A Sweaty Nightmare Turns Into a Dream for Mr. Putter and Tabby

After several months of winter weather, I think I am ready for some green grass, brightly-colored flowers, clear skies and sun. I am ready to ditch the heavy coat in favor of t-shirts and start eating dinner at the picnic table on the back porch. But I am not ready to melt into a pathetic puddle every time the mercury peeks above the 80-degree mark. I wilt on hot summer days, so I sympathize entirely with the striped cat and pudgy man who lie around miserably mopping themselves in Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat.

This book, which is part of a series for young readers by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard, consists of four short sections: Sweaty, The Big Pond, Tall Tales and Much Better. Though I feel sorry for Mr. Putter and Tabby as the story opens on their sweltering suffocation, it's pretty funny to see them trying all sorts of different positions, looking equally lethargic no matter where they go.

Tabby looks especially pitiable, her legs and tail flopping around limply, her eyes half-open and dull, her mouth shaped into a small frown. This is not pleasant weather for a cat. Mr. Putter, I think it's time you invested in an air conditioner! Even a retreat to the basement fails to cool the tattered twosome off, though it does have the advantage of giving us a peek at some of Mr. Putter's antiquated possessions, including a phonograph and a typewriter.

Happily, an idea arises to reduce the discomfort not only of these two but also of their neighbors, the perky Mrs. Teaberry and her agreeable dog Zeke. Mr. Putter proposes a picnic, and soon the four are trudging through the mid-day heat with a picnic basket stuffed with goodies. It's not a pleasant walk, but the destination is worth it: a big pond where they can rent a boat (for two dollars!) and spend a couple of hours merrily rowing, munching a picnic lunch and splashing each other with the cool water.

Mmmm, now that sounds like a nice way to pass an afternoon. A stiflingly hot day turns into a delightful outing augmented by Mrs. Teaberry's lunch and her playful willingness to use her hat as a means for dumping refreshing water over the heads of her friends. Howard's illustrations go from the comically unhappy to the blissfully content, while Rylant maintains a light touch with her breezy storytelling, resulting in a book that's perfect for such sticky summer days.