Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book

Mr. Putter & Tabby #13

by Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard (Illustrator)

Mr. Putter has decided to write a book--a mystery novel, to be exact. But being a writer is way more challenging than it looks. There's all that empty white paper to fill, all those tasty snacks to prepare ( and eat), and then there are the naps. . . .

This delightful new addition to the Mr. Putter and Tabby series is a tribute to good stories, delicious snacks, and wonderful next-door neighbors. And with its hilarious send-up of the challenges of the writing process, it's sure to become a favorite with aspiring authors of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Writing, Fiction, Animals, Cats, Juvenile

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

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

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute and cozy.

It is winter, and Mr. Putter and Tabby are too old to go out in the cold. How to pass time? Mr. Putter enjoys mystery novels and decides he will write one.



No novel actually happens -- he always gets distracted by making snacks -- but he enjoys thinking about being a writer. And he does come up with a pleasant list of nice things!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the fabulous Mr. Putter and Tabby series! This time, Mr. Putter is getting a bit of cabin fever after so many cold, snowy days. He gets the inspired idea to write a book! After all, he has everything an author needs... a warm fire, a comfy chair, and a cat! Oh, and paper and pen. And, um... an idea? Well, he does have a good title for his book. And he also has a hungry tummy. Off he goes to make some food. He spends a few minutes thinking of an idea for his story... and a few hours making food! And so it goes... will inspiration ever strike?

This book is a hoot! I already love the characters and they shine in this story (Tabby is so cute in all her "poses" as she watches Mr. Putter write and cook!) Also, as a writer myself, I can completely sympathize with those times when, really, everything is more "necessary" than going to work on that darn book!!! I just love the ending here and it has a wonderful message for writers.

Recommended for fans of the series, cat lovers and/or writers!

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Putter wants to write a book on a cold winter day...but first it is time for a snack. Great story that anyone who has ever tried to write will appreciate.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabby! Mr. Putter! A book! A mystery novel even!!! What’s not to love?! It turns out: It ended up being about a different type of writing and there was nothing I didn’t love. I loved it more than I can express. I love this series!

This is my third Mr. Putter & Tabby book. (I’d read the first in the series: Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea and also Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish.) This is the third Mr. Putter & Tabby book I’ve read. Though I’m trying to cut way back on reading picture books, I have a hunch I’ll be reading more about this pair. If I had kids at home, I’d probably want to own the entire series.

This one might be my very favorite. I knew it might be because I love books so much and I’m interested in writers and writing. What Mr. Putter does (over & over & over) instead of write is hilarious and perfectly understandable, at least to me.

Charming. Sweet. Amusing. Heartfelt. Lovely. Great for cat lovers! And this one is perfect for writers and aspiring writers, and those with writers’ block too.

The illustrations are wonderful too. Tabby is an authentic seeming cat, and very endearing, as is Mr. Putter, and so are their friends Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog Zeke, and all the settings are beautifully depicted too. The colors are vibrant and fun, and there’s the perfect mix of humor and sweetness.

There is absolutely nothing not to love!

Oh, I want to add that I got rather hungry while reading this book. Lots of delicious sounding food is mentioned.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book by page three - the illustration of Mr. Putter napping in his chair, by the fire, with his cat on his lap is so perfect! Their expressions are so real.

This sweet story (with fittingly sweet illustrations) is one in a series about Mr. Putter and his cat. Neither of them can go outside when it snows (Mr. Putter might break something, and the cat might catch cold), but Mr. Putter likes staying inside anyway, because his house is so cozy.

One day, Mr. Putter has an idea to write a book! A mystery novel!!
But, maybe Mr. Putter likes the idea of writing a mystery novel a little more than actually doing so.

Anyone who has ever tried to write something, had writer's block, or just felt uninspired should fall in love with this!! Mr. Putter spends way more time doing things to prepare for writing, or taking breaks from writing, than actually writing - and the way author Howard describes it in so few words is just amazing!

And, anyone who loves cats, dogs, or reading, should delight in this title too! I love this passage:

"He had everything a writer needed: a soft chair, a warm fire, and a good cat." Such bliss! :)

There's some great messages here, too (without being annoying) about good things coming out of not-so-good things, and about finding your niche.

I'd definitely recommend this to just about anyone, and any age!
Definitely a glowing review - and as Howard writes: "Every writer loves a good review."

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such expressive pictures, as usual. Logan loves Tabby and this book was no exception. Mama enjoyed it too, as a person who loves the *idea* of writing, but rarely gets around to it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful series this is!

