The Cricket in Times Square

A classic children’s novel.  It is one of my favorites.  I hadn’t read it in a few years so it was nice returning to it with this class.

This is a wonderful look into NYC nearly 50 years removed.  The politeness and formality of my childhood can be read about here.  This is indeed wholesome; a cricket, a mouse, a cat, and a boy.  What wonderful characters Selden created.

There was a time when folks would take the train from Times Square to Connecticut for an afternoon picnic.  I suspect those days are long gone.  And so would the days of a cricket eager for sandwiches who hitches a ride from the country to the city.

How displaced Chester was!  It’s a good thing there’s familiarity between species as the out-of-towner soon was comforted by Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat, residents of the Times Square subway.  Friendships do not end there as little Mario Bellini adopts Chester, travels to Chinatown (When was the last time a boy traveled alone from Times Square to there?) to secure a cage for his new pet.  Amusement ensues as Sai Fong teaches young Mario about clickets.

But all is not well as Mama Bellini is troubled and shows her disdain for the insect.

Much travesty occurs before Chester is able to prove his worth to the Bellinis.  Once upon a time the New York Times was known for its Arts section (before credibility became an issue).  Chester finds himself as the most famous cricket there is as he is written about in the newspaper.

Yet, through all the entertainment and meeting of new friends, Chester was still a country cricket.

It’s fun reading stories I recall from my childhood.  It’s a quick read and I recommend this classic.

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