Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 98 votes)
5 stars
33(34%)
4 stars
33(34%)
3 stars
32(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
98 reviews
July 15,2025
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Read this aloud to my 5-year-old twins.

They absolutely loved it.

We haven't read "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" yet, but we do plan to get it from the library to read.

It's the first time I've read this story as well, and I truly thought it was a great book.

The character development was really solid. The characters felt real and their personalities were well-defined.

The story itself was unique, tidy, and interesting. It had a clear plot that kept our attention from beginning to end.

Several other children's books (chapter books) that we have read together (I've read to my kids) have lacked in two or more of those characteristics.

So it's really exciting when we come across a quality children's book like this one.

It makes reading time even more enjoyable for both me and my twins.

I can't wait to see what other adventures we'll have with the books we choose to read in the future.

July 15,2025
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In this book, everyone converses with each other in such a rude manner.

It is truly concerning as it sets a bad example for the readers.

If you don't wish your children to incorporate phrases like calling someone stupid into their regular vocabulary, it is advisable to avoid giving them books of this kind.

Kids are impressionable, and the language they are exposed to can have a significant impact on their own communication skills and behavior.

By choosing more positive and respectful literature, we can help them develop better language habits and a more empathetic attitude towards others.

After all, the words we use have the power to build or break relationships, and it is our responsibility to guide our children towards using them wisely.
July 15,2025
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My son and I have been delving into the wonderful world of the Ralph S. Mouse books.

We have thoroughly relished more of Ralph's exciting adventures, especially the ones that took place at camp.

The way these books impart valuable lessons about independence, ingenuity, and self-confidence is truly remarkable.

It's been a joy to see my son absorb these qualities through the stories.

Now, we are eagerly moving straight on to book three, anticipation filling our hearts.

I can't wait to see what new adventures and teachings await us in the next installment.

These books have become a cherished part of our reading routine, and I'm grateful for the impact they are having on my son's growth and development.

July 15,2025
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How exciting would it be to witness a mouse wearing a tiny ping pong ball helmet speeding around on a toy motorcycle? Now, picture this little mouse named Ralph riding his small cycle from the Mountain View Inn to Happy Acres Camp. (Thankfully, it's downhill to the camp.) The camp is guarded by Sam, the big brown dog, and Catso, the tomcat who is constantly on the lookout for rodents. With all the campers running around and reaching out with their grabby hands, it creates a challenging environment for Ralph. He has numerous adventures during his stay at the camp. As is our custom, J. and I have each selected our favorite chapter. J. chose 'A Thief In the Craft Shop' when Catso breaks Ralph's cage and it becomes a battle of wits to survive another day. My favorite was 'The Open Road' and Ralph's journey to the camp and his encounter with a grouchy gopher. We perhaps should have read The Mouse and the Motorcycle first, but this book seemed to function perfectly well as a standalone.

It's truly a captivating story that takes readers on a thrilling adventure with Ralph the mouse. The vivid descriptions and engaging plot make it a delightful read for both children and adults alike. Whether it's Ralph's daring escapes or his encounters with various characters, there's never a dull moment in this book. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story.

July 15,2025
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Ralph is back at it again.

He's truly such a unique character.

Clearly, some of the original Mouse/Motorcycle magic that was present in the first installment is gone.

Moreover, I would venture to say that the action in this sequel moves a bit slower than in the initial book.

However, on the flip side, I also firmly believe that the conflict within the story and the character development are much deeper.

The author has delved more profoundly into Ralph's personality and the challenges he faces.

We get to see a more complex side of him as he navigates through new and difficult situations.

This added depth makes the story more engaging and thought-provoking.

Despite the absence of some of the original magic and the slower pace, the enhanced conflict and character development make this a worthwhile read for fans of the series.

July 15,2025
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I really want to do a reread. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, when I read a book for the first time, I may not fully understand all the details and subtleties. By rereading, I can delve deeper into the story, characters, and themes. Secondly, rereading allows me to notice things that I missed the first time around. It's like uncovering hidden treasures within the pages. Thirdly, it gives me a chance to experience the emotions and feelings that the book evoked in me initially, but perhaps with a new perspective. I will review the book at that time to document my thoughts and impressions. This will not only help me remember the book better but also allow me to share my insights with others. Rereading is truly a rewarding experience that enriches my understanding and enjoyment of literature.

July 15,2025
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I have finally figured out what my youngest child likes to read: action.

Action! It's like a thrilling ride that keeps her on the edge of her seat.

She also has a penchant for talking animals, humor, and adventure.

So, it's no wonder that a little mouse, on a motorcycle, zipping along the highway was a big hit at our house this week.

Luckily, this particular daughter's interest in both Roald Dahl's and Beverly Cleary's work has made the juvenile portion of my 1970s reading project a breeze to complete.

This was the 1970 sequel to THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE, and my 11-year-old daughter gave it a resounding FIVE STARS. She was completely engrossed in the story, following the mouse's adventures with excitement and laughter.

It's wonderful to see her so passionate about reading, and I'm looking forward to sharing more great books with her from the 1970s.
July 15,2025
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I liked this book better than the first one!

The main adult in the story is “Aunt” Jill, the camp director, and she is truly wonderful with the kids.

A boy in the story is going through a tough time, and there is a beautiful section (half of a chapter) where Aunt Jill helps him process his feelings and find solutions.

Ralph runs away from home and later has regrets.

A camp boy wants to run away from camp, and Ralph is excited about this and hopes he does run away, but he doesn't.

There is a sign that says if you feed a boy's mouse you will “Drop Ded”.

There are also some instances of words like “Stupid”, “Lame”, “Fed up”, and “Drat”.

