Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans, With Help From Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke

I am 28 years old. But I am not ashamed to admit that one of my most-anticipated new book releases of 2009 was Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans, the 18th installment in the beginning reader series written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard. Rylant is a giant in the field of children's literature, having published dozens of books aimed at children spanning the age spectrum but focusing especially on the early elementary school set. Her other series for this age group include Henry and Mudge, about a boy and his gregarious dog, and Poppleton, about a mild-mannered, middle-aged pig. I've read many of her books and loved most of them, but it's the Mr. Putter and Tabby series, featuring a pudgy elderly bachelor and his creaky cat, along with his zesty neighbor and her cheerful bulldog Zeke, that really captures my fancy.

All but a couple of the volumes in the series have involved the quartet rather than just the duo of the old man and his cat, who are lovable enough on their own. But bringing Mrs. Teaberry into the equation adds excitement, conversation and just the slightest hint of romance, so I was pleased to find her an integral part of Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans. As in several other installments, she has an idea for something "new and fun" to do, and she takes a rather reluctant Mr. Putter along for the ride. In past books, her ideas have included learning a musical instrument, entering a race for seniors and taking a train trip through the countryside. Some of these ventures have been more successful than others. Mr. Putter, who isn't inclined to be adventurous, knows that mishaps may occur, especially with Tabby and Zeke in tow, but he doesn't want to dampen her enthusiasm.

In this case, her proposition seems less intimidating than dull. She wants them to take a class on how to cook beans. One hundred different ways to do it. The reminded me of the classic Animaniacs episode in which a pair of overbearing survey ladies makes a series of bean-related queries, as well as a song on Pardners, a collection of Disney cowboy songs, indicating that beans are the sole sustenance of many folks who ride the open range. I'm not a particular fan of beans, and it seems Mr. Putter isn't either - unless perhaps it's vanilla beans, as he has a sweet tooth that can sometimes only be satisfied by ice cream.

Like the other books in this series, this one is separated into short chapters. While most have four or five, this latest installment has seven, so most of the sections are even shorter than usual. Neighbors introduces the main characters for those who may be reading about them for the first time. New and Fun and One Hundred Ways focus on Mr. Putter's misgivings before the class, while Beans, Granola and Wide Awake detail the events of the class itself. Finally, the story wraps up with Sodas. Rylant is especially good at using repetition to her advantage, and certain words and phrases recur throughout the book, particularly "new," "fun," "beans" and "one hundred ways". And, as before, Tabby is "fine" and Zeke is "good," even though both seem to have a knack for getting into mischief.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Spill the Beans isn't the most laugh-aloud funny installment in the series, but there are some very amusing moments, including the spillage hinted at in the title. My favorite bits, though, involve Mr. Putter reminiscing over past outings with Mrs. Teaberry. His recollections of past escapades demonstrate the depth of his affection for her. For instance, on one page, "Mr. Putter thought about the many times he had trusted Mrs. Teaberry." In the accompanying illustration, both of them look quite alarmed as they zoom along on a roller coaster. In Rylant's world, it seems pets are welcome just about everywhere, so we also see Tabby's tail sticking out as she cowers on the floor, while Zeke alone is unperturbed enough to gaze ahead with a big doggy smile on his face. I also love his reflection a few pages later on some of his less traumatic experiences, particularly "When they had gone to the hair show, he'd won a case of shampoo that made a very good doorstop." Of course, since Mr. Putter is bald but for a couple of tufts of gray hair, shampoo wouldn't do him much good in its intended use!

As always, Howard's excellent illustrations, which so effectively convey the emotions of the characters, are as important to the book as Rylant's words. Together, they create yet another story sure to leave fans smiling, whether they're 8, 28 or 88.