About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling frustrated by a project gone wrong or needs a gentle reminder that even 'old' people can be playful and messy. It is a wonderful choice for modeling how to handle life's small, unexpected disruptions with humor rather than anger. The story follows Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, as they attempt to paint their porch a lovely shade of pink. When a local squirrel interferes, leading to a chaotic chase and a lot of spilled paint, the duo must decide how to react to the mess. It is a cozy, comforting read that emphasizes companionship, patience, and the joy of finding the silver lining in a colorful disaster. Perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who enjoy animal antics and stories about intergenerational friendship.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
A moment of potential anxiety regarding an adult's reaction to a mistake/mess.
Ideal Reader
A first or second grader who is starting to read independently and appreciates gentle humor. It's also perfect for a child who spends a lot of time with a grandparent and enjoys seeing those relationships mirrored in literature.
Parent Prep
Be prepared to reassure anxious readers that Mr. Putter remains kind and forgiving even when a mess is made. The illustrations of the 'pink' mess are the highlight, so be sure to pause and look at the details of the tracks. A child might feel anxious when the paint starts spilling, worrying that Mr. Putter will be angry at Tabby. This is a great moment to show that adults can be forgiving.
Age Experience
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the slapstick humor of the cat chasing the squirrel. Older children (7-8) will appreciate the nuances of Mr. Putter's personality and the cozy, 'odd couple' dynamic he shares with his cat.
What Makes It Special
Cynthia Rylant excels at depicting the 'quiet' lives of older adults with dignity and whimsy. Unlike many books where the adult is a foil for a child's mess, here the adult is the protagonist who learns to love the mess himself.
Read plot summary
Mr. Putter, an elderly man, decides to paint his porch 'pink as a seashell' with the help of his cat, Tabby. The calm afternoon is interrupted when a squirrel arrives, triggering Tabby's hunting instincts. The resulting chase leads to pink paw prints, pink squirrel tracks, and a general mess. Rather than being upset, Mr. Putter embraces the chaos, and the two enjoy their newly 'decorated' porch together.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mr. Putter thought everything was 'perfect' at the start. How did his idea of perfect change by the end of the story?
2
When the squirrel ran onto the porch, Tabby couldn't help herself. Have you ever felt an impulse to do something even when you were supposed to be staying still?
3
How do you think Mr. Putter felt when he saw pink paw prints everywhere? How would you have reacted?
4
Why do you think Mr. Putter and Tabby are such good friends?
