The Cricket in Times Square – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Cricket in Times Square

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

79%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A country cricket, a streetwise mouse, and an alley cat become unlikely friends in 1960s Times Square—charming but definitely old-school.

The Cricket in Times Square

book

2022

79%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A country cricket, a streetwise mouse, and an alley cat become unlikely friends in 1960s Times Square—charming but definitely old-school.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a genuine classic with real heart—the friendship between Chester, Tucker, and Harry is warm and memorable, and the New York City setting has charm. The 2022 revision helps, but let's be honest: this is still a 1960s story with 1960s pacing.

Modern kids raised on Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, or even Harry Potter may find this slow and old-fashioned. It's quiet, character-driven, and takes its time. If your kid loves gentle animal stories and can handle slower pacing, this is lovely. If they need action and humor on every page, skip it.

The WISE fundamentals are solid—wholesome friendships, safe content, meaningful themes about finding your place in the world. But the 'watchability' (or readability, in this case) penalty is real. It's a beautiful book that many modern kids will find boring. Know your audience.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, either as a read-aloud for younger kids or independent reading for confident readers who enjoy gentle, character-focused stories. Kids who prefer action and fast pacing will likely bounce off this one.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle story about unlikely friendships between a country cricket, a streetwise mouse, and an alley cat in 1960s New York. Models kindness, cooperation, and acceptance across differences. The tone is warm and optimistic without being saccharine—these are real characters helping each other navigate city life. The 2022 edition includes revisions by YA author Stacey Lee, presumably updating some dated language while preserving the core charm.

Imaginative

The premise of a cricket accidentally traveling to Times Square in a picnic basket is charming and whimsical. The anthropomorphized animals have distinct personalities—Tucker's street smarts, Harry's laid-back nature, Chester's musical talent. The setting of a subway newsstand as home base is creative. However, this is more of a character-driven friendship story than a world-building adventure, so imagination here is solid but not groundbreaking.

Safe

This is classic children's literature with virtually no content concerns. The web search confirms it's widely recommended for ages 7-12 with a Lexile of 780L. There's a brief mention of 'escaping a smoky fire' in the synopsis, but this is handled gently in context. No violence, scary content, or mature themes. The only minor deduction is that the original 1960 setting might include some outdated cultural references, though the 2022 revision likely addresses this.

Enriching

Strong themes of friendship across differences, urban vs. rural life, and finding your place in an unfamiliar world. Chester's hidden musical talent and the idea that even 'tough New Yorkers' can appreciate beauty is meaningful. The New York City setting offers cultural and historical context. The story builds empathy and shows how kindness and talent can bridge worlds. It's a classic for a reason—though it's more quietly enriching than actively educational.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Timeless friendship story that shows kindness across differences—a cricket, mouse, and cat as besties is genuinely sweet
New York City subway setting is atmospheric and introduces urban life to young readers
Chester's hidden musical talent and the idea that beauty can surprise even cynical New Yorkers is a lovely message
The 2022 revision by Stacey Lee updates some language while keeping the classic Garth Williams illustrations
Perfect for kids transitioning to longer chapter books who want gentle, character-driven stories

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What to Watch For

This is a 1960 story at heart—even with 2022 revisions, the pacing is slow and old-fashioned by modern standards
Kids raised on fast-paced graphic novels or action-heavy stories may find this boring
The anthropomorphized animals talk and think like humans, which some kids love and others find weird
Best as a read-aloud for younger kids (7-9) or independent reading for patient 9-12 year olds

Conversation Starters

"If you accidentally ended up somewhere totally unfamiliar like Chester did, what would you do first?"
"Tucker and Harry are such different personalities—which one would you want as a friend?"
"Chester has a special talent he doesn't even know about at first. Do you think everyone has a hidden talent?"
"The story takes place in a subway newsstand in the 1960s. How do you think Times Square is different now?"

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