Chester's Way

Chester and his best friend, Wilson, have their own ways of doing things, whether it be using bike hand signals, swallowing watermelon seeds, or dressing as a combo for Halloween. "Peas in a pod," note their parents. Look out, Wilson and Chester! There's a new neighbor, and Lily has her own way of doing things. Working out the intricacies of becoming a threesome captures the vagaries and resiliencies of young friendship. Laura Hamilton is an unobtrusive narrator who puts the listener's total focus on the story. She narrates at a pace to encourage thinking about her words and appreciating Henkes's detailed illustrations. Discreet sound effects add just the right background to the story. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

October 1, 1989
When eccentric Lily moves into their neighborhood, best friends Chester and Wilson's routine is disrupted, but the twosome becomes a triumvirate once Lily proves her mettle. In a boxed review, PW said, ``Henkes's vision of friendship captures the essence of the childlike.'' Ages 3-8.