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The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

SKU
001754
ISBN
9780374390402
Grade 5-6
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
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Description

Chester Cricket from Connecticut is accidentally transported to New York in a picnic basket. Alone and afraid in a strange city, Chester is befriended by Harry and Tucker, a cat and mouse, who help him adjust to city life and discover his amazing musical talent that brings success to a failing subway station newsstand.

Please note the foreword and updates by Stacey Lee in this 2022 updated edition. As indicated in her forward, “Today's young readers are socially minded, independent thinkers, and we are counting on them to shape a more equitable future for all…. We have an opportunity to redress some issues of representation we believe will make this story more in step with the times."

This edition includes significant changes in two particular chapters that have been renamed that involve the character Mr. (Sai) Fong. As a result, some current literature guides may not correlate exactly with the 2022 edition. First, Mr. Fong and his brother's broken English conversation are now written in standard English. The content of a large portion of these conversations has also changed. Other content that has been removed include Chinese robes and goddess statues, fortune cookies, and pipe smoking. For more specifics on these changes in Chapters 6, 7 (minor change), and 9 please contact our curriculum consultants.

Publisher's Description of The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
An updated version of the timeless children's classic featuring a business-savvy mouse, a kind alley cat, and a talented country cricket, featuring a new foreword and revisions by YA author Stacey Lee.

Tucker is a streetwise city mouse. He thought he'd seen it all. But he's never met a cricket before, which really isn't surprising, because, along with his friend Harry Cat, Tucker lives in the very heart of New York City—the Times Square subway station.

Chester Cricket never intended to leave his Connecticut meadow. He'd be there still if he hadn't followed the entrancing aroma of liverwurst right into someone's picnic basket. Now, like any tourist in the city, he wants to look around. And he could not have found two better guides—and friends—than Tucker and Harry. The trio have many adventures—from taking in the sights and sounds of Broadway to escaping a smoky fire.

Chester makes a third friend, too. It is a boy, Mario, who rescues Chester from a dusty corner of the subway station and brings him to live in the safety of his parents' newsstand. He hopes at first to keep Chester as a pet, but Mario soon understands that the cricket is more than that. Because Chester has a hidden talent and no one—not even Chester himself—realizes that the little country cricket may just be able to teach even the toughest New Yorkers a thing or two.

The Cricket in Times Square is George Selden at his best, and the new illustrations and interior images by Garth Williams make this edition a special treat.
Category Description for Ready Readers

Ready Readers are literature study guides designed to complement the Socratic methodology taught in Teaching the Classics by Adam & Missy Andrews.

These ready-to-use guides provide fleshed-out lesson plans and Socratic discussion questions for whole-book studies, making it easier for parents to lead meaningful literary analysis with their children.

Key Curriculum Features:

  • Discussion-based studies focusing on setting, characters, conflict, plot, theme, literary devices, and context
  • Carefully crafted Socratic questions with talking-point answers for the teacher
  • Story charts and one-page book summaries included for each title
  • Flexible use with students of varying ages (often slightly below the student’s reading level to build confidence)
  • Can be used with any unabridged edition of the selected book
  • Excellent bridge between Teaching the Classics methodology and actual book studies

Program Components:

  • Each Ready Reader volume contains complete studies for multiple books at a specific reading level
  • Includes Socratic discussion questions, teacher talking points, story charts, and summaries
  • Designed to work alongside Teaching the Classics seminar for best results

Ready Readers stand out for their practical, ready-to-go format that helps parents confidently lead rich literature discussions. They are an excellent choice for families who want structured guidance in teaching literary analysis while using quality literature.

Browse all Ready Readers volumes below!

Details
More Information
Product Format:Softcover Book
Grades:5-6
Brand:Square Fish
Author:George Selden
ISBN:9780374390402
Length in Inches:8.25
Width in Inches:5.375
Height in Inches:0.4375
Weight in Pounds:0.35
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Family Read Alouds: 6 Fun Tips to Bond and Make Memories

Reading aloud to children is a wonderful family experience! The winter is the perfect season to incorporate family read aloud sessions. Whether you have a reluctant reader or a voracious one, everyone can join in to share a delightful story together. It’s a healthy, screen-free way to enjoy purposeful time as a family. Together, you’ll encounter characters, adventures, and resolutions right in your own home. These moments create special bonding time that your kids will always remember. Here are 6 practical read aloud tips to help your family get the most out of family read aloud sessions.

January 20, 2026 Edited January 20, 2026

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