Illustrated by Arthur Howard. Harcourt Children's Books, San Diego, 1994.
Hardcover edition, 44 pages, ISBN 978-0152562557.
Stories for small children about elderly people other than their grandparents are somewhat lacking in number, but are essential in forming an understanding of social relationships. Rylant's wry observations about old age bring a gentle humor and poignant quality to this first in a series story about the meeting of new friends, countering prevailing cultural preferences for youth and beauty, and celebrating the value of true friendship.
Mr. Putter is lonely. He has much to offer, but no one to share it with. He wants a cat. Not a kitten, but a cat. " 'No one wants cats, sir,' said the pet store lady. 'They are not cute. They are not peppy.' Mr. Putter himself had not been cute and peppy for a very long time." He meets an old yellow cat at the animal shelter. "Its bones creaked, its fur was thinning, and it seemed a little deaf. Mr Putter creaked, his hair was thinning, and he was a little deaf, too.... And that is how their life began." Mr. Putter and Tabby become inseparable friends, sharing all the best things in life together and enjoying "the most perfect company of all--each other."
The book is a transitional reader divided into three short chapters with lots of white space around Howard's relaxed, slightly rumpled drawings highlighted with watercolor. Although the reading level is clearly for primary grades, the story can be shared with preschoolers in a smaller group. On an individual level, it makes for excellent discussion about older people and the roles which they play in our lives.
Good for practicing narrative skills.
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