The Mouse and the Motorcycle Review and Discussion Questions
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary is a classic book that is still a fun read for kids today. I selected it for my Monthly Fiction Online Book Club for Kids for the 2023 school year and it is a great choice for your homeschool study this year.
Your child is certain to enjoy the fun and daring antics of Ralph the Mouse and his friendship with Keith, a young boy at the Moutain View Inn.
Enjoy this helpful Mouse and the Motorcycle review.
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Beverly Cleary
Genre: Classics, Action & Adventure
Length: 176 pages
First Published: 1965 (republished in 2021)
View on Amazon | View on Goodreads
The Mouse and the Motorcycle Publisher’s Description
When the ever-curious Ralph spots Keith’s red toy motorcycle, he vows to ride it. So when Keith leaves the bike unattended in his room one day, Ralph makes his move. But with all this freedom (and speed!) come a lot of obstacles. Whether dodging a rowdy terrier or keeping his nosy cousins away from his new wheels, Ralph has a lot going on! And with a pal like Keith always looking out for him, there’s nothing this little mouse can’t handle.
My Goodreads Review
Keith has no idea that he is being watched when his family checks into the Mountain View Inn. Hiding from Keith’s view is a curious and adventurous mouse who is watching as the family sets up in their rooms. Once the family leaves, Ralph, the mouse living in the knothole in Keith’s room, ventures out and sees Keith’s toy motorcycle. Before he knows it, Ralph takes a quick ride on the motorcycle and then finds himself trapped in a wastebasket. Thankfully, Keith rescues Ralph and they begin an unexpected friendship that helps Ralph grow into a wiser and more responsible mouse.
This book is such a sweet classic that kids today still enjoy. The silly situations that Ralph gets himself into are lots of fun to read about. My personal favorite moment in the book is when Ralph realizes that he has to make motorcycle noises with his mouth to get the motorcycle moving.
In the midst of the fun, Ralph is also learning to be a friend and a more responsible mouse, which is another great discussion to have with young readers.
This title makes a great read-aloud or independent read for kids in 2-5th grade.
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Discussion Questions for Your Homeschool Study
1. In the introduction (also known as exposition), we are introduced to the setting. The setting is where and when this story takes place. Describe the setting of this story. Would you want to stay at this Inn? Why or why not?
2. Ralph discovers Keith’s toy motorcycle at the beginning of the story. How does this change things for Ralph? How does it also get him in trouble?
3. What lessons does Ralph learn about being a friend? Can you find an example in the story of a moment when he is a good friend?
Homeschooling with Books:
Discussion Questions to Get You Started
Grab this set of questions designed to facilitate discussion about any book:
Elementary School Titles for Your
Next Homeschool Study
Other Books in the Series
Online Book Clubs for Kids
Booklists for Elementary School
Best Fiction Books for 8-10 Year Olds
Incredible Mystery Books for Kids
Graphic Novels for Elementary School
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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