This book reminded me of why I wanted to read the Caldecotts to my girls.  This book was illustrated so differently than many of the books you read.  They were simple and effective.  Very simplistic.  I really like the variation of illustration and story style in all the books we have read.

 

This story is about a little boy named Jay who is sent by his father to colect the cows.  Along the way he collects things; pebbles, arrowheads, interesting rocks, beans, all sorts of things.  Finally he finds a cricket.  A prize possession.  He brings it home with the cows, eventually.

 

It quickly becomes his pet.  Jay's first day of school soon comes and he decides he can't go without Cricket.  So he shoves Cricket into his pocket and takes him to school with him.

 

Cricket starts his noise-making on the school bus.  The other children tease Jay and tell him Teacher will have him in big trouble.  They get to class and Cricket starts chirping.  Teacher tells Jay to put the cricket outside.  He doesn't want to defy his teacher, but he doesn't want to loose his friend either.

 

His teacher gives Jay a 'special pass', which, considering when this book was made (mid 60's I think) was pretty leinient considering the era.  She allows him to show Cricket for show-and-tell.  This kids all love Cricket and want to know what Jay will bring in next.

 

This book won the Caldecott Honor in 1965.