, are going for a train ride with their neighbors, Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke. They’ve planned the perfect afternoon trip. But when they get to the station, they’re in for a big surprise: No pets are allowed on the train! It looks like the trip is off, until Mr. Putter comes up with a clever idea. . . .

Children’s Literature
Mr. Putter had not been on a train in years. When his friend, Mrs. Teaberry, called and suggested they go for a ride, Mr. Putter said yes. Mrs. Teaberry assured him that pets were allowed on board so they brought Zeke and Tabby. When they arrived to purchase their tickets they were told no pets were allowed. Determined to go on the train, Mr. Putter came up with the perfect solution. Rylant keeps the story moving while providing the necessary repetition for beginning readers. This, the eighth adventure for Mr. Putter and Tabby, is full of warmth and humor. The softly colored cartoon-style illustrations are the perfect complement to the text. They provide visual clues to help the reader. A delightful addition to the series.

School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, are friends and neighbors of Mrs. Teaberry and her bulldog, Zeke. When Mrs. T suggests taking a train ride, they load up games, binoculars, doggy lollipops, and a blanket for naps, only to discover that pets are not allowed. Undaunted, Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry go home and return to the train station, having hidden Tabby and Zeke in a picnic basket and knapsack. They sneak the animals onboard and enjoy a wonderful trip. The charm and whimsy of this story are marred only by the devious behavior of the adult characters, which sends the message that it is acceptable to disregard rules that are not to one’s liking. If the friends did not want to leave their creatures at home, they could have found another activity. That said, the narrative is endearing for its humor and for the lively illustrations that capture both the lovable personalities of Tabby and Zeke and the affection showered on them by their indulgent owners.-Diane Janoff, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Kirkus Reviews
Rylant’s lovable pair (Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat, 1997, etc.) are off on another adventure, this time with cohorts Mrs. Teaberry and her bulldog, Zeke. Mrs. Teaberry proposes a train ride, and Mr. Putter, recalling past rides over the rails, agrees. They arrive at the station loaded down with treats and bones, blankets and pets, only to discover pets are not allowed. Refusing to let that dampen their spirits, they go back home, each returning with a suspiciously lumpy, wiggling carry-on. The pets get smuggled along, and as the two oldsters nibble banana crunchies and the scenery flies by, nothing could be jollier. The pace may lag, but Howard’s comfortable full-color drawings along with Rylant’s humorous storytelling make this amble a delight. (Fiction. 6-10)