From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Mr. Putter is determined to bake a cake for his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, for Christmas. He wants it to be completely unlike the fruitcakes she usually eats during the holidays-"Something light. Something airy. Something that would not break a person's toe." Readers will discover that this is no easy undertaking since he has no pans, has never baked from scratch, and has no cookbook. This low-key holiday story focuses on the loving care that many gifts lack. Young cooks will empathize with Mr. Putter's failures and be encouraged by his persistence and eventual success. The tale's combination of concern and humor is further enhanced by the appealing pencil, watercolor, and gouache cartoons. Though this title is not as enchanting as the first two "Mr. Putter and Tabby" adventures (both Harcourt, 1994), it belongs in most beginning-to-read collections.Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, IDCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. Mr. Putter and Tabby continue to enjoy their twilight years together in a read-alone that combines simple, lyrical writing and gentle humor. This time out, it's the holiday season. Concerned that his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, devours so much heavy fruitcake, Mr. Putter decides to bake her "a light and airy" cake. After several mishaps, with Tabby at his side he finally delivers a beautiful cake on Christmas morning--then promptly falls asleep in Mrs. Teaberry's chair. Howard's relaxed, mixed-media pictures catch the nuances of the cozy, affectionate relationship between an old man and a cat with all the right moves. Julie Corsaro


Book Description
Mr. Putter and his beloved cat bake a light and airy Christmas cake for their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry. “Howard’s relaxed, mixed-media pictures catch the nuances of the cozy, affectionate relationship between an old man and a cat with all the right moves.”--Booklist



Card catalog description
With his fine cat Tabby at his side, Mr. Putter bakes a Christmas cake for his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry.

ANNOTATION

With his fine cat Tabby at his side, Mr. Putter bakes a Christmas cake for his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Written by established authors, this book follows the prescribed formula for all beginning readers: they have large print, simple words, plenty of space between lines, and just enough pictures to keep the reader from feeling overwhelmed by the text.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Mr. Putter decides that his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry deserves the lightest most delightful cake she will ever eat as a Christmas present. Not knowing how to bake a cake and not having the equipment or ingredients do not prove to be a deterrent. Mr. Putter succeeds and Mrs. Teaberry is delighted. The illustrations are as humorous as the story. 1997 (orig.

Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen