7. Chester's Way

Chester's Way. Kevin Henkes. 1988. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Chester had his own way of doing thing....he always cut his sandwiches diagonally. He always gout out of bed on the same side. And he never left the house without double-knotting his shoes.

Chester, our LOVABLE and RELATABLE (mouse) hero, stars in Kevin Henkes' Chester's Way, a picture book celebrating FRIENDSHIP.

Chester without a doubt has his OWN WAY of doing things and living life. But fortunately for Chester, he is BLESSED with a friend, Wilson, who is similarly inclined. Chester is not alone and isolated for living life on his own terms--with his own quirks--because he has found a kindred spirit who sees the world the same way he does. Without Wilson, perhaps Chester's Way would not have been so cheer-y and happy.

The "conflict" in the book is when Lily comes to town--or enters the scene/picture. Is there a place for Lily in Wilson and Chester's world? Can Lily who has her own unique, quirky way of living life find her place in this friendship?

The answer of course is YES. Quirks = blessings in Kevin Henkes' fiction. I love the way these young mice come together and cement their friendship.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers