Mr. Putter & Tabby Toot the Horn
By Cynthia Rylant
The Story
An older man and his neighbor decide to join a band together, but finding one that's the right fit turns out to be trickier than they expected — for them and their pets.
Why It's Special
For families who love the quiet comedy of two lifelong friends trying something new together, this one turns a simple idea — joining a band — into a gentle little adventure.
- Big idea: Trying something new with a good friend by your side makes even the bumps along the way part of the fun.
- Vibes: Cozy, dry-witted, unhurried.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy gentle, funny stories about everyday life
- like stories about lifelong friends doing things together
- are working on patience when plans don't go smoothly at first
- respond well to calm, easygoing pacing
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry had trouble finding the right band to join?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think their pets felt about all this band business?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever tried something new with a friend that turned out harder than you thought?
- Imagination: If you and a friend started a band, what instrument would you want to play?
