From the Publisher
"The artwork, done in pencil, watercolor, and gouache, is expressive and quite hilarious as Zeke wreaks havoc in the infield and makes an assist in the outfield. . . a good choice for advancing readers."
—School Library Journal
"A home run."
—Kirkus
Children's Literature - Vicki Foote
A cute, gray-haired fellow named Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby love to nap, but one day Mr. Putter decides that they need to start playing baseball, and Tabby thinks anything he wants to do is fine. Mr. Putter gets on a team called the Yankee Doodle Dandies. They go to the game with their friends, Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. As the game starts, Tabby and Zeke are told to stay on the bench, but when a ball is hit into the outfield, Zeke runs out and picks up the ball. In the next play, Zeke does it again, and the other team scores. Zeke is again firmly told to stay on the bench. The score is tied, and then a ball is hit and comes toward Mr. Putter. He tries to get the ball, but cannot bend his knees to pick it up. Zeke picks it up and puts it into Mr. Putter's mitt. He throws the ball to home, and the game ends in a tie. Zeke gets carried on the team's shoulders, and Tabby get a ride in the peanuts box. This is a delightful story with hilarious illustrations. It is one of a large number of books in the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series. Children who are beginning to read chapter books could read it independently. It would also be fun to read aloud to preschoolers. Reviewer: Vicki Foote
Kirkus Reviews
Batter up, Mr. Putter and Tabby! With over 20 titles in this venerable series, Rylant and Howard are still able to find ideas that bring not only a chuckle, but a side of confidence to new readers. This time, Mr. Putter realizes that he and Tabby have been napping too much. Though Tabby's frisky days are over, Mr. Putter still has some energy. Is Mr. Putter too old to play baseball? Heck, no. He finds his mitt, calls up his buddy Mrs. Teaberry and joins a coed team of senior citizens called the Yankee Doodle Dandies. It's clear from the illustrations that Mr. Putter is not too old for this team! Though he is clad in his trademark blue plaid shirt and straw hat, the others are in their uniforms, plump and unathletic, with oversized ears and beer bellies. Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke, insists on fielding the ball…and holding it, which allows the opposing team an advantage. From Tabby's suspicious looks to chubby Zeke diving for the ball to the baseball field filled with elderly, enthusiastic athletes, Howard and Rylant allow young readers to enjoy the game--they'll wish they had grandfathers just like Mr. Putter. A home run. (Early reader. 4-8)
