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Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride
Chester Cricket--the famous cricket in Times Square--is homesick. When his friend Mario takes him to a sky show at the Planetarium, Chester realizes how much he misses seeing real stars at night.
Happily, he finds his way out of the subway into Times Square, where he meets a new friend, Lulu Pigeon. Lulu takes him on a trip beyond his wildest dreams. From Central Park to the top of the Empire State Building, from the Statue of Liberty and back to Times Square, Chester sees Manhattan in style--and even finds a little bit of country in the city!
Happily, he finds his way out of the subway into Times Square, where he meets a new friend, Lulu Pigeon. Lulu takes him on a trip beyond his wildest dreams. From Central Park to the top of the Empire State Building, from the Statue of Liberty and back to Times Square, Chester sees Manhattan in style--and even finds a little bit of country in the city!
64 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 1981
10 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
George Selden
44 books100 followersGeorge Selden (1929-1989) was the author of The Cricket in Times Square, winner of the 1961 Newbery Honor and a timeless children's classic. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Selden received his B.A. from Yale, where he was a member of the Elizabethan Club and contributed to the literary magazine. He spent three summer sessions at Columbia University and, after college, studied for a year in Rome on a Fulbright Scholarship.
People often asked Selden how he got the idea for The Cricket in Times Square. "One night I was coming home on the subway, and I did hear a cricket chirp in the Times Square subway station. The story formed in my mind within minutes. An author is very thankful for minutes like those, although they happen all too infrequently." The popular Cricket series grew to seven titles, including Tucker's Countryside and The Old Meadow. In 1973, The Cricket in Times Square was made into an animated film. Selden wrote more than fifteen books, as well as two plays. His storytelling blends the marvelous with the commonplace realities of life, and it was essential to him that his animal characters display true emotions and feelings.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
People often asked Selden how he got the idea for The Cricket in Times Square. "One night I was coming home on the subway, and I did hear a cricket chirp in the Times Square subway station. The story formed in my mind within minutes. An author is very thankful for minutes like those, although they happen all too infrequently." The popular Cricket series grew to seven titles, including Tucker's Countryside and The Old Meadow. In 1973, The Cricket in Times Square was made into an animated film. Selden wrote more than fifteen books, as well as two plays. His storytelling blends the marvelous with the commonplace realities of life, and it was essential to him that his animal characters display true emotions and feelings.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 14, 2020
This is book #4 in the series.
This one is probably my second favorite after A Cricket in Times Square, and it actually takes place during that book; so you don't necessarily have to wait until you've read books #2 and #3 before reading this one.
There are oodles of illustrations in this book (way more than all the others in the series) which makes it a fast and delightful read. And Chester Cricket is really just the cutest little character; I love him to pieces!
Ages: 5/6+
Cleanliness: for heaven's sake, gosh, darn are used in the book.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
This one is probably my second favorite after A Cricket in Times Square, and it actually takes place during that book; so you don't necessarily have to wait until you've read books #2 and #3 before reading this one.
There are oodles of illustrations in this book (way more than all the others in the series) which makes it a fast and delightful read. And Chester Cricket is really just the cutest little character; I love him to pieces!
Ages: 5/6+
Cleanliness: for heaven's sake, gosh, darn are used in the book.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
July 10, 2016
This was a cute short-story about Chester Cricket going on a real adventure with his new friend, Lulu.
It was an enjoyable read that was a very short book that was readable in one sitting. It had beautiful drawings that pulled the story together. Without the drawings, it would be a wimpy, 20-paged book. But it wasn't, and therefore, it was adorable. Since it was a children's book, there was no plot. It was just Chester and Lulu flying around New York exploring.
I rated it 3 stars because it was much to short to match the other sequels, and it had no plot whatsoever. These factors didn't bother me that much because, once again, it is a children's book.
Overall, it was an immensely cute book, which brought me joy upon reading it and is a sure read for 3rd grade and below.
It was an enjoyable read that was a very short book that was readable in one sitting. It had beautiful drawings that pulled the story together. Without the drawings, it would be a wimpy, 20-paged book. But it wasn't, and therefore, it was adorable. Since it was a children's book, there was no plot. It was just Chester and Lulu flying around New York exploring.
I rated it 3 stars because it was much to short to match the other sequels, and it had no plot whatsoever. These factors didn't bother me that much because, once again, it is a children's book.
Overall, it was an immensely cute book, which brought me joy upon reading it and is a sure read for 3rd grade and below.
November 9, 2019
Chester Cricket gets a bird's eye view of New York City with a flight from Lulu pigeon.
This book was short - 40ish pages so it's not about character development and has little plot. And that's ok, because the story that is there is adorable and the many wonderful illustrations by Garth Williams carry the book.
This book was short - 40ish pages so it's not about character development and has little plot. And that's ok, because the story that is there is adorable and the many wonderful illustrations by Garth Williams carry the book.
March 9, 2022
I wish I had realized the timing of this one in Chester's storyline and I would have read it right after reading The Cricket in Times Square. This is a delightful adventure in the skies of New York with Chester Cricket flying high with Lulu Pigeon. The Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty are all part of the adventure.
July 1, 2024
This book is listed as #4 in the series, but I wish I'd read it directly after book #1, The Cricket in Times Square. This title takes place during that book, and involves a character met again (only we don't realize we're meeting her again) in book #3, Harry Cat's Pet Puppy.
That said, this is more of a side-story than another segment of the series, anyway. It can really be read anywhere in the series - and is more of a short story than a full novel. Most of the pages are largely taken up with illustrations, which are lovely and make the book more enjoyable. This is also why the book is usually rendered in digital format through images instead of dynamic text - in other words, there isn't a traditional "epub" of this book, as the original image/text format can only be maintained through full page scans of the original print book. (The Kindle edition is, of course, in AZW format, but it's still a compilation of images with no dynamic text.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book - though admittedly not quite as much as the other installments, because there's not really much story here. Instead of there being a plot, it's more of a lengthy deleted scene from The Cricket in Times Square. It's also quite a love letter to New York and the beautiful skylines and overhead views one can see of that city. I imagine those who similarly love such things would delight in Selden's poetic appraisal of them.
That said, this is more of a side-story than another segment of the series, anyway. It can really be read anywhere in the series - and is more of a short story than a full novel. Most of the pages are largely taken up with illustrations, which are lovely and make the book more enjoyable. This is also why the book is usually rendered in digital format through images instead of dynamic text - in other words, there isn't a traditional "epub" of this book, as the original image/text format can only be maintained through full page scans of the original print book. (The Kindle edition is, of course, in AZW format, but it's still a compilation of images with no dynamic text.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book - though admittedly not quite as much as the other installments, because there's not really much story here. Instead of there being a plot, it's more of a lengthy deleted scene from The Cricket in Times Square. It's also quite a love letter to New York and the beautiful skylines and overhead views one can see of that city. I imagine those who similarly love such things would delight in Selden's poetic appraisal of them.
March 1, 2024
what a fun day for Chester Cricket!
March 21, 2024
Superb illustrations of New York City by Garth Williams.
November 16, 2024
A cute short story to go with the original tale.
Want to read
October 7, 2025Doesn't work on Kindle Paperwhite.
November 7, 2025
Cute - not as long or detailed as the prior books, but our 5 year old enjoyed that there were even more pictures.
April 11, 2009
It is a lot of fun to revisit the characters that made such an indelible impact on me in the classic "The Cricket in Times Square". I'm glad that George Selden elected to write so many companion books to the original.
The story in Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride is nice, and worth reading, but in my thinking what really makes this book unusual is the breathtaking illustrations of Garth Williams. I have never seen his drawings quite like this, at a level of skillful magnitude that had me quite literally gasping in shocked wonderment many times upon the turn of a page. Each new illustration was like a special gift, and this story has caused my opinion of Garth Williams's illustrations to rise by a lot. He is, I would assert, at his very best in this volume.
The story in Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride is nice, and worth reading, but in my thinking what really makes this book unusual is the breathtaking illustrations of Garth Williams. I have never seen his drawings quite like this, at a level of skillful magnitude that had me quite literally gasping in shocked wonderment many times upon the turn of a page. Each new illustration was like a special gift, and this story has caused my opinion of Garth Williams's illustrations to rise by a lot. He is, I would assert, at his very best in this volume.
November 15, 2011
I picked this up in the library thinking it might be a potential book club choice if I ever got around to starting a book club at school. I never got the book club off the ground but I did read this book over a few days and I enjoyed it.
I can imagine few things more sickeningly sweet than a homesick cricket hitching a ride on the back of a pigeon. The book is well written, though, and makes for a very fast read due in part to the extensive illustrations. The drawings make up about 45% of the book and add to the charm of the old-fashioned story.
I can imagine few things more sickeningly sweet than a homesick cricket hitching a ride on the back of a pigeon. The book is well written, though, and makes for a very fast read due in part to the extensive illustrations. The drawings make up about 45% of the book and add to the charm of the old-fashioned story.
