

Malcolm had a strong interest in motorcycles, so Cleary used that interest as a springboard for the story. She possesses an unparalleled ability to depict genuine feelings and create amusing situations, and-decades after publication-her books continue to stand the test of time.Ĭleary is said to have written The Mouse and the Motorcycle specifically for her young son, Malcolm, who was a reluctant reader. Over the course of Beverly Cleary’s iconic career as a children’s author, her books have sold more than 90 million copies, she’s won countless honors and awards, and she has earned the love and admiration of children all over the world. You may be most familiar with Beverly Cleary‘s books about the irrepressible Ramona Quimby, but the Newbery Award–winning author has also entertained generations of children with her books about other memorable characters, including Henry Huggins, Ellen Tebbits, Otis Spofford, and, of course, her smallest protagonist: Ralph S.

Mouse Checklist to your local library! About the Author and Series Want to read more? Take our free Ralph S. Throughout the three-book series, Ralph manages to escape from one close call after another, almost always with his precious motorcycle in tow. Naturally, Ralph’s cautious mother worries constantly about her daredevil son, and usually for good reason.

Ralph longs for adventure and independence, but his opportunities are limited by his circumstances–that is, until a toy motorcycle zooms into his life and expands his horizons. To state the obvious, Ralph is a mouse, but he’s a special mouse who is able to speak and be understood by some humans (usually young boys with an affinity for mice). If you have a soft spot for rodents in literature (and don’t we all?), you’ll definitely want to check out Beverly Cleary’s classic Ralph S. And some heroes are mice that ride motorcycles. Some heroes inspire us with their dedication and bravery. Some literary heroes face insurmountable challenges and achieve great feats.
