The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
**Overview of *The Cricket in Times Square* by George Selden**
*The Cricket in Times Square* is a children's novel that tells the enchanting story of Chester, a cricket who unwittingly finds himself in New York City after being trapped in a picnic basket. This whimsical tale unfolds at the Times Square subway station, where Chester is discovered by Mario, a young boy who wishes to keep him as a pet. The narrative explores themes of friendship and adaptability as Chester befriends a Broadway mouse named Tucker and a cat named Harry, who introduce him to the urban landscape. As Chester navigates various challenges, including a mishap with a two-dollar bill and a fire at the newsstand, the story emphasizes the importance of community and support among friends. Ultimately, Chester's journey leads him to realize his longing for home in Connecticut, culminating in a heartfelt farewell. The book, celebrated for its charming characters and delightful illustrations, has received numerous accolades and is regarded as a classic in children's literature. It's a touching exploration of loyalty and the contrasts between city life and rural existence, appealing to readers of all ages.
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The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
First published: 1960; illustrated
Type of work: Fantasy
Themes: Animals, friendship, and family
Time of work: The mid-twentieth century
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: New York City
Principal Characters:
Chester , a cricket from Connecticut, who is accidentally transported to New York CityTucker , a fast-talking Broadway mouse, who befriends ChesterHarry , Tucker’s unusual friend, a cat, who joins in their adventuresMario Bellini , the young boy who adopts Chester as a petMama Bellini , Mario’s mother, who doubts crickets make good petsPapa Bellini , Mario’s father, who has stocked his newsstand with “quality” magazinesSai Fong , an elderly Chinese gentleman, who possesses ancient wisdom about crickets as pets
The Story
Using anthropomorphized animals in an urban setting, The Cricket in Times Square presents a heartwarming story of friendship, warmth, and gentle humor. Chester, a cricket living in Connecticut, is accidentally trapped in a picnic basket (while pursuing a liverwurst sandwich) and transported to the Times Square subway station. He is discovered by a boy named Mario, the son of a couple who operate an unprofitable subway newsstand. Mario pleads to adopt the cricket as his long-desired pet, and over the protestations of his mother, Chester is allowed to stay and is given a matchbox bed. The fantasy grows as he is left overnight in the closed newsstand and immediately befriended by a Broadway mouse named Tucker and his sidekick, a cat named Harry. Tucker and Harry supply both food and friendship for Chester and introduce him to the nuances of New York City.
Mario’s concern to keep his new pet in the best manner possible leads him to Chinatown and the acquaintance of an elderly Chinese gentleman named Sai Fong, who supplies him with a special cricket cage and bell. All does not go well, however, for Chester. While sleeping one night and dreaming that he is back in Connecticut, he accidentally eats a two-dollar bill in the Bellini’s cash register. His friends advise him to leave, but Chester refuses to run away from his problem. While the three animal friends are discussing what to do, Mama Bellini arrives and catches Chester with the half-eaten bill. Her general skepticism about Chester is reaffirmed, and he is confined to his cage until Mario can repay the damage. The generosity of friendship is portrayed in Tucker’s offer to replace the lost money from his own humble savings, scavenged coin by coin over the years. The next morning, Chester is found sitting atop a pile of coins and is released from his cage. Mario becomes concerned that his pet may have a diet problem if he is eating paper money. Again he seeks advice from Sai Fong and after a genuine Chinese dinner and more ancient knowledge, leaves with a collection of mulberry leaves for Chester.
While celebrating Chester’s two months in New York with a dinner party, Tucker and Harry discover Chester’s musical chirping abilities. Tucker’s party enthusiasm results in the accidental spilling of a box of matches, igniting a fire among a pile of unsold newspapers. Chester again refuses to run from the problem and stays with the newsstand. Mama Bellini, first to arrive, is sure Chester is the arsonist, insisting he must go, but she changes her mind when he chirps an old Italian folksong. Tucker decides to be Chester’s manager. A fantastic series of events follow as Chester’s musical ability is discovered by all of New York. The bankruptcy of the Bellinis’ business is turned around as the newsstand is crowded daily to hear the remarkable concerts.
The attention of the crowds and memories of home upset Chester. Demonstrating great personal strength, Chester decides he will return to Connecticut. A triumphant final concert brings all of Times Square to a standstill. After a private dinner with Mario, Chester is escorted by Harry and Tucker to the Late Local Express to Connecticut. Mario, although saddened, understands Chester’s needs and what has happened. As the book closes, Tucker and Harry dream of a vacation to Connecticut.
Context
The Cricket in Times Square was Selden’s first successful children’s book. The book was a Newbery honor book in 1961, a Fanfare and a Choice book, an American Library Association Notable Book for Children, and was elected to the Lewis Carroll Shelf in 1963. Miller-Brody Productions released a dramatized recording in 1972, and in 1973, ABC-TV televised the story. The illustrations of Garth Williams are delightful portrayals of the characters and meld perfectly with the text.
Selden was inspired to write his story when he heard the chirping of a cricket late one night in a New York subway. The heartwarming characterizations of Chester, Tucker, and Harry are found in later publications. Tucker’s Countryside (1969) was the sequel to The Cricket in Times Square. Harry Cat’s Pet Puppy (1974), Chester Cricket’s Pigeon Ride (1981), and Chester Cricket’s New Home (1983) involve one or more of the animal trio.
George Selden is the pen name for George Selden Thompson. Another author bearing the name of George Thompson when he first began writing caused him to use an abbreviated form of his full name. Selden’s youth was spent in Connecticut. Consequently, The Cricket in Times Square and other of his children’s books reflect his countryside background in Connecticut and also his adult residence in New York City. Personal interests such as music, conservation, and archaeology are reflected in his works. He is also an author of nonfiction, a playwright, and a screenwriter.
The Cricket in Times Square has been called an urban counterpart of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows (1908), Robert Lawson’s Rabbit Hill (1944), and E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web (1952). All build upon the theme of loyalty among animals. Comparisons have also been made with the well-known fable of the town mouse and the country mouse, which presents two separate but interacting worlds of city and country.
Selden’s book presents a unique combination of a real, fast-moving Manhattan existence with insights into animal needs and habits and human personalities and problems. The book has appeal for readers of all ages, who quickly find themselves suspending belief and flowing with the spontaneity, the surprising events, and the delightful nonsense. The reissue of The Cricket in Times Square in 1982 signifies that it is on its way to becoming a classic.