Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 1^-3, younger for reading aloud. Rylant's Mr. Putter series about a likable elderly gent and his tabby cat is great for beginning readers looking for easy chapter books. In this adventure, Mrs. Teaberry, Mr. Putter's neighbor, decides that since she and Mr. Putter share a love of music, they should join a band. When Mr. Putter confesses he can't play an instrument, the feisty Mrs. Teaberry replies, "Old people can do anything they want." Rylant portrays the seniors' lively antics with loads of humor but never makes fun of her characters. The text strikes a good balance, too: it's challenging enough for confident readers, but the vocabulary is fairly easy and there is some word repetition. Adding to the book's appeal are Howard's funny, colorful mixed-media illustrations. --Lauren Peterson
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2When Mr. Putter and his next-door neighbor Mrs. Teaberry decide to join a band, they soon learn that sometimes the best harmonies are found through friendship. Unsuccessful at finding the type of music that would appeal to them and their pets, Mrs. T suggests that they form their own band. Mr. Putter attempts to learn to toot a horn but ends up using it to hold up a tomato plant instead. His friend is more talented, and she is soon able to pluck away at a mandolin. The pair realize that while the dream of a band is lost, they can enjoy Mrs. Teaberry's music together. Beginning readers will enjoy the short chapters that introduce a variety of musical terms including brass, jazz, opera, and Irish jig. The pencil-and-watercolor drawings are well suited to the story and are filled with subtle humor. The pastel hues that dominate the artwork reflect the story's smooth tone and summery setting. Once again, this duet has hit all the right notes.Maura Bresnahan, Topsfield Town Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
When Mr. Putter's neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, suggests they join a band because of a shared love of music, Mr. P. reluctantly agrees (he can't play an instrument). They listen to different kinds of bands and finally decide to form their own group, but Mr. P.'s terrible tooting throws a sour note into the plans. Not quite as satisfying as other Mr. Putter books, the short chapters are enlivened by expressive watercolors. From HORN BOOK Fall 1998, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
