[.ca] Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold (ISBN 0152047603)

No Surprise!:
I have all the titles in the series, and of course, I love this one. My children snuggle up and we have read this one over and over. A must have for Mr. Putter and Tabby fans. Everyone will love the warmth and consideration from Mr. Putters neighbor and her dog, zeke. We should all care so much.

Comforting and Cosy:
One day Mr. Putter forgets to put his hat on when he goes out to fetch the newspaper, as he is in such a hurry to read the comics. Soon he has a cold, and his faithful cat Tabby can only comfort him so much. Fortunately, his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, sends over soup and tea in thermoses brought by her dog Zeke. One thing is still missing... an adventure book, which Zeke will only bring if he can stay and read it with them. What begins as a miserable day becomes "the best cold Mr. Putter ever caught," thanks to the generosity of all his friends. This beginning reader for first and second graders allows its audience to identify with a character who is old enough to be their grandfather, and amuses them with his animal companions. The illustrations by Arthur Howard are, as usual, bold, expressive, and colorful.

Best of the Series (So Far):
I've read the Mr. Putter & Tabby books with both of my children. It's a wonderful series for the beginning reader. This title is my favorite of the entire series. Mr. Putter has a cold and remembers what made him feel better when he was a boy. Chicken soup, some hot tea and an adventure book loaned by Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke make this cold worth having. It perfectly captures just how much fun a sick day can be.

A great series built on loveable characters:
My daughter who is now 8 and I have been reading the Mr Putter and Tabby stories from the very beginning when Mr Putter and Tabby poured the tea. In fact, she has learned to read thanks to this kind hearted old man and his "fine cat." This latest addition as the two of them deal with a common cold is uncommonly good. Cynthia Rylant has managed to convey the lives of two elderly people - Mr Putter and his neighbor, Mrs Teaberry - with dignity, humor and a sense of adventure in everyday living. My daughter loves this story and all the others because of the humorous situations and the likeability of the characters. I love them because as I approach my "Mr Putter years" -- I'm 56 -- I see him as a delightful example of what being an "old man" can be. Likewise I see my daughter learning compassion, acceptance and respect for older people so often missing in children's stories. I urge any parent -- and especially grandparents -- to add this book and any of the other Mr Putter and Tabby books to their children's (and grandchildren's)reading repetoire.