Mr. Putter & Tabby Take the Train
By Jennifer Gennari,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A well-written chapter book filled with humor.
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What's the Story?
What could be nicer than a train ride with a friend, two beloved pets, and banana crunchies to eat? But Zeke and Tabby aren't allowed on the train, so Mr. Putter comes up with a mischievous plan. In three easy chapters, Rylant packs a lot of humor, good feeling, and friendship.
Is It Any Good?
In MR. PUTTER & TABBY TAKE THE TRAIN, Cynthia Rylant makes every verb jump and build the drama of the story. When Mrs. Teaberry insists -- one more time -- that pets are allowed on trains, kids just know that trouble is coming.
Mr. Putter has lots of interests, and, despite his age, he knows how to be mischievous and childlike. Kids can relate. They'll love seeing him in his bird costume and crushing grapes with his neighbor. Arthur Howard's warmly drawn illustrations add comic touches.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why pets weren't allowed on the train. The grown-ups enjoy their outing -- but should they have broken the rule against pets? Do you think they would have been able to enjoy their outing without their pets?
Book Details
- Author: Cynthia Rylant
- Illustrator: Arthur Howard
- Genre: For Beginning Readers
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harcourt Brace
- Publication date: January 1, 1998
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 44
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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