Review: The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

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The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden is one of those quietly charming children’s books that doesn’t rely on big action or flashy twists, but instead wins you over with heart, warmth, and a small group of unforgettable characters living in an unexpected place.

The story begins in an unlikely setting: the busy, noisy world of New York’s Times Square subway station. It’s crowded, fast, and a little overwhelming—which makes the discovery of a tiny cricket from Connecticut feel even more special. That cricket, Chester Cricket, suddenly finds himself far from the peaceful countryside he knows, dropped into a world that is loud, unfamiliar, and constantly moving.

What makes Chester so easy to care about is how simple and gentle his presence is. He isn’t trying to be extraordinary—he just is. He sings beautifully, and that talent becomes the heart of the story, even though he never sets out to become famous or important. In fact, part of what makes the book so comforting is that Chester doesn’t chase attention; his gift is something natural, not something forced.

He quickly forms an unlikely friendship with a street-smart mouse named Tucker Mouse and a practical, slightly grumpy but loyal cat named Harry Cat. This trio is really the emotional center of the story. They don’t seem like they should get along at all—a cricket, a mouse, and a cat—but somehow they do, and that friendship feels believable in the world the book creates.

Tucker Mouse, in particular, brings a lot of personality and humor. He’s always thinking, always scheming a little, usually trying to figure out how to improve their situation or make life more comfortable. Harry Cat adds a calmer presence, more grounded and steady, even though he’s still a cat living in a subway station. Their conversations feel natural and often funny, like friends who have known each other for a long time even though their situation is completely unusual.

One of the things that stands out most about the book is how it turns such an ordinary, overlooked place into something full of life. The Times Square subway station could easily feel cold or chaotic, but through the eyes of these small animals, it becomes a kind of hidden world with its own rhythm and community. There’s something very cozy about that contrast—tiny lives unfolding in the middle of a huge, rushing city.

As Chester’s musical talent is discovered, the story gently shifts into exploring what it means to be special. People begin to notice him, and his life changes in ways that aren’t always simple or easy. That attention brings excitement, but also pressure. Chester starts to feel the weight of expectations, and you can see him struggling with the idea that something he does naturally is suddenly something others want to control or profit from.

That’s where the book becomes more than just a sweet animal story. It quietly asks questions about fame, happiness, and what it means to stay true to yourself. Chester never really changes who he is, but the world around him keeps changing how it reacts to him. That tension gives the story a surprising depth for something that at first feels light and simple.

There’s also a strong sense of loyalty running through the book. Tucker and Harry don’t just admire Chester—they look out for him. They try to help him navigate situations that are far beyond what a small cricket would normally deal with. Their friendship isn’t dramatic or complicated; it’s steady and supportive, which makes it feel very genuine.

Overall, The Cricket in Times Square is a gentle, comforting story that works because it slows things down. In a setting that is usually associated with noise and rush, it focuses instead on small moments, simple friendships, and quiet talent. And thanks to George Selden, it turns an ordinary subway station into a place where even the smallest voice can matter.

READ IT NOW!!