<strong>Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Rylant</strong>

The Mr. Putter and Tabby series is probably one of the most popular, well done and just plain nice series for this age group (4 - 8) around today. Cynthia Rylant the author, stays right on target with Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold. You simply get a warm and cozy feeling reading these books to kids and they do so much good. Now keep in mind that I am approaching the age of Mr. Putter and can perfectly relate to him. I have also found that there seems to be an understanding gap prevalent in young children as to just what getting old means and what it is like. The gentle way in which these books portray older people goes along way in bridging this gap.

In this particular story, Mr. Putter goes out without his hat into the snow to fetch the paper and catches a cold. Now I know, as does most of the known universe, that you do not catch a cold simply by going outside in the snow. The reader must remember that this is a short children's book and is hardly the forum to discuss the amazing biological phenomena of disease dissemination discussing vectors, public health issues, cell reproduction, etc. Hey, this is a kid's story and the author has used this as a vehicle to tell her story. Anyway, Mr. Putter catches a cold and despite the best efforts of Tabby, Mr. Putter makes the observation that "it's not good to be old with a cold."

But help is on the way via his good friend and neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her wonderful dog Zeke, who in the end make Mr. Putter feel as cozy and as spoiled as he was as a young boy and had a cold. Chicken soup, peppermint tea with honey sticks, a good adventure book and a warm dog to snuggle with...what more could you want?

This text is quite good and easily read. This is a chapter book and is excellent to use as a transition book for the little ones. The Illustrations by Arthur Howard, done in pencil sketch and water color, are mellow, colorful and simply fun to look at. They are extremely well executed.

This is an excellent work for grandparents and parents to discuss "getting old" with the young ones and to let them know that old people are actually no different than they are...they just move a bit slower...sometimes.

I like this series and this is a very nice addition. It is a nice cozy read, well written and well illustrated.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks