The Cricket in Times Square

Title: The Cricket in Times Square
Author: George Selden
Age: 7+

I read this book recently in order to help D with her book report at school. I quite enjoyed reading this book. The Cricket in Times Square is a heartwarming story about the blossoming friendship between a little boy, a cricket, a mouse and a cat. Chester who's a cricket gets lost from his home in Connecticut and unexpectedly ends up in Times Square New York. Chester becomes friends with a cat and a mouse here. Mario Bellini is a little boy who helps run his parents newspaper stand, finds Chester and wants to keep him. 

Chester and gang accidentally end up creating a lot of troubles for the Bellinis, who want him to leave. One day, Chester's friends and the Bellinis find out about his amazing music and opera abilities and soon he becomes an over-night fame in New York. Crowds gather to watch him sing and he soon has a full schedule of events like a celebrity. Chester even though is famous now quite hates the fact and yearns to get back to his home in the countryside of Connecticut. He decides to leave the crowded NYC and hops on the train back to his home. His friends including Mario fully support his decision and tell him to follow what his heart says and what makes him happy.

It is a very warm story which teaches kids the value of good friendships, loyalty, generosity, and honesty. Throughout various incidents in the book, all these values are brought to light which kids really enjoy learning about. It is a lesson for adults too as it teaches one that being a celebrity is not all that glamorous and comes with its own set of problems. Overall a great book to read over a holiday weekend. 

The Kicks

Title: The Kicks
Ag: 6+

D started watching this TV series during her summer break this year. I am usually very picky on what the kids watch on TV and when I caught D watching this one day I questioned her as usual and expressed my displeasure about the fact she's spending her time watching TV. But when I heard the theme of the story I was very intrigued. When the plot is about a girl who's an aspiring soccer star moves to a new city and has to face a lot of challenges in her new school's soccer team, but ultimately ends up winning against all adversities and becomes a leader on the field it is definitely something I would love to watch as well!

The show was inspired by the book series with the same title by Alex Morgan, an American Soccer Player.  The Kicks is all about teaching kids the value of hardwork, dedication, resiliency during times of adversities and team work. Devin Burke, a 12-year old girl is the main character in the story. Her family moves from her hometown in Connecticut to California and she joins her new school's soccer team named "The Kicks". Devin initially faces a lot of challenges w.r.t to preteen friendships and becoming part of the team and trying to fit in. Devin takes her time, but finally manages to turn an average team into a winning team after they face a lot of hurdles together but stay strong to overcome them.  Devin's parents are portrayed as very normal and realistic letting her explore and face the challenges without trying to shield her from them. Another lesson and reminder for me as a parent. I love the fact that even though all the girls in the series are preteens, yet how they are portrayed as independent, confident, strong women without the crappy preteen problems that a number of other trashy shows depict.

Kudos to Amazon for yet another series with strong female characters. This is definitely one to watch for both kids and adults.