Chester's Way [Paperback]

Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Chester and Wilson had their own way of doing things, and they did everything together. When they cut their sandwiches, it was always diagonally. When they rode their bikes, they always used hand signals. If Chester was hungry, Wilson was too. They were two of a kind, and that's the way it was - until indomitable Lilly, who had her own way of doing things, moved into the neighborhood.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Kevin Henkes's charming story (Greenwillow Books, 1988) of two friends who are truly "two peas in a pod" comes to life in this quality production. Chester and Wilson do everything the same way, from cutting sandwiches to playing baseball. Then Lilly, of purple plastic purse fame, moves into the neighborhood. Lilly has her own way of doing things, and Chester and Wilson don't know quite what to make of her until the day she uses one of her disguises to frighten off some misbehaving older boys. Chester and Wilson look at Lilly in a new light, and discover that the three of them have more in common than they previously believed, and that perhaps different ways of doing things are just fine. Narrator Laura Hamilton keeps listeners engaged with her terrific intonation and distinct voice for each character. Background music and sound effects enhance the tale. One side of the recording has page-turn signals to help youngsters read along.–Judy Czarnecki, Chippewa River District Library System, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 22, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688154727
• ISBN-13: 978-0688154721
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kevin Henkes is the creator of many distinguished books for children, including Kitten's First Full Moon (winner of the Caldecott Medal), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Chrysanthemum. His novels for young people include Olive's Ocean (a Newbery Honor Book) and Bird Lake Moon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kevin Henkes is humorous and clever, even for adults, April 15, 2001

By 

Shaz "oi-you!" (Naples, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Chester's Way (Paperback)

I purchased this book because my maiden name is Chester- honestly, it's the only reason I got it! What a delight to find that the story is amusing and worth every penny. Chester is a mouse who does things his own way- he always eats the same thing for breakfast, he always uses hand signals when he rides his bike, and he never leaves the house without double-knotting his shoelaces. Chester's best friend's name is Wilson (my mother's maiden name- another delightful surprise!), and he and Chester are inseperable. When Wilson accidentally swallows a watermelon seed and cries because he's afraid he'll grow a watermelon in his belly, Chester swallows one too, so Wilson won't be alone in his predicament. This pair are like two peas in a pod...and then Lilly moves into the neighborhood. Lilly has HER own way of doing things, and Chester and Wilson avoid her like the plague. That is, until she scares of some neighborhood bullies trying to pick on Wilson and Chester. From then on, the three of them go everywhere together, and Chester and Wilson find that Lilly has many of the same interests that they do. An amusing and chuckle-out-loud story for all. Be sure to get "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse", too.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chester's Way is Wonderful, July 21, 2000

By 

Jeffrey B. Henriques "jbhstats" (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chester's Way (Paperback)

Kevin Henkes is an absolute treasure. His stories are a treat for both children and adults combining rhythmic prose and engaging artwork. "Chester's Way" is a delightful book about friendship. Wilson and Chester are the best of friends, and that's the way it was...until Lilly came along. Lilly does things differently than Chester and Wilson. However, they eventually become friends and learn from one another. My son and his best friend liked the story so much that they dressed as Chester and Wilson for Halloween one year.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on friendship of similar and different people, April 8, 1998

By 

M. BAXI "concerned citizen" (Troy,MI,USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chester's Way (Library Binding)

Chester's Way is an excellent introduction to how we choose friends and sometimes having friends with personalities which are different can be an asset. I highly reccommend this book and also 'Personality Plus' by Florence Littauer (for adults).