Mr. Putter & Tabby Clear the Decks
By Cynthia Rylant
The Story
An old man and his fine cat are so hot and bored they'll try anything — so when their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry suggests a sightseeing boat cruise, they climb aboard, only to run into trouble with her mischievous dog Zeke.
Why It's Special
For families who know the particular restlessness of a long hot summer day, this is the gentle chaos of finding something — anything — to do about it.
- Big idea: Ordinary days need adventure too, and good neighbors make the best partners in mischief.
- Vibes: Warm, unhurried, quietly funny — summer boredom turned into a small caper.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy cozy stories about everyday friends
- like to laugh at animal mischief
- are working on sitting through a longer chapter-style story
- respond well to gentle humor over big action
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think went wrong with Zeke on the boat ride home?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr. Putter felt once he was finally out on the water?
- Real-life connection: What do you and your family do when a summer day feels too hot and boring?
- Imagination: If you could go on a sightseeing cruise, what would you most want to see?
