Big Plot Points
What is the setting of this novel?
Times Square Subway Station
How does Chester get into money trouble?
He ate Mario's money by accident
What animal is Tucker? What does he like to do when he is not collecting or sleeping?
Mouse; sit at the opening of the drain pipe and watch the world go by
Why won't Mr. Smedley give Chester music lessons?
He naturally makes music
What type of animal is Chester?
Cricket
From where does the fire start?
A box of matches
Who is the first human for whom Chester plays opera?
Mario
What does Tucker use for a pillow?
an earring
Describe the concert schedule for Chester
One at 8am and one at 4:30pm since those are times when the station is fullest. It is an hour and a half, not including encores.
Why do Mario's parents let him keep Chester?
He's never had a pet before
What does the thief want to steal?
The bell
Where is Chester from? How does he get to New York? Why?
Connecticut; In a picnic basket; he was trying to eat liverwurst
During the dinner party, who starts singing first?
Harry
What does Chester do that imporesses Mr. Smedley? Who does Mr. Smedley compare Chester to?
Chester chirps a perfect middle C. Mr. Smedley compares him to Orpheus, the greatest musician who ever lived.
What stops while Chester is playing his last song?
Traffic, conversations, and Times Square
What does Paul the Train Conductor do for Mario?
Give him money because he feels pity for him
What does Chester think of Times Square?
It's not as beautiful as his home
What reason does Tucker express for giving Chester money?
How does Mr. Smedley praise Chester's singing ability?
Chester has absolute pitch and he's only met one person who has had it.
What does Chester think of fame?
It's too much work and responsibility
How does Mario know Chester went home?
He took the bell as a souvenir
What does Chester dream about? When he wakes up, what does he find that he is doing?
He is sitting on top of his stump in Connecticut, eating a leaf from a willow tree. It was dry, papery, and bitter. He wakes up and he was eating a $2 bill.
How do Tucker and Harry react when Chester tells them about going back to Connecticut?
Tucker is upset. He is also worried about Mario and all those people Chester is making happy. He's also upset that Chester is retiring when he is successful. Harry think it's Chester's life and he should be able to do what he wants.
On his last concert, what does Chester play for his final encore to honor the whole Bellini family? Why?
A part of an opera called Lucia di Lammermoor. It's Papa's favourite, and Mario and Mama love it too.
What kind of music does Chester play for Mr. Smedley the first time? Why?
Church hymns, because it is Sunday