Chester arrives in New York City frightened and alone but leaves with self-assurance and lasting friendships. Throughout the story, Selden illustrates the value of friendship and its ability to cross cultural and social boundaries. Mario, Tucker, Harry Cat, and Sai Fong aren’t only Chester’s greatest fans but also his greatest friends. Through their love, acceptance, loyalty, support, and honesty, they show that they treasure Chester’s friendship—and their friendships with each other. Chester’s friendship, in turn, makes a positive impact on each of their lives. Selden illustrates that enduring friendship is its own fortune, much more valuable than fame or wealth.

Friends accept you for who you are inside, not what you are, and the friendship between Tucker and Harry Cat is a perfect example. Instead of being natural enemies, the two are comfortable, old friends: an original odd couple. They know each other’s strengths—and weaknesses, like Harry’s dreadful singing and Tucker’s acquisitive nature—and they accept and complement one another. Harry’s steadiness balances Tucker’s impulsiveness. Both Tucker and Harry unhesitatingly accept Chester into their lives. Tucker is especially eager to show his new friend the glories of New York City. Likewise, Mario excitedly accepts Chester as “his new friend” (16).