Mr. Putter & Tabby Run the Race

Mrs. Teaberry has persuaded Mr. Putter to sign up for the seniors' marathon. First prize is golf clubs, but second prize is . . . a train set! Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Never mind that he can't even touch his toes. Somehow, he has got to find a way to place second. . . .
 
 

"One April, Mrs. Teaberry talks her friend into taking part in a marathon for seniors. Mr. Putter says he has "not run anywhere in thirty years" and has forgotten how but he decides to give it a shot since one of the prizes is a train set. He trains a little and has tea with Tabby a lot. On race day he is intimidated by how fit the other racers are and he soon falls to the back of the pack. Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke, watch from the top of a car. Unable to stay still, Zeke jumps down and joins the runners, creating chaos and some unexpected results as well. 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 text."--School Library Journal