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Mouse Books
Chester's Way
“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.” There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father. Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally. When they ride their bikes, they always use hand signals. If Chester is hungry, Wilson is too. They're two of a kind—until indomitable Lilly, who has her own way of doing things, moves into the neighborhood. Because Lilly has her own way of doing things! Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse , Kitten's First Full Moon , and Chrysanthemum, Chester's Way is a classic picture book about friendship for kids ages 3-7. With sweet good humor and charming pictures, the book's themes of making new friends, accepting others, and trying new things resonate when curled up with a parent or at story time.
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 1988
32 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Henkes
147 books1,212 followersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
September 4, 2010
Ha ha ha. Three blind mice. (see Halloween costumes inside the book)
I just love this author/illustrator. He’s so vividly remembers childhood.
His illustrations, which wouldn’t appeal to me that much outside of any context, work so well in this book. They’re adorable.
This is a wonderful story, one that children will completely understand, about friendship. It’s about a friendship, and how it evolves. It’s about making room for new friends. It’s about what binds and connects us.
It’s a lovely story, funny in parts, poignant (for adults) in others, and children will identify.
It’s a perfect story for encouraging kids to make new friends and to appreciate the friends that they have, and to be open to change in general.
I just love this author/illustrator. He’s so vividly remembers childhood.
His illustrations, which wouldn’t appeal to me that much outside of any context, work so well in this book. They’re adorable.
This is a wonderful story, one that children will completely understand, about friendship. It’s about a friendship, and how it evolves. It’s about making room for new friends. It’s about what binds and connects us.
It’s a lovely story, funny in parts, poignant (for adults) in others, and children will identify.
It’s a perfect story for encouraging kids to make new friends and to appreciate the friends that they have, and to be open to change in general.
October 5, 2019
Kevin Henkes' "Mouse Tales" are always a pleasure, pairing adorable illustrations and pitch-perfect textual evocations of the experiences of early childhood.
Owen
, which was a Caldecott Honor Book, explores the issue of a young mouse's attachment to his security blanket, while the marvelous
Chrysanthemum
details the story of a young mouse who find herself the target of schoolroom ridicule, as a result of her unusual name. But despite my enjoyment of these and other titles, somehow I had never picked up Chester's Way before today. How glad I am that I finally did, as it is (not surprisingly) an absolute delight!
Chester had his own way of doing things, from cutting his sandwiches diagonally, to double-knotting his shoes every morning - ways that his best friend Wilson shared. Chester and Wilson were an inseparable pair: swimming, biking and even snacking together. And then one day, a little mouse named Lily moved into the neighborhood, and she too had her own way of doing things. A way that often involved flamboyant disguises and water guns. Would Chester and Wilson ever accept Lily...? This being Kevin Henkes, there's never much doubt of the happy ending, but it is still immensely satisfying watching Chester, Wilson and Lily get there. Absolutely charming - I think I need to reread the rest of these!
Chester had his own way of doing things, from cutting his sandwiches diagonally, to double-knotting his shoes every morning - ways that his best friend Wilson shared. Chester and Wilson were an inseparable pair: swimming, biking and even snacking together. And then one day, a little mouse named Lily moved into the neighborhood, and she too had her own way of doing things. A way that often involved flamboyant disguises and water guns. Would Chester and Wilson ever accept Lily...? This being Kevin Henkes, there's never much doubt of the happy ending, but it is still immensely satisfying watching Chester, Wilson and Lily get there. Absolutely charming - I think I need to reread the rest of these!
July 9, 2009
Love the pictures. Story was good, too. A good storytime read or a lap-sit--either would be enjoyable for the adults as well as the children. Some of the humor was subtle but I got a kick out of it. Lessons to be learned, but nothing that shoves it in your face.
July 3, 2023
Cute story about accepting people as they are.
September 3, 2025
Autism 4 autism 4 autism friends.
July 21, 2025
A pair of very particular boys with very set routines are the best of friends. And then a nonconformist dares to move into the neighborhood and show them that a little change can be a good thing.
My daughter and I both liked this when she was three. And it holds up very well a couple decades down the road.
My daughter and I both liked this when she was three. And it holds up very well a couple decades down the road.
June 16, 2009
Chester is the neighborhood Weird Kid. Clearly. He always does things in his own special and particular way. So does his friend, Wilson. They double knot their shoelaces. They use handsignals on their bikes. They never swing at the first pitch. They always carry extra bandaids.
