Mr. Putter & Tabby Pick the Pears
By Cynthia Rylant
The Story
An older man dreams of homemade pear jelly, but his cranky legs won't let him climb the ladder to reach the pears in his backyard tree — so he and his cat put their heads together for a clever fix.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves a good problem to solve, and for grown-ups who want a gentle model of patience when bodies don't cooperate the way we wish they would.
- Big idea: Getting older doesn't mean giving up what you love — it just means finding a new way to get there.
- Vibes: Cozy, unhurried, and quietly cheerful, with the warmth of a slow autumn afternoon.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy gentle, everyday adventures
- like to think through problems alongside a character
- respond well to calm, unhurried pacing
- are working on patience when things don't go as planned
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What made it hard for Mr. Putter to pick the pears himself?
- Imagination: Before you turn the page, what idea would you try to reach the pears?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr. Putter felt when his legs wouldn't let him climb anymore?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever needed help from a friend or pet to finish something tricky?
- Story & problem-solving: How did Tabby help Mr. Putter with his pear-picking plan?
