The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a classic tale from legendary children’s author Beverly Cleary. With over 39 books under her belt, Cleary has cleared herself an unmovable part in American society and literature. This classic book is the first in a trilogy following an adventurous little mouse called Ralph and his unlikely friendships.
Excellence through perseverance is an important message in the importance of safety and care.
Keep reading for a look at everything you need to know about this heartwarming classic children’s story!
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle – Beverly Cleary
Reading Age 5-9
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is perfect for independent reading or for shared reading at home or in a classroom. This fun story is the first of a trilogy, along with Runaway Ralph and Ralph S. Mouse, all inspired by the author’s hope to create appealing books for boys and girls—and by the sight of her son playing with toy cars.
Full Official Synopsis:
In this imaginative adventure from Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary, a young mouse named Ralph is thrown into a world of excitement when a young boy and his shiny toy motorcycle check in to the Mountain View Inn.
When the ever-curious Ralph spots Keith’s red toy motorcycle, he vows to ride it. So when Keith leaves the bike unattended in his room one day, Ralph makes his move. But with all this freedom (and speed!) come a lot of obstacles. Whether dodging a rowdy terrier or keeping his nosy cousins away from his new wheels, Ralph has a lot going on! And with a pal like Keith always looking out for him, there’s nothing this little mouse can’t handle.
About The Author
“Beverly Cleary was a literary treasure whose lively characters brought so much joy to this world.”
Reese Witherspoon
Beverly Cleary has one of the most all-American success stories of humble authors. Young Beverly learned to love books through her mother’s job as a librarian, although when she went to grammar school, she found herself in the low reading circle.
Despite her struggles, she persevered and her teachers long suggested that Cleary follow a career in writing.
Most of Cleary’s works are inspired from her childhood and from stories and experiences of those around her. This stems from her childhood reading days where she was unable to relate to a lot of characters in stories.
Honors and Awards
- 1978 Newbery Honor Book, Ramona and Her Father
- 1982 Newbery Honor Book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8
- 1984 Newbery Medal, Dear Mr. Henshaw
- National Book Award, Ramona and Her Mother
- Catholic Library Association’s 1980 Regina Medal Award
- University of Southern Mississippi’s 1982 Silver Medallion*
- Children’s Book Council 1985 Everychild Award*
- American Library Association’s 1975 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award*
- Named a 2000 Library of Congress ‘Living Legend’*
*All presented in recognition of her lasting contribution to children’s literature. Mrs. Cleary’s books have received more than 35 state awards based on the direct votes of her young readers. (*quoted from author’s page)
Cleary was active for a whopping 49 years and died only 5 short years after her last publication. Her influence on literature and culture is not lost. There is a school named in her honor as well as statues of some of her famous characters erected in Grant Park.
Our Review of The Mouse and the Motorcycle (Ralph Mouse Book 1)
This book is about the friendship between a boy named Keith, who has a toy motorcycle, and a mouse named Ralph who learns to ride it.
Despite the inn is infested with mice, they are all well-mannered and squeaky clean! Ralph’s adventures are sometimes scary and/or hair-raising, they are always hilarious and pull a good few chuckles! The friendship between man and mouse, bonded together by riding a motorcycle is surprisingly heartwarming.
The book is short, sweet, and hilarious!
We read the kindle version and it is decorated with some really charming illustrations by illustrator Tracy Dockray, who has provided illustrations for many Beverly Cleary books. We love that these books are being maintained with respect and dignity with a focus on keeping a distinctive style across all of the late Cleary’s books!
This is a lovely fun little gem that has aged well! Markedly the recommended reading age is 5-9, we think personally it leans more towards the 7-11 bracket, depending on your child’s reading ability!
Why not check out the 1986 Mouse and the Motorcycle TV special?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the moral of The Mouse and the Motorcycle?
A: The theme of the story “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” is to keep cautious of unexpected dangers.
Q: Is there a Mouse and the Motorcycle movie?
A: There is a 1986 animated TV special! Watch on Prime
Q: What happens in the end of The Mouse and the Motorcycle?
A: Keith allows Ralph to ride the motorcycle and offers to take Ralph with him back to his home in Ohio. Ralph decides to stay with his family in the Mountain View Inn. Keith gives Ralph the motorcycle to keep and Ralph is thrilled.
Don’t Miss Out On The Rest Of Ralph The Mouse Books, Check Our Our Guide To The Trilogy Here!
