The Cricket

The Cricket is a religious story about a nine-year-old Jewish boy named Jacob who spends a hot autumn day with his Muslim grandfather in San Francisco. Jacob wantonly kills a cricket. His grandfather is not concerned about the death of the cricket, but by the attitude of his grandson. His grandpa takes Jacob on a journey to discover the importance of finding meaning in one's actions and life.Nine year old Esmerelda isn't happy. Cursed with a girly name that no one can pronounce, never mind spell, she seems destined to be a disappointment. Mum wants a perfect princess for a daughter, complete with balletic grace and frilly dresses. Her teachers wish she'd pay attention in class and learn to spell, and her ballet teacher wishes Esmerelda would point her toes and perform impeccable pirouettes, but would settle for her remembering her ballet pumps once in a while.No one seems to care much about Esmerelda's wishes. Until she finds a magic pepper pot in Great Aunt Maud's attic. Every time she sneezes and makes a wish, the wish comes true. But when the wishes go a bit wonky, Esmerelda has to wonder if wishing for things only spells disaster.