MR. PUTTER AND TABBY POUR THE TEA

Elderly Mr. Putter needs company and soon finds the perfect friend; bypassing cute, peppy kittens, he chooses an old yellow cat who understands what it's like to have thinning hair, creaking bones, and less-than-perfect hearing. Always an excellent performer, John McDonough perfectly delivers this small tale (alas, only 15 minutes). His mellow, dignified voice is full of feeling for the two friends, and its deep tones cast a golden spell over their friendship. In a youth-centered culture, it's refreshing to hear someone celebrate the virtues of the elderly. ("She was old," Rylant says of Tabby, "and beautiful things meant more to her.") John McDonough's gentle reading lets this valuable message sink in. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]