Then Lilly moves in, with HER special way of doing things. And Chester and Wilson avoid her like the plague. Seriously. But she saves the day with water guns when some bigger boys decide to taunt Chester and Wilson (it's the hand signals), and they discover that her own weird way of doing things isn't so bad - and that they have a lot in common with her as well. So they become friends.
There's a lot of mirroring in this book. The description of Lilly's special way of doing things mirrors pretty closely the description of how Chester and Wilson do things (with different details slotted in, of course), and the description of how the three friends do things together is the same as the description of how the two friends do things together (but with different pictures, naturally). At the end of the book, Victor moves into the neighborhood. In a later book, we find out that Victor does become friends with the trio as well. (Although he must be the weirdest of the bunch - he's shown chasing down a butterfly with his bare hands. GO VICTOR!)
Then Lilly moves in, with HER special way of doing things. And Chester and Wilson avoid her like the plague. Seriously. But she saves the day with water guns when some bigger boys decide to taunt Chester and Wilson (it's the hand signals), and they discover that her own weird way of doing things isn't so bad - and that they have a lot in common with her as well. So they become friends.
There's a lot of mirroring in this book. The description of Lilly's special way of doing things mirrors pretty closely the description of how Chester and Wilson do things (with different details slotted in, of course), and the description of how the three friends do things together is the same as the description of how the two friends do things together (but with different pictures, naturally). At the end of the book, Victor moves into the neighborhood. In a later book, we find out that Victor does become friends with the trio as well. (Although he must be the weirdest of the bunch - he's shown chasing down a butterfly with his bare hands. GO VICTOR!)
March 25, 2014
Parents need to know that this is an appealing story with a universal theme that engages readers. Colorful spot illustrations are humorous but lack the sparkle of full-page spreads.
From commonsensemedia.org
Kirkus Reviews (1988)
Chester, a mouse, is almost too good: he does everything just so--from double-knotting his shoes to carrying a first-aid kit. His friend Wilson is just like him; they are always together. When Lilly, an imaginative hellion, moves in next door, they find her too uproarious to play with--till the day she scares away some bullies who are pestering them; but when they finally get to know Lilly, they find her creativity makes life more interesting--and, of course, she has something to learn from them as well. The reversal of the stereotype here is hardly novel, but Henkes' pungent dialogue is amusing, and his illustrations engaging. Using two or three vignettes per page, he represents his characters mouse-size, which emphasizes what comically tidy, particular little people Chester and Wilson are. This should double well as an easy reader.
Publishers Weekly (August 25, 1997)
This "sunny" tale of mouse friendships features rambunctious Lilly (of the purple plastic purse). In a boxed review, PW said, "every sentence is either downright funny or dense with playful, deadpan humor." Ages 4-up. (Sept.)
From commonsensemedia.org
Kirkus Reviews (1988)
Chester, a mouse, is almost too good: he does everything just so--from double-knotting his shoes to carrying a first-aid kit. His friend Wilson is just like him; they are always together. When Lilly, an imaginative hellion, moves in next door, they find her too uproarious to play with--till the day she scares away some bullies who are pestering them; but when they finally get to know Lilly, they find her creativity makes life more interesting--and, of course, she has something to learn from them as well. The reversal of the stereotype here is hardly novel, but Henkes' pungent dialogue is amusing, and his illustrations engaging. Using two or three vignettes per page, he represents his characters mouse-size, which emphasizes what comically tidy, particular little people Chester and Wilson are. This should double well as an easy reader.
Publishers Weekly (August 25, 1997)
This "sunny" tale of mouse friendships features rambunctious Lilly (of the purple plastic purse). In a boxed review, PW said, "every sentence is either downright funny or dense with playful, deadpan humor." Ages 4-up. (Sept.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2013
Chester and Wilson are best friends who do absolutely everything together. They like to do things their own way and think Lilly, the new girl in the neighborhood, is very strange. They always tried to avoid playing with her until one day, while Chester and Wilson were being picked on by mean boys, Lilly scared them away with a cat disguise. Chester and Wilson were so thankful that they invited Lilly to play with them. It turned out that they all had a lot in common, taught each other all kinds of new things and became very best friends. This book is a great way to teach children not to judge a book by its cover. Just because someone looks or does things different than you does not mean you can not be friends. It is also a good way to teach children that it is okay to have more than one best friend, they can have as many best friends as they want. The repetition in this book and in other books by Kevin Henkes is helpful for students to interact with and it makes the story fun and memorable. The pictures show action and movement and jump off the page in a way. I love this book and everything about it.
