Summary
George Selden's The Cricket in Times Square depicts New York City's bustling Times Square subway station in 1960. The story follows Chester Cricket, who accidentally arrives from the countryside. Chester forms friendships with Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat. The novel addresses themes of friendship and the impact of music. The Cricket in Times Square received a Newbery Honor in 1961.
Plot
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden follows Chester Cricket, who is accidentally transported from Connecticut to New York City. He ends up in the Times Square subway station, where Mario Bellini, a young newsstand operator, discovers him. Mario persuades his skeptical family, including his mother, to let Chester stay and create a bed for him in a matchbox at the newsstand.
Chester befriends Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat. Chester's early days are challenging; he accidentally eats a two-dollar bill, angering Mama Bellini. Tucker helps by offering money to make amends. Chester's musical ability to chirp melodiously draws attention, turning the Bellini newsstand into a popular venue. This improves the family's business, but Chester begins to miss his quiet meadow.
Ultimately, Chester decides to return home. His farewell performance in Times Square captivates the audience. Chester leaves for Grand Central Terminal, where he and Mario part ways. Tucker and Harry consider visiting Chester in the countryside, reinforcing their strong friendship.
Themes
George Selden's The Cricket in Times Square explores themes of friendship, home, identity, and the urban-rural contrast. Chester Cricket's adventures with Mario, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat emphasize how friendships can overcome boundaries and offer support in new environments.
Chester misses his quiet home in Connecticut, highlighting the contrast between his rural origins and the urban setting of Times Square. His initial awe turns into challenges in adapting to city life, revealing the tension between city chaos and country calm. The theme of identity emerges as Chester discovers his musical talents, suggesting that potential can surface in unexpected places.
Chester's story conveys that home is fluid. His experiences in New York, enriched by friendships, change his understanding of belonging. This suggests that home is more about connections with those who care about us.
Characters
Chester Cricket: A cricket with remarkable musical talent. Chester unintentionally travels from a Connecticut meadow to New York City. He adapts to city life, forming bonds with both humans and animals.
Tucker Mouse: A resourceful mouse who lives in the Times Square subway station. Tucker becomes Chester's loyal companion and guide in the city, forging a crucial friendship.
Harry Cat: An alley cat and Tucker's friend. Harry participates in Chester’s adventures and strengthens the group's camaraderie, offering a sense of calm along with support.
Mario Bellini: A young boy who works at his family's newsstand in the subway. Mario discovers Chester’s musical skills and builds a meaningful connection, helping nurture Chester's talent.
Quick facts
George Selden was inspired to write the book after hearing a cricket chirp in Times Square's subway station.
The Cricket in Times Square won the Newbery Honor in 1961 and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1963.
Garth Williams, famous for illustrating classics like Charlotte's Web, illustrated the book.
Chester Cricket accidentally travels from the countryside of Connecticut to New York City and befriends Mario, headlining the plot.
The story emphasizes themes of friendship, home, belonging, and cultural diversity.
Chester Cricket showcases a unique talent for music, enchanting New Yorkers and boosting a family's business.
Chester is compared to the mythological musician Orpheus, whose music charmed all listeners.
Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat form an uncommon friendship with Chester, emphasizing acceptance and companionship despite natural predator-prey relationships.
The Cricket in Times Square led to a series of six sequels written by George Selden.
In 1973, the story was adapted into an animated television special by Chuck Jones, featuring the notable voice of Mel Blanc and original music performed by violinist Israel Baker.
Setting
In The Cricket in Times Square, Times Square and its subway station shape the narrative and the characters' lives. Tucker Mouse observes the bustling activity, particularly surrounding Mario at his family's newsstand. This sets the scene in the heart of New York City. The day's chaos contrasts with the subway's nighttime calm. This creates space for interactions among characters.
Chester Cricket moves from Connecticut's fields to the city's lively center. This contrasts nature’s calm with the city’s vibrancy. The setting shows the characters' adaptability. The cityscape poses challenges and offers opportunities for friendship and growth.
The role of music
Chester Cricket's musical abilities play a central role in The Cricket in Times Square. Mario Bellini, the boy who discovers Chester at his family's newsstand, first notices Chester's talent through an enchanting sound. The cricket's unique chirping captivates listeners and transforms the surroundings of the busy subway station.
Chester's music deeply affects those around him, especially Mama Bellini. Initially skeptical, she becomes fond of Chester when he plays her favorite song. The cricket’s performances increase foot traffic and sales at the Bellini newsstand. His presence demonstrates that beauty and talent can emerge unexpectedly, fostering community and connection among the city's residents.
TV adaptation
In 1973, The Cricket in Times Square was adapted into an animated television special by Chuck Jones, known for creating iconic Looney Tunes characters. The animation follows Chester Cricket's journey from a Connecticut meadow to the Times Square subway station. Mel Blanc, recognized as the voice of Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, among hundreds of memorable characters, voices Tucker Mouse, while Les Tremayne speaks for Chester Cricket and Harry Cat. Chester Cricket's musical talent features prominently in the animation, with original compositions performed by violinist Israel Baker.
About the author
George Selden (1929-1989) was an American author known for his children's books. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, he earned a BA from Yale University, where he participated in the Elizabethan Club and wrote for the university's literary magazine. He continued his studies at Columbia University and spent a year in Rome on a Fulbright Scholarship. His most famed work, The Cricket in Times Square was inspired by an experience in the Times Square subway station. The book received the Newbery Honor in 1961 and was followed by six sequels. In addition to the charming tale of Chester Cricket and his friends, Selden wrote over 15 books and two plays.