In this outing, it is winter and snowing, so Mr. Putter and Tabby are confined to their house. What to do? Oh, write a book. A mystery book. The mystery book never happened, but Mr. Putter is still a very good writer.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really liked this one. Perfect chance to make your own list and maybe get inspired to write a book.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Level: 2nd-4th Grades
Cynthia Rylant's friendship stories about Mr. Putter and Tabby are charming. In this story, Mr. Putter decides he wants to write a mystery book. He gets distracted with preparing snacks, and more snacks, moving his chair, cleaning Tabby's ears, etc... He is worn out and what starts out as an attempt at a mystery turns out very different. The usual humor that makes these stories so endearing is present and children can relate to the challenges Mr. Putter faces in his attempts at writing!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book about the struggles of writing. Would be a great mentor for writing workshop in younger grades, specifically with the idea of having trouble getting started and changing courses in writing.

[Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heart-warming and interesting book that the kids enjoyed.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quiet, funny, and cozy. A perfect bedtime story.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: In the winter a big snow always came to Mr. Putter's house.

Premise/plot: In this early chapter book, Mr. Putter has an idea. At first it seems straightforward and simple. He wants to write a book: a mystery novel.

First he had to think of a title. He thought and thought and thought. Finally he told Tabby, "I shall call my book The Mystery of Lighthouse Cove." It was a very good title. It was full of mystery. As a boy he had read lots of books with titles like that.

He's so excited that he thought of a title that he celebrates by fixing a snack...and then taking a nap. Will Mr. Putter write a book?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. Sometimes the book you think you want to write isn't the book you need to write. I thought this one was funny and charming.

The third day that he was a mystery writer, Mr. Putter woke up ready to write again. He liked being a writer ready to write. First he and Tabby had cinnamon toast and tea. Then Mr. Putter petted Tabby and began to think. He looked out of his window, thinking. He looked at his fire, thinking. He looked at Tabby, thinking.

I think everyone should write a book like Mr. Putter does. (It is NOT a mystery novel, but a list of good things that he's blessed with and thankful for.)

[Eliza Furmansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect curative for artistic existential crisis.
I love this book.

[Yusuke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book
Written by Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Arthur Howard

Reviewed by Yusuke K. (age11)

What would you do if a big, cold winter comes? Would you write a book? Or would you rather nap? According to Cynthia Rylant, Mr. Putter will show you a lazy time of a writer.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book is a three chapter thirty six page book about an old man and an old cat living together. One winter, Mr. Putter tries to write a book. He wants to write cool things like “The Mystery of the Sun Shore Cove.” Mr. Putter can’t do that because he is somehow not focused. He spends three minutes on writing, then four hours on fixing a snack and napping. At last, he decides to write, “Good Things.”

My favorite part was during the scene when he tried to write:

“Mr. Putter spent three minutes on his title and four hours on his snack.”

That part made me laugh because he is not focused on writing and spends a lot time on other things. Oh, No! Winter is almost over!

I think the thing that the author wants me to know is that you need to be focused on the things that you are doing, and you don’t have to be perfect. I thought that because he didn’t finish the thing he wanted. When he wrote good things, Mrs. Teaberry said that the world is full of mystery writers and you are one of the few people who write about good things.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book is one of the funniest books I have ever read in the Mr. Putter & Tabby series. It made me want to read it again. The illustrations were rough, and perfect for the character of Mr. Putter & Tabby.

I recommend this book to people who just want to laugh, and to people who are writers. If you like other Mr. Putter & Tabby series, you would definitely run to the shop or the library and read this book too.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! The illustrations are great. The writing is heartwarming. The story is fun. The relationship between Mr. Putter and Tabby, his cat, is marvelous.

I hadn't heard of this series until a couple of my first grade students pulled it out of our library and started reading it. They quickly moved on to more advanced books but they obviously really enjoyed this series and it was a perfect bridge for them from our Phonics reader books to simple chapter books. Part of the allure of the books I'm sure is the fact that Tabby is such a key character in the stories and young people love stories with animals.

I'm sure that I'll continue to read the series because I find the stories and illustrations so much fun and they warm the soul. They also get such high ratings on Goodreads: well over four stars! For such a simple book, I'm not sure about giving it a five star rating. However, as I keep reading the series, I may change my mind. Four stars just doesn't seem to be enough!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE ALL the Mr. Putter and Tabby books. It's nice that there are beginning readers out there that both the child and adult can enjoy together.

"One day when Mr. Putter and Tabby were inside for a big snow, Mr. Putter got an idea. His idea was to write a book. He had everything a writer needed: a soft chair, a warm fire, and a good cat. And he had a pen and plenty of paper. 'I have always wanted to write a mystery novel,' Mr. Putter said to Tabby."

Mr. Putter is so inspired by his title that he decides to fix a snack (which is described). The title took three minutes and the snack took four hours.

"Then he took a nap. Mystery writing was not easy work."

And so it goes, with plenty of droll humor in three short chapters.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

#13 in the series

01/11: Revisited this one again. Who knows when we read it the first time. During a "big snow," Mr. Putter decides to write a book. He does more cooking, napping and rearranging the furniture than writing, but he still gets a good review from Mrs. Teaberry for his list of "Good Things." This is a cozy winter read.

