The Cricket in Times Square
by George Selden, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

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Book Reviews of The Cricket in Times Square

Book Review: Should be used in the I love NY campaign
Summary: 5 Stars

This story is fast-paced and is a fast read. The plot is engaging. One constantly wonders: What can possibly happen next? Will Chester find life exciting in the Big City and stay? Will he go back to Connecticut? Will the Bellinis' lives get better?

The characters are very likeable and are well-developed. They are not cardboard cut-outs of stereotypical New Yorkers. For example, although hardened city-dweller Tucker can easily be perceived as a fast-talking and rather materialistic mouse, one sees his generous and helpful side as well. The same thing can be said about Harry Cat. He is cultured, world-wise and also kind.

The Cricket in Times Square is good, clean fun. Buy a copy for the kid on his first trip to Manhattan. Get it as a gift for the little armchair traveler. Read it as an animal lover.

Summary of The Cricket in Times Square

Mario is elated to find Chester. He begs his parents to let him keep the shiny insect in the newsstand, assuring his bug-fearing mother that crickets are harmless, maybe even good luck. What ensues is an altogether captivating spin on the city mouse/country mouse story, as Chester adjusts to the bustle of the big city. Despite the cricket's comfortable matchbox bed (with Kleenex sheets); the fancy, seven-tiered pagoda cricket cage from Sai Fong's novelty shop; tasty mulberry leaves; the jolly company of Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat; and even his new-found fame as "the most famous musician in New York City," Chester begins to miss his peaceful life in the Connecticut countryside. The Cricket in Times Square--a Newbery Award runner-up in 1961--is charmingly illustrated by the well-loved Garth Williams, and the tiniest details of this elegantly spun, vividly told, surprisingly suspenseful tale will stick with children for years and years. Make sure this classic sits on the shelf of your favorite child, right next to The Wind in the Willows. (Ages 9 to 12)

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