May 5, 2013
“Chester Cricket’s Pigeon Ride” is another spin-off adventure from George Selden’s “ wonderful “A Cricket in Times Square”. It is a short story where Chester is whisked away on a tour of New York City on the back of his new friend, Lulu pigeon. Chester visits all the sights that everyone must see on a visit to the famous city, including Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
It is short and sweet, and an easy read. It would be a fun read for any child who has been, or is planning on visiting spectacular New York City.
It is short and sweet, and an easy read. It would be a fun read for any child who has been, or is planning on visiting spectacular New York City.
March 29, 2018
This was a much better "bridge" book for my 3 year old - we tried "Cricket in Times Square" but he wasn't really ready for that yet. Too many pages without a picture. But this one had an illustration on every page, and the story was simple and short. And Fred knows just enough about New York City to be interested in Chester's trip. He's been to see his aunt and uncle and cousin in Brooklyn, he knows about the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. The illustrations are great too. I really liked reading this one to him.
August 15, 2014
The best the best the best. Garth Williams is my favorite illustrator. This an "old style" children's book that actually has a real story and some meat to it. I loved it. The spectacular Williams' pen and inks of a cricket's view of New York City from the back of a pigeon (yes!) alone is enough to get this five stars--six if that was on offer. And George Selden's story is of course fabulous as well. (And for those who love them. some gorgeous pictures of Tucker mouse and Harry cat.)
April 6, 2011
This one is a real showcase of Garth William's illustrations. The story is limited to animal interactions, though, so, again, I don't think it is nearly as good as The Cricket in Times Square. That being said, I imagine it's really popular with Manhattanites. The brief bit of history and the tour that Chester takes are very flattering to the city and would make a loyal NYer feel proud.
September 25, 2017
Chester Cricket met Lulu, a pigeon, who took Chester on a tour through New York City. The tour consisted of Central Park, Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. It is a thrilling short extension of The Cricket in Times Square.
November 27, 2016
As other reviewers have noted, this is more a showcase for Garth Williams's incredible illustrations than Selden's writing, but I really identify with feeling trapped somewhere, then taking a step back to gain a fresh perspective. Selden has tapped into something universal that anyone can identify with, and I think this little book is an important addition to the Chester Cricket stories.
April 15, 2017
Very cute story of Chester Cricket and how he went for a ride to the Empire State Building and Central Park. Chester needed some exposure to country surroundings and he got to see more of the big city. Cute addition to the Cricket in Times Square. My grandsons are really enjoying these stories and so am I. Recommend to one and all !!!
July 16, 2018
The pigeon, at no point, looks like a pigeon. Not ever like a bird that could be mistaken for a pigeon from a distance.
And yet, I love the illustrations, just as I loved them in Cricket in Times Square.
This is a sweet book, and I am conflicted on whether to keep it or whether to give it to my nephew who is from NYC and is three and is in all ways the target audience.
And yet, I love the illustrations, just as I loved them in Cricket in Times Square.
This is a sweet book, and I am conflicted on whether to keep it or whether to give it to my nephew who is from NYC and is three and is in all ways the target audience.
December 11, 2020
5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This is quite a short story--for the Chester books--but so enjoyable!! I could just see the city in my mind's eye. It was a delightful little book, pretty clean (one or two euphemisms) and gently humorous, and tying together books 1 & 3 of the Chester books. I really enjoyed it!
March 9, 2013
When I put this on hold at the library I didn't realize this wasn't a chapter book like the rest of the series. It is long picture book instead. It is also interesting in that it brings up characters from throughout the series but the plot puts it in the middle of Cricket in Times Square.
September 14, 2018
An enjoyable short story that is highlighted by illustrations that often take up entire pages. Through Chester's eyes, the adventure is simple enough and also thrilling, as it fills in time during the original book.
December 16, 2011
A cute novella that seems to be either an ode to New York or one person's imagining of what it would be like to soar freely over the city or both.
July 6, 2017
Since my 4 & 6 year old girls LOVED A Cricket in Times Square, they knew the characters, and this was a short and fun read aloud for us to share.
Read
July 4, 2015820L
March 17, 2015
It was good however misleading. I was hoping it would be chester's return to NY but It was nothing more than a missing "chapter" to the first book "A Cricket in Times Square"
December 14, 2016
Pretty short read compared to Cricket in Times Sq., and Harry Cat's Pet Puppy.
December 10, 2017
This was a an ok story. I wasn't really into it. I don't know why, but I wasn't interested in it. I only read it because it was assigned to me when I was in grade school
July 26, 2018
Good one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews