The Mouse and the Motorcycle

by Beverly Cleary

Illustrated by Tracy Dockray

Young Ralph lives in a knothole in room 215 of the Mountain View Inn, and in his short life he’s seen plenty of families come and go. The only difference, it seems, is that some are more generous with their crumbs than other. Then Keith and his parents check in, and they’ve brought something new: a toy motorcycle that’s just the right size for an adventure-seeking mouse! Ralph has always dreamed of venturing beyond the second floor, and now is his chance. Unfortunately, his first attempt at a ride lands him right at the bottom of the wastepaper basket, where he has to wait for someone to find him. Luckily, Keith is sympathetic, and generously encourages Ralph to ride. He teaches him the secret to starting the bike (“You have to make a noise…pb-pb-b-b-b”) and the tiny mouse adventurer is on his way!

This imaginative, best-selling novel is the first of a series starring Ralph and his motorcycle. Beverly Cleary is the acclaimed author of more than two-dozen books for children, including many award-winners, and the recipient of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for 40 years of distinguished writing for children. While the fantastical premise of The Mouse and the Motorcycle contrasts distinctly with the realism of her beloved Ramona stories, Cleary uses the same sensitivity to children and their concerns to make the mouse, his friend, and his adventures ring true, something her devoted readers most certainly appreciate.

Whether enjoyed in the classroom or for homeschooling or independent reading, Charlotte’s Web is a proven favorite.

Beverly Cleary is one of America’s most beloved authors. As a child, she struggled with reading and writing. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children’s books when she grew up.

Mrs. Cleary’s books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children’s literature. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations.