"You don't get to be an old cricket by being a dumb bug," the text tells us. But while Old Cricket thinks he's being clever, things turn for the worse. With a creak in his knee, a crick in his neck, and a crack in his back, Old Cricket avoids helping the missus, Cousin Katydid, and Uncle Ant, as he makes his way to see Doc Hopper. When Old Crow confronts him ("you don't get to be an old crow by being a birdbrain") Old Cricket hightails it toward home. On the way, mishaps create a real creak in his knee, crick in his neck, and crack in his back. As luck would have it, he ends up right in front of Doc Hopper's doorway and each creak, crick and crack are fixed. Old Cricket's missus is waiting and points to the sagging roof, because..."you don't get to be an old missus by being a dumb bug."

Ages 3 - 7

Old Cricket's character is not an unlikely one. Many of us feel at times like we'd just like to get out of something and perhaps we imagine not feeling well to avoid it. This is a well-written story worth the read. Lisa Wheeler's use of alliteration does not go unnoticed. And though this story was not written in rhyme, like many or her others, it definitely comes to life.

Lisa Wheeler is a wonderful storyteller. She lives outside of Detroit, Michigan.

Illustrations are by Ponder Goembel and they are wonderful! She lives with her family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The entire book, from the text to the illustrations, is delightful, fun, and pleasing. A great read-aloud choice.

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Created Oct 23, 2015 at 9:33am • Submit your own review...