School Library Journal
Gr 1-3- One April, Mrs. Teaberry talks her friend into taking part in a marathon for seniors. Mr. Putter says he has "not run anywhere in thirty years" and has forgotten how but he decides to give it a shot since one of the prizes is a train set. He trains a little and has tea with Tabby a lot. On race day he is intimidated by how fit the other racers are and he soon falls to the back of the pack. Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke, watch from the top of a car. Unable to stay still, Zeke jumps down and joins the runners, creating chaos and some unexpected results as well. Gently humorous and with underlying messages of friendship and sharing, this is a good addition to the series. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are expressive and enliven the text.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
"One April, Mrs. Teaberry talks her friend into taking part in a marathon for seniors. Mr. Putter says he has "not run anywhere in thirty years" and has forgotten how but he decides to give it a shot since one of the prizes is a train set. He trains a little and has tea with Tabby a lot. On race day he is intimidated by how fit the other racers are and he soon falls to the back of the pack. Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke, watch from the top of a car. Unable to stay still, Zeke jumps down and joins the runners, creating chaos and some unexpected results as well. Gently humorous and with underlying messages of friendship and sharing, this is a good addition to the series. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are expressive and enliven the text."—School Library Journal —
JANUARY 2009 - AudioFile
Listeners can almost hear John McDonough settling in for a relaxed read, and who better to narrate Mr. Putter's story than McDonough, with his warm, grandfatherly tones? He even makes the chapter titles sound exciting, so imagine how he builds the dramatic tension over Mr. Putter's come-from-behind running of a seniors-only race. Rylant has such a nicely developed cast of characters, and McDonough brings their endearing personalities to life—from the persistent Mrs. Teaberry (who else could get Mr. Putter to run a race when touching his toes is quite a challenge?) to the helpful pets Tabby and Zeke. Listeners of all ages will enjoy the warmth and humor McDonough brings to Rylant's pleasing story. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
