Cynthia Rylant Children's Series for Youngsters
Poppleton, Mr Putter & Tabby, Henry & Mudge, Little Whistle and More
Aug 14, 2009
Cynthia Rylant's clever prose and silly, friendship centered stories bring a welcome change to the world of "Easy Readers" and children's fiction. A newberry winner, with books numbering more than 100, Rylant's books are diverse and many and include several separate series for Easy Readers.
While most of Rylant's books are aimed at children learning to read on their own, their structure of only a sentence or two per page and fun illustrations make toddlers love them too.
Each series, in its own way, reinforces the importance of friendship and the varying incarnations of family.
Poppleton (illustrated by Mark Teague, 1997-2001)
A smart, hilarious series, focused around Poppleton, a jaunty pig and his next door neighbor, Cherry Sue (a matter-of-fact llama) is particularly amusing for mom and dad, as well as for kids.
Each book contains 3 short stories, centering of friendship and dealing with everyday events, like taking a bath, as well as the occasional adventure, with a dry humor that, combined with the Europeon-style oddity of plot will have you chuckling everytime.
Henry and Mudge (illustrated by Sucie Stevenson, 1987-2007)The quintessential pairing of a boy and his dog, Henry and Mudge (often joined by Mom and Dad), enjoy the joys of their special friendship and find adventures in everyday life.
A more predictable series, as well as the series with with Rylant has been most prolific, Henry and Mudge are sweet and realistic- a pair every child with a special animal friend will relate to and love.
Annie and Snowball (illustrated by Sucie Stevenson, 2007-2009)
A spin-off of the Henry and Mudge series, the Annie and Snowball books are about Henry's cousin and her bunny and run in much the same vein. Annie, however, lives with her father only, and is very shy and very delicate. The two series' often converge, keeping within the theme of friendships in their varying incarnations.
Mr. Putter and Tabby (illustrated by Arthur Howard, 1994-2007)Despite the unlikely choice of an eldery man and his elderly cat, Mr Putter and Tabby books are perhaps the most clever children's fiction available today. Written in a chapter format and keeping in the friendship theme, the books tell of the quiet, retired life of Mr. Putter and Tabby, highlighted with the exciting and silly exploits of their unpredictable neighbor and her good dog Zeke. They are sweet, funny, completely original and totally addicting.
The High Rise Private Eyes (illustrated by G. Brian Karas, 200-2004)
With more words per page and more complicated storylines, these books may not be best for toddlers, but for new readers and slightly older children, they are great. Join the two animal detectives as the solve mysteries and help friends. Meanwhile, the clever banter between these oddly matched detectives will be more than enough to entertain Mom and Dad.
Little Whistle (illustrated by Tim Bowers, 2001-2003)A 4 book picture book series, about a guinea pig in a toystore that comes to life at night. These sweet exciting stories, with beautiful illustrations champion friendship, above all else.
Cobble Street Cousins (Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin, 1998-2002)These "Ready for Chapters" books tell the story of Rosie, Lily and Tess, who live in their kind aunt's attic. Another story about family and friendship, these books also spotlight artistic activities.
The Everyday Series (illustrated by Cynthia Rylant, 1993-1997)The first of Rylant's work to feature her own illustrations, these cute books are written especially for toddlers and available in board book format.
Other Works by Rylant
In addition to these wonderful series, Rylant has also written many picture books and other books for young people, many of them award-winning. See a complete list of her accomplishments here.
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