School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-2-Told in four chapters, this gentle tale exudes warmth and understated humor. Mr. Putter embarks on a spring porch-painting project, only to be foiled when Tabby chases an inquisitive squirrel and Mrs. Teaberry's dog pursues a chipmunk, resulting in pink and blue footprints all over. Later, they all have a good laugh when a pink squirrel and a blue chipmunk run by. The text and illustrations convey the affectionate relationship between Mr. Putter, his cat, and their neighbors. The clearly rendered illustrations primarily done in greens, pinks, and yellows and outlined in pencil make this easy-reader a perfect choice for any weather.-Diane Janoff, Queens Borough Public Library, CLASP Office, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Mr. Putter's attempts to paint his porch are initially thwarted by his paint-tracking cat Tabby, a squirrel, a dog, and a chipmunk. The book's visual punch line is corny: from his newly painted porch, Mr. Putter and his neighbor laugh hysterically at the sight of the paint-spattered squirrel and chipmunk, but this lighthearted tale, enhanced by loose sketch and watercolor illustrations, may amuse younger readers. From HORN BOOK Fall 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Rylant's (Bear Day, 1999, etc.) good-timing Mr. Putter and Tabby return with more of their gentle antics for young readers. This particular caper finds Mr. Putter and his old cat setting out to paint their porch. Mr. Putter rustles up some pink paint from the basement and starts to lay brush to wood when a squirrel invades the workspace, setting Tabby off like a rocket. Round and round the porch they scamper and the resulting paint job cannot be said to be exquisite. Next day Mr. Putter's neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke come to help cover the pink with blue, when a chipmunk detonates Zeke's composure, with a resulting blue disaster. Finally a coat of yellow gets laid down and dried before further mishap. Another fully cheering and self-contained story from Rylant, couched in language that is just enough of a challenge for early readers and with a story that has momentum to carry them on. And Howard's (100th Day Worries, 1999, etc.) affable illustrations continue to smoothly convey the story to the reader's eye, adding his own comic touches. (Easy reader. 6-9)
Booklist Review
Gr. 2^-3. "Spring has sprung," and Mr. Putter decides it's time to paint the porch. His cat, Tabby, is delighted: "She loved Mr. Putter's plans. Especially when they included her." What the plans didn't include was a pesky squirrel skittering through the paint, or Tabby's inability to resist a good chase. What the plans didn't include was a pesky chipmunk tiptoeing on the porch, and Mrs. Teaberry's dog Harold in hot pursuit. No matter. Everything turns out well all the same--after Mr. Putter banishes the animals to Mrs. Teaberry's house and covers the paw-printed damage in a beautiful, sunny shade of yellow. There's a funny, expressive picture (by Arthur Howard) on every page, just right for the text, which is equally well done. And besides being wonderful fun, this is a great way to introduce new readers to the chapter-book format. --Stephanie Zvirin
