The Cricket
William Colton
language
(Colton Publishing, Sept. 2, 2016)
Grandfathers, seasoned by years of experience, often develop special ways of teaching moral lessons to children. The Cricket is a story about a nine-year-old boy named Jacob who spends a hot autumn day with his grandfather in San Francisco. Jacob wantonly kills a cricket. His grandfather is not concerned about the death of the cricket, but by the attitude of his grandson. His grandfather takes Jacob on a short journey of learning that will last a lifetime. The book celebrates the age-old art of teaching children with actions and consequences. William Colton includes a plot surprise as a wondrous teaching moment as well as symbolism applicable to the larger adult world.