February 23, 2014
Kevin Henkes created a wonderful story about friendship in Chester's Way. The story begins by describing Chester, a young personified mouse who likes everything a certain way. His best friend Wilson has very similar interests, and they do everything together. When Lilly moves into their neighborhood, Chester and Wilson do not quite know what to make of her strange way of doing things. When she tries to befriend them, they find ways of ignoring her.
One day, some older mice begin to make fun of Chester and Wilson when they are riding their bikes. Lilly, disguised as a cat, jumps out of the bushes and scares the bullies away. To show their gratitude, Chester and Wilson soon befriend her and learn to try some new things.
There are many illustrations in this book. The text is broken up into small sentences and paragraphs so that each new action and event can be given its own illustration. The illustrations are very colorful, and some of them provide extra clues to understand the text.
This is a wonderful story to share with children to encourage them to befriend others and try new things. This is definitely a book I would use with a class.
One day, some older mice begin to make fun of Chester and Wilson when they are riding their bikes. Lilly, disguised as a cat, jumps out of the bushes and scares the bullies away. To show their gratitude, Chester and Wilson soon befriend her and learn to try some new things.
There are many illustrations in this book. The text is broken up into small sentences and paragraphs so that each new action and event can be given its own illustration. The illustrations are very colorful, and some of them provide extra clues to understand the text.
This is a wonderful story to share with children to encourage them to befriend others and try new things. This is definitely a book I would use with a class.
January 11, 2022
First sentence: Chester had his own way of doing thing....he always cut his sandwiches diagonally. He always gout out of bed on the same side. And he never left the house without double-knotting his shoes.
Chester, our LOVABLE and RELATABLE (mouse) hero, stars in Kevin Henkes' Chester's Way, a picture book celebrating FRIENDSHIP.
Chester without a doubt has his OWN WAY of doing things and living life. But fortunately for Chester, he is BLESSED with a friend, Wilson, who is similarly inclined. Chester is not alone and isolated for living life on his own terms--with his own quirks--because he has found a kindred spirit who sees the world the same way he does. Without Wilson, perhaps Chester's Way would not have been so cheer-y and happy.
The "conflict" in the book is when Lily comes to town--or enters the scene/picture. Is there a place for Lily in Wilson and Chester's world? Can Lily who has her own unique, quirky way of living life find her place in this friendship?
The answer of course is YES. Quirks = blessings in Kevin Henkes' fiction. I love the way these young mice come together and cement their friendship.
Chester, our LOVABLE and RELATABLE (mouse) hero, stars in Kevin Henkes' Chester's Way, a picture book celebrating FRIENDSHIP.
Chester without a doubt has his OWN WAY of doing things and living life. But fortunately for Chester, he is BLESSED with a friend, Wilson, who is similarly inclined. Chester is not alone and isolated for living life on his own terms--with his own quirks--because he has found a kindred spirit who sees the world the same way he does. Without Wilson, perhaps Chester's Way would not have been so cheer-y and happy.
The "conflict" in the book is when Lily comes to town--or enters the scene/picture. Is there a place for Lily in Wilson and Chester's world? Can Lily who has her own unique, quirky way of living life find her place in this friendship?
The answer of course is YES. Quirks = blessings in Kevin Henkes' fiction. I love the way these young mice come together and cement their friendship.
March 5, 2016
"Chester and Wilson, Wilson and Chester. And that's the way it was." Chester and Wilson do EVERYTHING together. They dress the same on Halloween, they only ride bikes if they are together, they even make sure they have identical Christmas lists! But a new girl, Lily, has just moved to town, and Chester feels that his and Wilson's days as a duo are soon to be compromised. Author Kevin Henkes does an amazing job with the layout of this picture book. His miniaturized illustrations next to small sections of text allow for the reader to see just how much Chester and Wilson do together, even in such a short book. His parallel structure between the story of Chester and Wilson and the story of Chester, Wilson and Lily really helps drive the point across to the reader: That change isn't always a bad thing. The portrayal of the characters as mice added some artistic beauty to the story, as well as making it more enjoyable for the young readers. Overall, this book teaches a great lesson, and is very well written and illustrated. Perfect for any child, or even someone older.
April 28, 2014
This book is about a mouse named Chester. He was very used to his doing his own thing without anyone else until Wilson moved into town. They became the best of friends, doing everything together. Then another strange mouse came into town, her name was Lily. She was an odd mouse, running all over the place with weird costumes. Chester and Wilson did everything they could to stay away from her and avoid talking to her. One day, Chester and Wilson were being picked on by other mice until a cat popped out of the bushes! They couldn’t believe it, it was Lily in the cat costume that saved them. After that Chester, Wilson, and Lily became best of friends and did everything together. The one thing I love about this book is the theme and the story line. I like the fact that it is realistic in a way that children most likely avoid other children who are new in town. They might seem weird or scary at first but really they just need a friend.
