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45 pages 1 hour read

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1965

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Book Brief

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Beverly Cleary

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1965
Book Details
Pages

186

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California Hotel • 1960s

Topic
Publication Year

1965

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-10 years

Lexile Level

860L

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Super Short Summary

In The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Ralph, a young mouse living in a California hotel, befriends a visiting boy named Keith who allows him to ride his toy motorcycle. Ralph's adventurous ride leads to mishaps, including nearly getting trapped by a vacuum cleaner and losing the motorcycle in a laundry pile. To save Keith, who becomes ill, Ralph courageously finds an aspirin pill, ultimately gaining Keith's trust and being gifted the motorcycle.

Adventurous

Playful

Humorous

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

91,517 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle captivates readers with its imaginative tale and charming protagonist, Ralph. Praised for its engaging writing style and endearing characters, the book is a hit among young readers and nostalgic adults. However, some critique its simplicity and predictability. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its adventurous spirit and warmth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Mouse and the Motorcycle?

Readers who enjoy The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary typically appreciate whimsical, adventurous stories featuring animal protagonists. Fans of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web or Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox will find this charming tale compelling. Suitable for young readers who revel in imaginative escapades and heartwarming friendships.

4.3

91,517 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Ralph S. Mouse

A daring young mouse who resides in a hotel and embarks on nighttime adventures on a toy motorcycle, testing the boundaries of his small world.

A young boy staying at the Mountain View Inn who befriends Ralph and shares his love for toy motorcycles, forging a unique friendship with the talking mouse.

Keith's parents, who stay at the hotel with him and occasionally clash over issues like the presence of mice, subtly challenging Keith's secret friendship with Ralph.

An experienced and kindhearted hotel staff member who discreetly supports Ralph's escapades, aware of the mice's ability to talk.

A cautious and protective mouse who worries over Ralph's adventurous tendencies, struggling with the family's safety and survival.

A mouse with a flair for the dramatic who inadvertently complicates Ralph's life with his bragging but gradually comes to respect him.

A mouse who prides herself on living in a nicer part of the hotel yet depends on human food scraps, often voicing her skepticism about humans.

A small dog residing in the hotel that poses a threat to Ralph but ultimately becomes an unexpected part of Ralph's adventure.

A hotel employee who unwittingly disrupts Ralph's life with her cleaning, setting off a chain of events that affect the mouse community.

Book Details
Pages

186

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California Hotel • 1960s

Topic
Publication Year

1965

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-10 years

Lexile Level

860L

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