  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 10/01/1995 Gr 1-3-In this fourth book about the two seniors who are special friends, Mr. Putter dreams about the many ways he will use his ripe tomatoes, apples-and especially pears. But when he tries to climb the ladder to pick the green edibles, his cranky legs force him to stay on the ground. Remembering his younger days, he makes himself a slingshot and uses fallen apples as ammunition. Unfortunately, he is unable to hit his targets. But what fun to sling those apples and watch them go ``...over the tree, over the chimney, over the house.'' The next day, he and his old cat Tabby feel sorry for themselves until their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, arrives with her dog and a feast of apple turnovers, pies, jelly, and cider. Mr. Putter then decides what to do about the pears-just wait for them to fall. Rylant's originality continues in this autumnal adventure. She uses repetition to reinforce vocabulary development and word recognition; however, she also uses both simple and compound sentences, dialogue, and expressive language so that the story is neither stilted nor boring. Howard's watercolor illustrations fit the text perfectly, providing humor and warmth.-Mary Ann Bursk, Bucks County Free Library, Levittown, PA - Copyright 1995 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 01/01/1996 His cranky legs, cranky knees, cranky feet prevent Mr. Putter from picking the pears from his tree. Improvising a slingshot from the elastic of underwear, he sets out to knock the pears off his tree by shooting fallen apples at them. His aim is way off, but all ends happily as a neighbor discovers the apples in her yard and brings cider, pies, and jellies to Mr. Putter. The autumnal theme, a deft mix of slapstick and understatement, and a taut but colorful story will attract and satisfy beginning readers. Howard's ink-and-watercolor illustrations, reminiscent of James Stevenson's work, add character and sly humor to this latest Mr. Putter and Tabby adventure. (Reviewed January 1 & 15, 1996) - Copyright 1996 Booklist. Loading...
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