1st Grade

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary

A curious, adventurous young mouse named Ralph loves it when a crumb-dropping family checks into room 215 of the Mountain View Inn. He also loves to go exploring in the halls of the hotel way beyond his worried mother’s comfort level. What if he encounters a human, a cat or – even worse, she fears – a vacuum cleaner?

When a young boy named Keith begins unpacking in room 215, Ralph is elated to see that his suitcase contains toy cars and a beautiful, shiny red motorcycle. The two discover they can speak to one another and Keith not only offers to bring Ralph and his family delicious “room service” from his meals in the dining room, but he also gives Ralph the thrill of a lifetime by letting him ride the toy motorcycle.

Ralph’s propensity to take risks lands him in an unfortunate encounter with hotel housekeeping, but also affords him the courage to embark on his most daring adventure yet so he can help his new friend.

Leave a comment