What do You think about Tucker's Countryside (1989)?
Having thoroughly enjoyed “Cricket in Times Square”, I was delighted to read its sequel: “Tucker’s Countryside”. It was just that – delightful!After Chester cricket’s accidental visit to NYC, his friends Tucker mouse and Harry cat make the trip to Connecticut to see how life is in a quiet country meadow. However there is a crisis brewing as the meadow is scheduled for ruin to make way for buildings. Chester cricket and all the meadow animals are worried as to the destruction of their home. They are hoping for the help from ever so smart, Tucker mouse. (Love the way the animals are referred to as “various rabbits and sundry field mice”. The reason being there are so many of them!)Seems impossible for a bunch of meadow animals to solve a problem and save the meadow, but they do – and do so very cleverly!Not only is this a delightful sequel, but a wonderful opportunity to introduce and discuss politics with children – yes, politics. By the end of this story they will understand what it means to stand up for a cause, even if it means picketing. I am still not a huge fan of talking animal stories, but the original “Cricket…” and it sequel, “Tucker’s Countryside” are very fun! Both are highly worthwhile and fun stories as read-a-louds in classrooms and families.
—Patti
