Title: The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Author: Beverly Cleary
First published January 1, 1965
186 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380709243 (ISBN10: 0380709244)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Ralph the mouse has always dreamed of adventure beyond the walls of his hotel room. One day, a boy named Keith and his family check in and Ralph sees his chance to explore.
When he discovers Keith’s toy motorcycle, he can’t resist taking it for a spin. But what starts as a simple joyride quickly turns into a series of dangerous escapades that require Ralph to use all his wits and bravery.
Luckily, Keith is there to lend a helping hand and teach Ralph the tricks of the motorcycle. Follow Ralph on his daring journey in The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary passed away on March 25, 2021, at the age of 104. She is best known for her work as a writer of over 30 books for children and young adults.
Her stories are relatable, featuring everyday children facing common challenges of growing up, and are often sprinkled with humor. Cleary created some of her most beloved characters, such as Ramona Quimby and her sister Beezus, Henry Huggins, and Ralph S.
Mouse.
Born as Beverly Atlee Bunn in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary moved to Portland when she was six years old, where she attended grammar and high school. She struggled with reading early on due to her lack of interest in the books she was required to read, and an unpleasant first-grade teacher.
However, she discovered the joy of reading in third grade after picking up The Dutch Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins. Cleary became a frequent visitor to the library, but found it difficult to find books that featured characters like herself.
After graduating with a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, Cleary earned a degree in librarianship from the School of Librarianship at the University of Washington. Her first job was as a librarian in Yakima, Washington, where she met many children who were searching for the same books she had always wanted to read as a child.
In response, she wrote her first book, Henry Huggins, which was published in 1950. Beezus and Ramona, Cleary’s first novel to feature the Quimby sisters as the main characters, was published in 1955, although they had already made appearances in the Henry Huggins series.
Cleary married Clarence T. Cleary in 1940, and they moved to Oakland, California, where they had twins in 1955.
Beverly Cleary lived in Carmel, California, until her death. She also wrote two autobiographies, A Girl from Yamhill and My Own Two Feet.
Editoral Review
Beverly Cleary’s classic children’s book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, first published in 1965, is a delightful adventure story that has captured the imaginations of generations of young readers. Cleary, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104, was a prolific author of children’s books, including the popular Ramona Quimby series.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a charming story about a young mouse named Ralph S. Mouse who lives in a run-down hotel with his family.
One day, a boy named Keith and his family check into the hotel, and Keith brings along his toy motorcycle. Ralph is fascinated by the motorcycle and learns how to ride it, setting off a series of adventures that involve daring escapes, near misses, and unexpected friendships.
The book is written in a straightforward, accessible style that is perfect for young readers. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the plot is engaging and fast-paced.
The setting of the hotel is vividly described, with its creaky floors, musty smells, and flickering lights, creating a sense of atmosphere that draws the reader in.
One of the strengths of the book is the way it explores themes of independence, courage, and friendship. Ralph’s desire to be free and to explore the wider world outside the hotel is something that many young readers can relate to, as is his willingness to take risks and face his fears.
The relationship between Ralph and Keith is also beautifully portrayed, with the two characters learning to trust and rely on each other as they navigate the challenges that confront them.
While The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a fun and engaging story that will appeal to young readers, it also has a historical significance that is worth noting. The book was published during a time of great change in American society, with the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture all having an impact on the country.
Cleary’s book, with its themes of adventure, independence, and friendship, can be seen as a reflection of the values and aspirations of the era.
Overall, The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a timeless classic that deserves to be read by every generation of young readers. It is a book that combines adventure, humor, and heart in equal measure, and that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
While some readers may find the book a bit dated in terms of its language and cultural references, this should not detract from its overall appeal. It is a book that deserves to be cherished and celebrated, and that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
