Mr. Putter is convinced to run in a senior marathon with his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, when he learns that second prize is a train set.

Mrs.Teaberry asked Mr.Putter to run in a marathon with her. He is hesitant because he thinks they are too old, but the marathon is for only old people! Mr.Putter caves when he learns that the second place prize is a train set, which he wants desperately. Once Mr.Putter found his shoes, he tried to reach his toes, but could only reach his knees. When it came time to run the race, Mrs.Teaberry and her dog Zeke met up with Mr.Putter and his cat Tabby. When they arrived at the race, Mr.Putter became worried by the sight of many old people touching their toes. The race began and Mr.Putter fell behind. Somehow Zeke managed to make it into the race with his trusty jump rope, and pulled Mr.Putter all the way to the end of the race. HE WON! First place won a set a golf clubs, but Mrs.Teaberry came in second and won the train set Mr.Putter wanted. They swapped prizes, and everyone went home happy.

1) The award the book received:
- 2008 National Industry Liaison Award, Premier Selection

2) An original description of the award:
- The Award was created in 2008 in an effort to celebrate and memorialize the passion and spirit of Lois Baumerich, a former NILG Board member and ILG Chair. As an ILG member, Lois exhibited untiring commitment to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and diversity. Lois died of a heart attack on July 18, 2007, following a steam pipe explosion in Manhattan near Grand Central Station. This award is presented in commemoration of Lois’s passion for her work, and the imprint she has left on ILGs.

3) The book citation (APA format):
Rylant, C., & Howard, A. (2008). Mr. Putter & Tabby run the race. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ( )

Not sure why Rylant made this be a marathon. Otherwise, fun story, as usual. I do love how Mr. Putter is supportive of his friend's efforts to stay adventurous, even though he (like me) is usually content to live quietly, eat muffins, and enjoy memories. Mrs. Teaberry is a force of nature, though. I wish she were my neighbor! ( )

This is one book out of a series about Mr. Putter and Tabby. There is something endearing about a old man and his cat that kids might find appealing.

"Gently humorous and with underlying messages of friendship and sharing, this is a good addition to the series. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are expressive and enliven the test."
School Library Journal, February 2008, page 96.