Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard*

Mr. Putter, an elderly gentleman, is lonely.  He longs to have someone with whom he can share his English muffins, tea and stories.  After much deliberation, he decides to buy a cat (not a kitten, mind you!!  A kitten is  cute and peppy.  "Mr. Putter has not been cute and peppy for a long time" as Ms. Rylant so succinctly shares!!).
Tabby, a cat from the shelter, is a perfect match for him.  This first book in the series relates how this sweet companionship begins.
Ms. Rylant is one of the most talented authors and my favorite for beginning readers.
My six year old and I took turns reading aloud pages to each other with this book.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: J (end of 1st grade/beginning of second)
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.9