Reviews

The Cricket in Times Square by Garth Williams, George Selden

sassmistress's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing

4.0

It's a beautiful, charming story, with memorable details and all around a fun read! If not for the reeeeeeally ignorant portrayals of the Chinese shop owner and his friend, this might be a permanent favorite. I'm almost tempted to see what the revised versions have managed to do with the story so I can read this with my kids. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

brittanyhoffman11's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

book_concierge's review against another edition

4.0

Chester Cricket has always lived in a Connecticut meadow, but his curiosity about a picnic basket results in his winding up in the Times Square subway station. This is where Mario Bellini, son of the owners of a struggling newsstand, finds Chester and takes him in. Tucker the mouse and Harry the cat also befriend Chester. Their adventures, disasters, and triumphs form the basis of a wonderful friendship.
This book is utterly delightful. It demonstrates the value of true friendship, loyalty, and compassion, and teaches us about responsibility and obligation to do the right thing. Chester’s story makes my heart sing, just as his playing affected the passersby in the subway. Garth Williams’s illustrations are perfectly detailed and a wonderful addition to the story.

travelinglibrary's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

the_herbal_carnivore's review against another edition

My children quite enjoyed listening to the audio version narrated by Vikas Adam. They loved the variety of voices & sounds used, and found the story to be a good one overall.

raesock's review against another edition

1.0

This is a book I read as a kid and LOVED, and was excited to read it to my child. We listened to the audiobook and it was shockingly racist. All the scenes with the Chinese man were cringe inducing and the voice the narrator was doing was just gross.

saratinker's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

whatsthestorywishbone's review against another edition

4.0

Super simple book. Great audio book (although the voice for cat was a slow which made it little creepy). Good short book for a small kid.

eguillotaj's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

the_horror_maven's review against another edition

5.0

I read this book when I was twelve and I honestly loved it. I have always been fascinated with New York and I felt like this book transported me there.