Mr. Putter & Tabby: Make a Wish

Mr. Putter is enjoying a perfectly ordinary morning with his beloved cat, Tabby, sharing jam and reading the newspaper. But his peaceful routine is interrupted when he suddenly remembers an important detail: it’s his birthday! Reflecting on birthdays from his childhood — filled with new scooters, model planes, and exciting celebrations — Mr. Putter can’t help but feel a little uncertain about getting older. After all, he’s now “too old” to blow out birthday candles without a fire hose! 

Unsure of how to celebrate, Mr. Putter invites his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, and her dog, Zeke, over for a birthday visit. Although Mrs. Teaberry happily accepts, a series of phone calls and unexpected delays leave Mr. Putter wondering if he’ll ever get the celebration he’s hoping for.  

Readers will be drawn into the story by Mr. Putter’s subtle humor. When he reads the date on the newspaper, he immediately looks to his cat and exclaims, “Good heavens, Tabby! It’s my birthday!” His humorous reactions to growing older will amuse young readers and leave them eager to spend more time with him.  

Mr. Putter becomes disappointed when Mrs. Teaberry repeatedly calls to explain why she is running late. However, his mood quickly changes when she shows up at his door carrying a gigantic cake and a birthday present. Explaining her delay, Mrs. Teaberry says, “I had to make you wait so I could bake a cake.” Her thoughtfulness teaches readers that making others feel special often requires effort and care. Additionally, Mrs. Teaberry’s kindness towards Mr. Putter will inspire young readers to take the time to celebrate the milestones in their friends’ lives.  

Make a Wish is split into three short chapters, and each page has six or fewer short sentences. Additionally, colorful illustrations of the characters take up most of each page. The book uses basic vocabulary and familiar words with a simple plot. The bright artwork focuses on the characters’ facial expressions, giving readers insight into Mr. Putter’s emotions. Readers will enjoy seeing Mr. Putter and Tabby riding on a scooter as Mr. Putter worries about his age. The accessible text and engaging illustrations make this book an excellent choice for young readers who are beginning to transition from picture books to chapter books.  

Filled with humor and heartwarming moments, Make a Wish is a delightful book. Young readers will enjoy following Mr. Putter’s birthday adventure while learning the importance of friendship and celebrating the people we care about. This charming book is a wonderful choice for fans of the Mr. Putter & Tabby Series and readers beginning their journey in chapter books. Children who are getting ready for a birthday—either their own or someone else’s—should also read Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat, The Perfect Birthday Recipe, and Ice-Cold Birthday. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language    

• None 

Supernatural  

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Madeline Hettrick