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Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train book cover

Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train

by Cynthia Rylant

Harcourt Brace 2000

★★★★★

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
0.5
AR Points
7m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • pets and pet care
  • problem-solving
  • kindness
  • adventure in everyday life
  • rules and responsibility

About this book

Mr. Putter wants to take a special train trip, but he can’t imagine going without his beloved cat, Tabby. With their good friend Mrs. Teaberry and her spirited dog Zeke, a simple outing becomes a gentle, humorous adventure. Short chapters, warm illustrations, and familiar situations make this an inviting read for new readers. Kids enjoy the cozy friendship, pet shenanigans, and the sweet, everyday problem-solving.

Setting: a modern-day town and a passenger train

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train right for my child?

Yes — Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, pets and pet care, problem-solving.

How long does it take to read Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train have an AR quiz?

Yes — Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train?

Mr. Putter & Tabby take the train has an AR reading level of 3, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.