Rylant's lovable pair (Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat, 1997, etc.) are off on another adventure, this time with cohorts Mrs. Teaberry and her bulldog, Zeke. Mrs. Teaberry proposes a train ride, and Mr. Putter, recalling past rides over the rails, agrees. They arrive at the station loaded down with treats and bones, blankets and pets, only to discover pets are not allowed. Refusing to let that dampen their spirits, they go back home, each returning with a suspiciously lumpy, wiggling carry-on. The pets get smuggled along, and as the two oldsters nibble banana crunchies and the scenery flies by, nothing could be jollier. The pace may lag, but Howard's comfortable full-color drawings along with Rylant's humorous storytelling make this amble a delight.