Monday, July 16, 2012

The Cricket in Times Square


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


I hadn't read this book since I was in fourth grade, so I was excited to reread the book!

This story is about a cricket, Chester, from the Connecticut countryside who mistakenly ends up in New York City, and specifically in the subway station below Times Square. He is found by Mario Bellini, a young boy who works for his family's news stand. The boy takes in the cricket as a pet and is very kind to him. While living in the news stand, Chester is befriended by Tucker, the mouse who lives in the nearby drain pipe and Tucker's best friend, Harry the cat. The three have some interesting adventures and mishaps, but most importantly, the trio finds a way to help the Bellinis have a successful news stand when they are on the brinks of going bankrupt. Will Chester stay with the Bellinis or go back home to Connecticut?

What makes this story appealing is the unique characters (a cricket, a mouse, a cat, a boy, two Chinese men, and two parents) and the friendships that develop. This book was an easy read as each story and adventure leads into the next. I also enjoyed the few pictures that are scattered throughout the book. It really added to the story for me.

One thing to note about this book: Mario encounters some Chinese men who help him with his cricket. In some languages, English sounds are difficult to pronounce or nonexistent. There are times when the "r" sound can be difficult for certain languages. This book expresses that by replacing the "r" sound with an "l" sound. For example: rather than saying "cricket," the Chinese man says, "clicket." It is important to note that while some people who speak Chinese may have difficulty with their "r's", not ALL do.

You would like this book if you like stories with animals or adventure.

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars



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