Beverly Cleary Author Study: The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Illustrations by Louis Darling, though my copy

has a revised cover by JoAnn Scribner.

I can't tell you how many times I watched this movie in my childhood; I'm pretty sure my mom still has the VHS. I read the book as a kid but I didn't remember much of the written story, however, when I read it, I could vividly picture the movie scenes!

I absolutely love the creativity and imagination in this book. It's fun to think of a boy being able to talk to a mouse anyway, but the way Ralph has to use his own imagination to make the motorcycle move is such a nice touch. I also like how Ralph gets in trouble just like any other boy because it makes him so easy to relate to.

I can't wait to read this with my son because I think it's timeless and he'll love it too.

Alice Across America by Sarah Glenn Marsh

This book made me miss taking road trips with my friends! But it also made me laugh, thinking of how my friend and I used to worry about being “two ladies” while driving down the California coast. 

Alice Ramsey and three friends drove across the country in 1909, when hardly any women drove cars. In fact, only a few men had driven across the country at that time. Ramsey made thirty more cross-country drives after this one. She knew how to take care of her car, crank it, change tires, and more.

I know how to do all of those things, in theory... but actually doing it? I haven't practiced. So it was admirable to see this woman learn when she didn't have to. She traveled without a phone or help line, and often didn't stop in cities. They camped in the car some nights. It's really interesting to compare and contrast that with how things are now.