Chester, the Connecticut cricket, finds himself next to a Times Square newsstand, where he is befriended by Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat. After Mario Bellini, son of the newsstand's owners, decides to keep Chester, the cricket and his friends have to find the one thing that will save the Bellinis' business.
Morality
Good. Friendship and generosity are two main themes. Tucker Mouse often talks as if he were miserly and selfish, but he doesn't mean it and his actions are always right.
Spiritual Content
A Chinese man tells a legend about crickets in which "the gods" play a part. Mario reads a Chinese fortune cookie, and the prediction comes true, though that fact is not pointed out in the book. The characters believe that crickets bring good luck.
Violence
There is a fire which endangers the characters' lives, but it ends quickly.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Two Chinese gentlemen smoke pipes.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
A fun, heart-warming story, A Cricket in Times Square is an excellent read-aloud before bed. It has enough action and tension to keep it interesting, without intense or fear-inducing moments. Along with its general good values, the story teaches appreciation of good music. The illustrations add to its charm.
This review is brought to you by Nienna.