Amazon Book Description:
Mr. Putter has always wanted to write a mystery novel--and Tabby is happy to help. But who knew there would be so many delicious distractions along the way?

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I refuse to classify this as a kid's book anymore. I just refuse. Mr. Putter is SO universal that I sincerely believe these books should be used in ESL classes, to teach people how to read in English. Seriously.

Of course this particular story is perfection - the tale of someone who wants to be a writer, but is much better at procrastination than in putting words on paper. I laughed out loud as I read this one, and smiled all the way to the end.

[Michal Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this sweet little book out loud to my boyfriend as part of the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge. I didn't want to read anything too long or complicated, and I just thought it would be a fun thing to do. I love this story about an old man deciding to write a mystery novel, only to continuously be sidetracked by snacks. I'd like to look into some of the other books in this series and take them into consideration for my future children :) .

[Sherrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, let me just tell you that these Mr. Putter and Tabby books are just my absolute favorite children's books. The illustrator is fabulous (Arthur Howard) and the stories are just fun and clever. I anxiously await each new one and hope they never stop coming! I think I'll be just like Mrs. Teaberry when I'm older.

[Susan Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The always wonderful Cynthia Rylant has written a book that will bring a smile to the face of any writer who's ever dreaded facing the blank page. What could be better than three minutes spent coming up with a title and four hours spent fixing a snack? As Mrs. Teaberry remarks near the end, "Writers of good things are few and far between." Indeed, but Cynthia Rylant is definitely one of them.

[Anykidcanwrite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Putter and Tabby need something to do during the winter's big snow. Mr. Putter picks writing a mystery book, but it turns out to be much harder than he thought. If he can't write a mystery, what will he write?

Your Turn to Write: In the story, Mr. Putter makes a list. Create a list of your favorite things. Can you fill a whole page? How about three?

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be great as a way to teach kids how to give feedback. Mr. Putter attempts to write a mystery, but finds himself spending more time daydreaming and having snacks. He ends up writing a short poem called Good Things. After reading the story allowed, you could model how to write a comment for Mr. Putter. The kids could try it on their own, either on paper or online such as a blog

[Keeko · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart-warmer! I've enjoyed every one of her books. They're funny and heartwarming in such a light and genuine way. She's a model children's book writer. I love this book, and the illustrations are perfect. I can't wait to read more of them.

[Barbara Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be a great mentor text to share the trials of being a writer. Mr Putter and Tabby are the perfect ones to show us. I had some of the most beautiful lists of 'good things' from my kids and their families after using this as a mentor text. It's a great celebration of our blessings!

[Teresa Traver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone mentioned this book to me in a conversation about procrastination. I've only read a couple of Cynthia Rylant's picture books, but I enjoyed them, so I decided to give this early reader a chance. So glad I did!

As a writer, I can confirm that MR. PUTTER & TABBY WRITE THE BOOK absolutely *nails* some aspects of a writer's life. It is an adorable story even from an adult perspective. A lot of credit goes to artist Arthur Howard, whose colorful and expressive illustrations contribute a LOT to the appeal of this series.

But the person who benefited most from this purchase is my youngest child (going into 1st grade). He loved this book and asked for more in the series, so we're now building a collection of Mr. Putter & Tabby books. He's a beginning reader and these books are just right for him to practice his reading.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

With it being winter and Mr Putter and Tabby not able to go out; they like to sit by the fire and stay warm and comfortable. So Mr Putter wants to write a story. He wants to write a mystery. So he starts but hen starts doing all other sorts of things and in the end writes another type of book and shares it with his best friend and neighbor and awaits another snow day so he and Tabby can write again.

You wouldn't think that an elderly man and woman who are best friends and a cat and a dog who are best friends would be good subjects for children books; but this series have been a favorite of my adult special needs son, and (when she lived with us) my toddler granddaughter and I. They always brought smiles to us and often giggles too.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never even heard of Mr. Putter and Tabby, but now I want to read more. I seriously loved this book so much; I want to own a copy (and I'm notoriously snobby about books I want to own, because if I won't read them about a million times, I don't want to have to dust them--that's what awesome public libraries are for). So many lovely, and poignant moments, and the whole book Mr. Putter is writing coming about almost by accident is just movingly applicable. <3 Love, love, love.

"Mrs. Teaberry told him not to worry. She said the world is full of mystery writers. But writers of good things are few and far between."

[Ellie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute early reader chapter book. Mr. Putter is getting stir-crazy being stuck inside during a snow storm. He decides to spend the time writing a mystery novel like he read when he was younger. With the help of his cat Tabby, Mr. Putter sits down to write. However, he gets distracted by different snacks, naps, and other interruptions.

I really like this book. It is probably a bit young for my licensure area of 4-9, but might be good for struggling readers in 4th grade. It was a sweet story and is a great book for kids transitioning to chapter books.