The Cricket in Times Square, By George Selden, Performance by Rene Auberjonois
       This book takes place in the Times Square subway station in New York. In a drainpipe in this station, next to the Bellini's small newsstand lives a mouse named Tucker and his feline friend named Harry. Tucker enjoys watching Mr. and Mrs. Bellini with their only son, Mario, run the newsstand even though the family is struggling to gain enough income. One day, Tucker watches as Mario finds a cricket in the subway station. Since New York is a bustling metropolis, crickets are rare to find here. This cricket, however, came all the way from Connecticut by being stuck in a picnic basket. Mario decides he wants to keep the cricket as a pet and convinces his dad and his reluctant mother to let him keep it. When the Bellinis close the newsstand for the night, Mario makes a little bed out of a matchbox for his new pet. After they leave, Tucker comes to the matchbox to introduce himself to the cricket. Tucker and the cricket, Chester, become friends and Tucker introduces him to Harry. All three become great friends. Throughout the book, the trio accidentally causes trouble for the Bellini's and their newsstand even though crickets are supposed to be good luck. However, when the trio discovers that Chester can beautifully recreate any musical piece he hears, they decide that this could make up for the trouble that they have caused. Chester's beautiful music makes headlines and multitudes of people stop to listen to him. Eventually, the demands of his new fame and quick-pace of city life becomes too much for Chester who longs for his country home. Even Mario does not want Chester to stay if it does not make him happy. So, Harry and Tucker find a way to get Chester back home where he belongs. The mouse and the cat miss Chester so much that at the end of the book, the think about visiting him in the country. This book has won the Newbery Honor award.
      This book is most appropriate for second and third grade. It would be a great book for a daily read-aloud and to have in the classroom library. The animal and human characters are easy for students to connect with and relate. Additionally, this story juxtaposes country and city life very well. It also shows that everyone comes from a different background. Because of this, it would be a great way to help students understand some differences between metropolitan and country life. The students could even continue the plot by writing the story about what happens when Harry and Tucker go to visit Chester in the country. They could share their stories and compare them with the events that take place with Chester in the city. Additionally, this book demonstrates true selflessness. For example, Mario loves Chester so much and would not want to be separated from him. However, he loves Chester enough to want him to be happy even if that means Mario may never see Chester again. He gave Chester permission to go back home since Chester was so sad and scared in New York. Students could share ways that they have been or can be selfless. They could also share ways that others have been selfless to them.