''Runaway Ralph'' is the second in a children's novel

trilogy A trilogy is a set of three distinct works that are connected and can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, and video games. Three-part works that are considered components of ...

that was written by

Beverly Cleary Beverly or Beverley may refer to: Places Australia * Beverley, South Australia, a suburb of Adelaide * Beverley, Western Australia, a town * Shire of Beverley, Western Australia Canada * Beverly, Alberta, a town that amalgamated with the City ...

. First published in 1970, it is the last book by Cleary that Louis Darling illustrated before his death. The book features the titular character, Ralph S. Mouse, a

house mouse The house mouse (''Mus musculus'') is a small mammal of the rodent family Muridae, characteristically having a pointed snout, large rounded ears, and a long and almost hairless tail. It is one of the most abundant species of the genus '' Mus''. A ...

that can talk to humans, and goes on adventures on his miniature motorcycle. The book was given the ''Nene Award'' by the Hawaii Library Association in 1972.

Plot summary

Fed up with his bratty family, Ralph the mouse hops onto his toy motorcycle and speeds down the road away from the Mountain View Inn toward Happy Acres Camp, where he encounters Sam, a nosy

watchdog Watchdog or watch dog may refer to: Animals *Guard dog, a dog that barks to alert its owners of an intruder's presence * Portuguese Watchdog, Cão de Castro Laboreiro, a dog breed * Moscow Watchdog, a breed of dog that was bred in the Soviet U ...

, and is captured by a boy named Garfield (or Garf) and kept as a pet. Separated from his motorcycle, Ralph must endure life in a cage with an annoying hamster named Chum. Over time, Ralph and Garf form a relationship similar to the one Ralph and Keith had in the original book in the series. Ralph's adventures at Happy Acres Camp include escapades with an evil cat, the return of a missing watch, the escape from his cage, and being reunited with his beloved motorcycle. He eventually begins feeling homesick and strikes a bargain with Garf: return the motorcycle and bring him back to the Mountain View Inn, in exchange for clearing Garf's name (the rest of the children at Happy Acres Camp believe Garf was the one who took the missing watch). Eventually, the watch is returned, and Garf reassures Ralph that he will go back home the next day.

Series

* '' The Mouse and the Motorcycle'' (1965) * ''Runaway Ralph'' (1970) * '' Ralph S. Mouse'' (1982)

Film adaptation

Churchill Films produced an adaptation of ''Runaway Ralph'' directed by

Ron Underwood Ronald Brian Underwood (born November 6, 1953) is an American film and television director, known for directing such films as '' Tremors'' (1990), '' City Slickers'' (1991), '' Heart and Souls'' (1993),'' and Mighty Joe Young'' (1998). Early ...

in 1988, starring Fred Savage as Garf and featured

Ray Walston Herman Ray Walston (November 2, 1914 – January 1, 2001) was an American actor. He started his career on Broadway theatre, Broadway earning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Mr. Applegate in ''Damn Yankees'' (1956 ...

reprising his role as Matt from the adaptation of ''The Mouse and the Motorcycle'', airing as a two-part special on the ABC Weekend Special. The animation was done by John Matthews. The producer was George McQuilkin. The film received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children Special, Best Directing and Writing Special Class. The film was distributed by Strand VCI Entertainment in 1991 and by

Anchor Bay Entertainment The revived Anchor Bay Entertainment is an American independent film production and distribution company owned by Umbrelic Entertainment co-founders Thomas Zambeck and Brian Katz. Anchor Bay Entertainment markets and releases "new release genre ...

in 1999.

References

External links

* (1988) 1970 American novels 1970 children's books ABC Weekend Special American novels adapted into films Children's books adapted into films English-language novels Children's novels about mice and rats Children's novels about cats Children's novels about dogs Children's books set in summer camps Novels by Beverly Cleary William Morrow and Company books {{1970s-child-novel-stub