Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish — Cynthia Rylant

Happy birthday, Mr. Putter! “The humor in the illustrations as well as in the text will keep readers glued to the pages.” -- School Library Journal (starred review)
 
Mr. Putter is sure he is too old for birthday celebrations. And that means he's also too old for model planes and balloons and candles and cake. So on his special day, he invites Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke over for a quiet cup of tea. But -- good heavens! -- what could possibly be taking them so long to arrive?
 
“Since the Mr. Putter & Tabby series began, its signature combination of storytelling, wit, and humanity have made it a staple of the beginning reader section.” -- Booklist