September 19, 2014
In the book, Chester's way by Kevin Henkes, expresses the meaning of true friendship. These two kids are two peas and pod,they do everything together. The two characters both enjoy the same things. For Halloween the children go as things that connect or are two. then a girl moves into the neighborhood. the two friends are afraid of the new girl until she ends up helping them out. Then they all realize that they are exactly the same so they are now best friends.
This book has vivid and colorful images. The illustrations portray realistic images.The stories plot is outstanding, it teaches children reading it to not judge others depending on their appearance.There are lines that go horizontal to separate pictures depending on the format on the page.i feel that a child could connect to this story because at some point a child feels left out. My overall impression is that this book is outstanding, I loved how it was so realistic.
This book has vivid and colorful images. The illustrations portray realistic images.The stories plot is outstanding, it teaches children reading it to not judge others depending on their appearance.There are lines that go horizontal to separate pictures depending on the format on the page.i feel that a child could connect to this story because at some point a child feels left out. My overall impression is that this book is outstanding, I loved how it was so realistic.
November 27, 2014
Chester and Wilson are best friends, and do everything together, until the indomitable Lily shows up. Lily has a completely new way of thinking, and likes to do everything her. Soon they learn that they have a lot of differences But then they turned out having a lot in common This book can be used to teach children about individuality and friendship. Chester, Wilson, and Lily portray common friendship relationships among young children. Because of this many young readers will relate and enjoy this charming story. It also teaches children that it is okay to be different and have a different way of doing things. Like all Kevin Henkes books, the illustrations are marvelous. The animal characters with human like traits give his story an interesting and humorous twist. The story is also told in a short manner making it an easy read for beginner readers. Completely recommend this book!
February 21, 2014
3.75 Stars
I enjoyed having this read to me by Vannesa Marano and Katie Leclerc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8Ypm...
I like the story about getting along and finding differences. We aren't all a like and that is a good thing. Chester and Wilson are stuck in their own world of diagonally sliced sandwiches until Lilly comes along.
I am hit and miss with Henkes book, either I like them or I hate them. This is a like. I mean, any friends that will dress up as the Three Blind Mice so they all could dress they same for Halloween...is pretty cool!!
I enjoyed having this read to me by Vannesa Marano and Katie Leclerc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8Ypm...
I like the story about getting along and finding differences. We aren't all a like and that is a good thing. Chester and Wilson are stuck in their own world of diagonally sliced sandwiches until Lilly comes along.
I am hit and miss with Henkes book, either I like them or I hate them. This is a like. I mean, any friends that will dress up as the Three Blind Mice so they all could dress they same for Halloween...is pretty cool!!
May 2, 2014
In Chester's Way Kevin Henkes teaches us to introduce yourself to new people. Chester and Wilson are friends and they learn that even though Lilly does dangerous things, they can still be friends with her because you never know what might happen. Chester and Wilson were "practicing hand signals" when some older boys rode by "popping wheelies" and being mean. When Chester and Wilson were sad, a "fierce looking cat" jumped out of the bushes and scared the older boys away and that's how Chester and Wilson and Lilly became friends. I learned that you can be friends with different people because you never know when you will need them.
August 5, 2014
I've always enjoyed Kevin Henkes, so when I found the video of Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc reading/signing this story via Book Riot I had to watch.
Chester and Wilson are inseparable best friends and have their own way of doing everything together. Then, Lilly moved into the neighborhood and she has her own way of doing things. Eventually, they become the best of friends and develop their own way of doing things together.
Both actress did excellent jobs bringing the characters to life. I especially enjoyed watching Leclerc sign the tale.
Chester and Wilson are inseparable best friends and have their own way of doing everything together. Then, Lilly moved into the neighborhood and she has her own way of doing things. Eventually, they become the best of friends and develop their own way of doing things together.
Both actress did excellent jobs bringing the characters to life. I especially enjoyed watching Leclerc sign the tale.
September 1, 2014
Genre: Picture Storybooks
Chester and Wilson, Wilson and Chester. That's the way it was.....until Lilly moved into the neighborhood. This incredible story tells of three loveable mice as they learn about what friendship is all about. Children will relate to the quirkiness of the characters and simply fall in love with them.
