Cricket In Times Square PP

Progeny Press Study Guide


When Chester Cricket hops into a picnic basket in search of a quick meal, he becomes trapped under a bag of roast beef sandwiches. By the time he gets free, Chester discovers that he is far from his home in Connecticut, alone and afraid amidst the hustle and bustle of a New York City subway station.



Chester is discovered by Mario Bellini, a young boy whose family runs a small newsstand. Although his mother protests, Mario's father allows him to keep the cricket in the newsstand. Chester is also befriended by Tucker and Harry, a mouse and cat, who spend their days scrounging through the refuse of the subway.



Tucker and Harry decide to help Chester make the best of his situation and introduce him to city life. Soon, with the help of all his new friends, Chester begins to enjoy his adventure.



Mario has been told that crickets bring good luck. But when Chester accidentally eats half of a two-dollar bill, and Tucker nearly burns the newsstand to the ground, Mama Bellini believes the cricket has brought them bad luck.



Chester vows to do all he can to repay the Bellinis for their kindness toward him, but all he has to offer is the little song he makes by rubbing his wings together. Chester's musical talent, however, catches the ear of a music teacher who writes about it in the newspaper. Before long the Bellinis' newsstand has more customers than ever thanks to Chester's beautiful music.




Progeny Press Study Guide: 60 pages

# of Lessons: 6 Chapter Lessons + Overview

Subjects: Friendship, fame and fortune, responsibility, music

Grade Level: 4-6