I like the

Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket

I like the

I like the mag. At least I did before the layout completely changed. I kinda dont like it now. There are less good stories.

submitted by Napoi Inpronouncable, age 13, CA
(July 29, 2008 - 11:48 pm)

back to the Chirp at Cricket

I know what you mean. Somehow the old Cricket was so much better. I'm not sure why. There were more folk tales, I believe, and it was less modern and glossy and all that. Now it seems sort of bland and dull. I remember being particularly disappointed after reading some story about a girl who was daydreaming about being a superhero, and then she saved her babysittee from going out into the street... Or something. I dunno. I liked it when it was black and white with ONE color per issue, and they retold folk tales and it wasn't modern and I didn't feel talked down to. Maybe I'm just getting too old, but if that's the case, then why do I still love to read my parents' old issues from the '70s?

Please note, O dear editors, that this is constructive criticism, not hate mail or whatever.

I think I just live in the past or something. If you want me, I'll be in 19th-century Yorkshire.

submitted by Alice W., age 14, In agreement
(August 2, 2008 - 3:42 pm)

I actually just discovered that this whole year, the mag has been shorter! I'm outraged! What's up with that? There are only like, five stories in each issue. There used to be ten, at least. And two to three continued stories used to go on at the same time. Now there's only one. (This is a hint, by the way, that we need more of those.) Please, someone respond to this and tell me what you think.

submitted by Julia R., age 12, Renton, WA
(August 3, 2008 - 12:59 pm)

Julia, we were very sorry to make each Cricket shorter, too. It was strictly a financial decision made by our business managers as the best way to keep publishing the very best stories and poems for young people. While the size of the printed magazine has been reduced, we've greatly expanded our Web site, which now offers additional contests and activities and opportunities for readers to communicate with us and each other.

I'll pass your request for more continued stories on to the editors. Readers' comments are very important to them.

Best wishes,

Old Cricket

submitted by Old Cricket, age Forgotten , Cricket Country
(August 4, 2008 - 4:53 pm)

i luv continued stories

and i hate them

each entry of the star shard seems shorter than the other continued stories

im not a big fan of the new layout either

submitted by ooblek, age 0, next 2 computer
(August 18, 2008 - 12:59 pm)

Wait, there sorter?

submitted by The Man For Aeiou, age 12, Museica
(August 26, 2008 - 8:34 pm)

I was looking at old Crickets in the library and there are some other characters! Like what happened to Silvery or whatever her name is?

submitted by shannon
(August 21, 2008 - 10:21 am)

Yeah, what happened to the mermaid, she was my favorite person/bug

submitted by Isa A., age 13, Eureka Ca.
(August 24, 2008 - 11:25 pm)

Editors, if you are reading this, please convince the cartoonists to put Silvery in the next issue!!!!!

submitted by Hannah R., age 13, New York
(August 25, 2008 - 1:23 pm)

ALL the mags are different.

submitted by The Man For Aeiou, age 12, Museica
(August 26, 2008 - 8:35 pm)

I wouldn't know about that one because I only get Cricket.  I might try Muse... is it good?

submitted by Hannah R., age 13, New York
(August 29, 2008 - 2:23 pm)

Muse was FLAMABLAMABLOUS. But it has changed, just like Cricket. I do recommend it to people who ABSOLUTLY love science, and think Moleculer Gastronamy is the coolest thing ever. *sarcasm* But yeah, it WAS awesomely great, it still is, but it's getting a bit worse, just like Cricket.

submitted by Beatlesrockr (Archan, age 10, Illinois, The P
(August 31, 2008 - 1:31 pm)

I agree with Alice. The 70's and early 80's were better. There were
more stories, and the b+w format was better. Also, the stories with
everybuggy were more interesting. What happened to HA Ray and Ms.Mss? I
know that Trina S. Hyman can no longer draw them, so I shouldn't blame
Cricket... Burt please try to add more stories.

PS. It is amazing how many people say that they are the only people
who play viola, and more people need to play viola. There are hundreds!

submitted by Reuben K, age 12, New Jersey
(August 27, 2008 - 1:04 pm)