A few brief, silly songs about animals that concern Ralph are included. These are very short and add to the plot and some comedy. For example, “Little Rabbit Fru-Fru”, four lines about things like gopher guts and chopped-up baby parakeet, and a goat soon to die.

My review of Book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 15,2025
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I did not truly have a liking for this book.

It tells the story of a mouse that flees on its motorcycle to a neighboring summer camp.

Once at the camp, it is subjected to numerous arduous tasks that it must tolerate in order to stay alive.

I suggest this book to middle school children, as it is straightforward to read and comprehend.

However, for me, the plot seemed rather simplistic and lacked depth.

The challenges the mouse faced were not particularly engaging or thought-provoking.

Perhaps younger readers might find more enjoyment in it, but as an adult, I was left somewhat disappointed.

Nonetheless, it could still serve as a light and easy read for those who are not looking for a complex and profound literary work.
July 15,2025
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I think "Runaway Ralph" is an extremely action-packed book. It is truly great for people who have a fondness for mice and hamsters. The story follows the adventures of Ralph, a mouse with a big heart and an even bigger sense of adventure. He embarks on a series of exciting escapades that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.


Throughout the book, Ralph faces many challenges and obstacles, but he never gives up. He uses his wits and determination to overcome every困难, making him a truly inspiring character. The author does an excellent job of bringing Ralph and his world to life, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves right there with him.


Whether you're a fan of mice and hamsters or just looking for a thrilling adventure, "Runaway Ralph" is definitely a book worth reading. It's full of excitement, humor, and heart, and it's sure to become a favorite among readers of all ages. So why not pick up a copy today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

July 15,2025
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This was our bedtime book for the last couple of weeks.

It was truly a wonderful choice. The story was filled with exciting adventures that kept both my 7-year-old and 11-year-old on the edge of their seats.

They couldn't wait to hear what would happen next each night.

The only little hitch was that I sometimes got the names Garf and Ralph mixed up.

But I think that might have been because I was also getting sleepy and ready for bed myself.

Overall, it was a really fun adventure book that brought a lot of joy and entertainment to our bedtime routine.

My kids absolutely loved it, and I would highly recommend it to other families looking for a great book to share together.

It's the kind of book that creates lasting memories and makes bedtime a special time for everyone.
July 15,2025
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Young Keith Gridley has left the Mountain View Inn, but not before presenting Ralph S. Mouse with his precious toy motorcycle. This motorcycle makes Ralph unique among all the mice in the world. At night, Ralph zooms up and down the hotel hallways, much to the envy of his cousins. However, his mother and Uncle Lester are worried. He has a crash helmet made by Keith from a halved pingpong ball, but the speeds he attains on his motorcycle have his mother convinced that an accident is inevitable. Despite being a young mouse and accountable to his family, Ralph longs to speed away from the Mountain View Inn and explore the world. So, he sets out into the night on his shiny chrome ride, determined to answer the question of whether a mouse and his motorcycle can find fulfillment beyond the horizon. But is he truly ready for the real world?


Danger lurks everywhere for a creature of Ralph's size. Wild animals hunt at night, big trucks thunder along the roads, and dogs are not welcoming of stray mice. In his final days at the Mountain View Inn, Ralph noticed a family with a boy named Garf, who was around Keith's age. Garf wore a Happy Acres Camp T-shirt. Now, Ralph finds himself puttering up to that very camp, where a watchdog named Sam firmly orders him to leave the premises. Sam is a good gatekeeper, but it's not difficult for Ralph on his bike to give him the slip. Once safely inside Happy Acres Camp, Ralph decides it's time to hide his ride and settle in. However, living on his own proves to be much more challenging than he expected.


Cats prowl Happy Acres Camp, and the worst of them is Catso, who knows every trick in the feline playbook. Ralph is no match for him physically, but fortunately, a human intervenes before Catso can end Ralph's adventures. Garf, the boy from the hotel, catches Ralph in a butterfly net and transfers him to a cage, where he keeps him as a pet in the craft shop. Garf has not been enjoying the camp experience so far, so "Aunt Jill", one of the leaders, allows him to keep the mouse. Ralph might have thought Garf was a kind boy like Keith if he hadn't heard the camp songs Garf sings with his peers. Surely Keith wouldn't sing such terrible lyrics. But perhaps Garf needs Ralph more than either of them realizes. He doesn't fit in with his fellow campers, and the situation worsens when a girl named Karen loses her watch. Although no one directly accuses Garf of stealing it, he spends a lot of time at the craft shop taking care of Ralph, and that's where Karen remembers leaving her watch. Garf has no idea that Ralph saw exactly what happened to the watch. Ralph is tired of living in a cage and wouldn't mind going back to the Mountain View Inn, even if it means following his mother's rules. Can Ralph work with Garf to restore the sullen boy's reputation and get himself back home, or has too much changed for him to ever return?


Most boys, like Ralph, reach a stage where living with their parents seems like more trouble than it's worth. They渴望 freedom, a feeling that Keith understood well in The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Runaway Ralph shows the natural consequence of leaving home to live by your own rules: getting locked in a different kind of cage and running around in circles on a wheel that never seems to lead anywhere. Is this an improvement or a step back? Ralph doesn't think deeply about this until he meets Chum, a "philosopher" hamster from a neighboring cage in the craft shop. Their brief time together is marked by surprisingly profound thoughts, which is probably the highlight of this book. Runaway Ralph is more philosophical but less poignant than The Mouse and the Motorcycle, but the two novels are roughly on par, and I rate them both two and a half stars. I enjoy the smooth, enjoyable readability of Beverly Cleary's books and will always come back to read about Ralph S. Mouse again. I look forward to it.
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