Themes: Friendship, acceptance
Ways to use the book: I have used this book as a read-aloud EVERY year to start the school year at EVERY grade I've ever taught. Is is a good reminder of accepting others and the joys of friendship. Kevin Henkes has a way of building love of reading with his delightful books!
Chester and Wilson, Wilson and Chester. That's the way it was.....until Lilly moved into the neighborhood. This incredible story tells of three loveable mice as they learn about what friendship is all about. Children will relate to the quirkiness of the characters and simply fall in love with them.
Themes: Friendship, acceptance
Ways to use the book: I have used this book as a read-aloud EVERY year to start the school year at EVERY grade I've ever taught. Is is a good reminder of accepting others and the joys of friendship. Kevin Henkes has a way of building love of reading with his delightful books!
January 7, 2015
This is the book that introduces one of my now favorite fictional characters, the girl who dances by the beat of her own drum, Lilly. Love Lilly! My daughter has added Lilly's red boots(with the star on them, looking very Wonder Womanish)on her Christmas list;)She already has Lilly's purple plastic purse on her list;) The story is really good as well about including others in our circle, a good subject for little kids(actually, for everyone). Had a fun discussion with my daughter after we read it.
October 12, 2015
Chester's Way is a delightful, quirky children's book. The story chronicles a mouse named Chester and his best friend who is almost identical to him in every way. Chester and his friend are in for quite a surprised when a new mouse with a big personality comes to town and wants to be friends. I enjoyed the cute mouse illustrations that complimented the text well. I appreciated the interesting and nuanced role of the female character in the story. The book left salient messages of inclusivity, friendship, and keeping an open mind.
September 15, 2015
Very cute story about friendship!
Chester and his best friend Wilson seem a little OCD at the beginning of the book, and have very strict ways of doing things. Then Lilly, a wild child, comes along and teaches them to lighten up a bit. While they don't want to be friends with her at first, they begin to accept her as one of their own.
Great story for teaching kids about friendship and accepting others.
Chester and his best friend Wilson seem a little OCD at the beginning of the book, and have very strict ways of doing things. Then Lilly, a wild child, comes along and teaches them to lighten up a bit. While they don't want to be friends with her at first, they begin to accept her as one of their own.
Great story for teaching kids about friendship and accepting others.
November 14, 2019
Text- to - Teaching
Chester's Way is a good book to use to give a quick lesson on friendship and being nice. I would read this book to my students and have them tell me the parts when the boys were being good friends and when they weren't. After I read the book to my class I would ask them about their friendships and how many students struggle with making friends like Lilly did or who has a best friend like Chester. I would use this book for discussion time.
Chester's Way is a good book to use to give a quick lesson on friendship and being nice. I would read this book to my students and have them tell me the parts when the boys were being good friends and when they weren't. After I read the book to my class I would ask them about their friendships and how many students struggle with making friends like Lilly did or who has a best friend like Chester. I would use this book for discussion time.
September 23, 2021
I adored this book. Two cute little boy mice are best friends because they are so alike but then a girl mouse moves in and she is nothing like the two boys. Eventually they learn that they do have some things in common and they celebrate their differences and learn from each other. Loved the illustrations which were humorous, colorful, and plentiful.
This is just the sweetest book!
This is just the sweetest book!
January 29, 2022
This one was goodm but not one of my all time favorites. I thought it was fun to follow Chester the cat as he marked the pages and told his own story, but sometimes it did get a little chaotic. I think this is a book for a little more advanced readers, but still applies to the younger children. Overall, very cute story.
December 26, 2021
My friends are cool. I spend the night at their house and they introduce me to top-tier picture books. Like this one. It's beautiful. Will be looking for this author when I scrounge about seeking to satisfy the obsessive desire to buy more books.
March 3, 2014
Very nice book with great illustrations. If my son were very set in his ways, it would be helpful to increase flexibility and tolerance.
September 25, 2021
Henkes is the best and so are his endings.
July 18, 2023
rereading your favourite childhood books as an adult hits different. time to heal my inner child <3
May 6, 2024
Relyn rating: 4.5 stars
I love Kevin Henkes! You can't go wrong with his picture books. They are guaranteed crowd pleasers.
Bonus tip - the Storyline Online version features Katie Leclerc signing the book while Vanessa Marano reads it.
I love Kevin Henkes! You can't go wrong with his picture books. They are guaranteed crowd pleasers.
Bonus tip - the Storyline Online version features Katie Leclerc signing the book while Vanessa Marano reads it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews