Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans
By Cynthia Rylant
The Story
An older man would rather sip an ice cream soda, but his persistent neighbor talks him into a cooking class about one hundred ways to cook beans — and their pets turn it upside down.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves gentle grown-up friendships and a little kitchen mischief, this is a cozy story about doing something you didn't think you'd enjoy.
- Big idea: Good friends can talk you into things you didn't know you'd love — and life's more fun when you say yes.
- Vibes: Warm, unhurried, quietly funny, full of neighborly charm.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy easygoing stories about friendship and daily life
- like animal sidekicks who cause a bit of trouble
- are working on trying new things, even when unsure at first
- respond well to calm, familiar characters and gentle humor
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Mr. Putter didn't want to go to the cooking class at first?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr. Putter felt when Mrs. Teaberry talked him into going anyway?
- Real-life connection: Has a friend ever talked you into doing something you ended up enjoying?
- Imagination: What do you think happened when Zeke bit into something surprising and the beans went flying?
- Story & problem-solving: What are some silly ways you can imagine cooking beans?
