Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jean Little
Illustrated by Arthur Howard
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Mr. Putter is about to prove that you don't have to be super young or super fast to win a race. When he signs up for the seniors' marathon, he has his eyes set on the second prize—a cool train set! Can he overcome his little challenges and cross the finish line just right? It turns out, winning isn't just about speed.
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader features Mr. Putter, an older gentleman who enters a seniors' marathon aiming for a special second-place prize. The story is gentle and encouraging, perfect for children ages 5-8 who are building reading confidence. It highlights themes of perseverance, aging with humor, and setting personal goals without any intense content.
Why we rated Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby) 6C
Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby) is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 44 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby) works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby) as 6C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race (Mr. Putter & Tabby) explores friendship, family, humor, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Mr. Putter And Tabby Write the Book (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr. Putter And Tabby Write the Book (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog (Mr. Putter & Tabby)
Jean Little
Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball
Cynthia Rylant
Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball
Cynthia Rylant
Mr. Putter & Tabby spin the yarn
Jean Little
Mr. Putter & Tabby spin the yarn
Jean Little
Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch
Jean Little
Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch
Jean Little
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780152060695
- Pages
- 44
- Publisher
- Harcourt Children's Books
- Published
- March 1, 2008
- Type
- Fiction