Tasty Temptations Distract Mr. Putter From Writing the Next Great Novel

It's hard to be a writer, especially when you are easily distracted. I can certainly vouch for that, having spent many an hour staring at a blank computer screen and feeling the urge to check my e-mal every five minutes or see what's on TV or run to the kitchen for a bite to eat. It's this last temptation that proves irresistible to the balding, mustache and glasses-wearing, vest-loving protagonist of Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book, part of the series of easy-to-read books written by Cynthia Rylant, who also authored the Henry and Mudge and Poppleton series, and illustrated by Arthur Howard.

The book, which is divided into the sections An Idea, Chapter One and Good Things, finds Mr. Putter cooped up inside during a blizzard. They enjoy gazing out at all the pretty white fluff and watching the young people have fun in it but don't want to risk injury by going outside themselves. So they stay in, and Mr. Putter comes up with a great idea for a way to pass the time. He will write a mystery novel. He has all the supplies necessary for such an endeavor, including a comfy chair, a cheery fire, a sharp pencil and lots of paper. He's ready. But writing a book is harder than he bargained for...

This is an especially entertaining book for me, since I'm always trying to write something and not always succeeding, especially when it's a large project encompassing dozens or even hundreds of pages. Howard amusingly shows us the thought behind Mr. Putter's writing process as his face displays a variety of confused and frustrated expressions before an accomplishment merits a satisfied grin. After each small victory - such as coming up with a title - Mr. Putter rewards himself with an elaborate snack, and preparing his culinary masterpieces always takes quite a bit longer than whatever writing he was attempting. And then he's so worn out he needs a nap!

In the end, Mr. Putter creates something entirely different than what he initially had intended. It's not as massive an achievement as a mystery novel, but it delights his dear friend and neighbor Mrs. Teaberry, and this appreciative response makes him eager to write again. Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book shows that writing a book is a difficult task and that while it is a goal worth working toward, there's no shame in starting small.