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Motor Mouse #1
Motor Mouse
Join Motor Mouse on three hilarious adventures in this irresistible start to a brand-new series from the creators of Gooseberry Park and the Mr. Putter and Tabby books!
Motor Mouse is a busy little mouse, between driving his delivery car, eating cake, and visiting with friends. Come along with him on his adventures!
In “The Friday Cake Day,” Motor Mouse and his friend Telly have been looking forward all week to their Friday tradition of eating cake. But when Friday arrives, the Cake Shop is closed. This is not acceptable! Could a friendly hedgehog help them with their predicament?
In “Going For a Look-About,” Motor Mouse decides that instead of driving, he’d like to go for a look-about as a passenger instead. So he hires a cab to take him to places that bring back good memories of old friends. But is a brand-new friend right in front of him?
In “Front Row at the Picture Show,” Motor Mouse and his brother, Vincent, are going to a movie. Vincent always insists on getting a large bucket of popcorn to share, since it’s a better deal than two small buckets. But he always hogs it! What is Motor Mouse to do?
This sweet and funny trio of stories is sure to have young readers wanting to visit with Motor Mouse again and again.
Motor Mouse is a busy little mouse, between driving his delivery car, eating cake, and visiting with friends. Come along with him on his adventures!
In “The Friday Cake Day,” Motor Mouse and his friend Telly have been looking forward all week to their Friday tradition of eating cake. But when Friday arrives, the Cake Shop is closed. This is not acceptable! Could a friendly hedgehog help them with their predicament?
In “Going For a Look-About,” Motor Mouse decides that instead of driving, he’d like to go for a look-about as a passenger instead. So he hires a cab to take him to places that bring back good memories of old friends. But is a brand-new friend right in front of him?
In “Front Row at the Picture Show,” Motor Mouse and his brother, Vincent, are going to a movie. Vincent always insists on getting a large bucket of popcorn to share, since it’s a better deal than two small buckets. But he always hogs it! What is Motor Mouse to do?
This sweet and funny trio of stories is sure to have young readers wanting to visit with Motor Mouse again and again.
62 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2019
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
385 books873 followersCynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 21, 2022
Author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Arthur Howard, the team behind the popular
Mr. Putter & Tabby
early reader series, join forces again in this new picture-book, which contains three entertaining stories. In "The Friday Cake Day," Motor Mouse and his good friend Telly discover that pie is makes a delicious treat as well. In "Going For a Look-About," Motor Mouse gets tired of always driving but never looking, and hires a cabby to drive him down Memory Lane. Finally, in "Front Row at the Picture-Show," Motor Mouse finds a solution to his long-running quarrel with his brother Valentino about their popcorn bucket.
An engaging picture-book examination of friendship, with brothers, long-time friends and new ones, Motor Mouse pairs a gentle but entertaining text from Rylant with appealing, humorous artwork from Howard. I've never happened to read any of the Mr. Putter & Tabby books, although I am very familiar with them, so this was my first experience with this particular team of children's book creators, and it was definitely a fun one! I appreciated the moments of genuine insight here - such as the fact that Valentino hogs the popcorn, without really being conscious of it - and the way in which the moments of unease were resolved with humor and compassion. Recommended to fans of this author/illustrator team, and to anyone looking for new picture-books about friendship.
An engaging picture-book examination of friendship, with brothers, long-time friends and new ones, Motor Mouse pairs a gentle but entertaining text from Rylant with appealing, humorous artwork from Howard. I've never happened to read any of the Mr. Putter & Tabby books, although I am very familiar with them, so this was my first experience with this particular team of children's book creators, and it was definitely a fun one! I appreciated the moments of genuine insight here - such as the fact that Valentino hogs the popcorn, without really being conscious of it - and the way in which the moments of unease were resolved with humor and compassion. Recommended to fans of this author/illustrator team, and to anyone looking for new picture-books about friendship.
May 16, 2019
It is the trim size of a picture books but the layout - chapters and text seem more beginning reader like. Plotting is so-so.
December 14, 2021
First sentence: Motor Mouse and his friend Telly loved cake.
Premise/plot: Motor Mouse is a new early reader series by Cynthia Rylant. It has three stories all starring Motor Mouse and his friends. The three stories are "Friday Cake Day," "Going for a Look About," and "Front Row at the Picture Show."
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! My absolute favorite of the three was "Friday Cake Day." The two friends always, always, always have cake together on Friday. But what happens when there is NO CAKE. As Telly laments, "What is the point of it all without cake?" Still, these two friends find a bit of joy when a new friend introduces them to the goodness of PIE.
The other two stories were fun as well. In the final story, Motor Mouse and his brother, Valentino, go to the picture show...and some sibling quibbling results. Does Valentino really HOG all the popcorn? Does Motor Mouse really mind all that much???
Overall, I thought this was a strong (solid) selection of stories. I'd definitely recommend it to parents and teachers.
Premise/plot: Motor Mouse is a new early reader series by Cynthia Rylant. It has three stories all starring Motor Mouse and his friends. The three stories are "Friday Cake Day," "Going for a Look About," and "Front Row at the Picture Show."
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! My absolute favorite of the three was "Friday Cake Day." The two friends always, always, always have cake together on Friday. But what happens when there is NO CAKE. As Telly laments, "What is the point of it all without cake?" Still, these two friends find a bit of joy when a new friend introduces them to the goodness of PIE.
The other two stories were fun as well. In the final story, Motor Mouse and his brother, Valentino, go to the picture show...and some sibling quibbling results. Does Valentino really HOG all the popcorn? Does Motor Mouse really mind all that much???
Overall, I thought this was a strong (solid) selection of stories. I'd definitely recommend it to parents and teachers.
March 21, 2020
I like Rylant's books - almost all of them, and some I really like. This one I guess I SUPER like.
I admire her consistency and simple, sweet themes, with some decent life-lessons along the way (without being too obvious).
This one might be my favorite of the bunch.
Delightful artwork.
3 "chapters," good for getting the idea of chapter books out to an early reader.
The humor (tragedy of no cake - ha, and much more)
Problem-solving (why don't we try pie?)
Trying and liking - so important.
Chapter two - driving around to check out sites, but the cabbie needs a destination. Life metaphor.
Nostalgia - and then discovery of new friend.
Chapter 3 - the very real travails of trying to share popcorn at the movies - the struggle is real I tell you!
Self discovery (I realize now I actually DO hog the popcorn)
topping it all off with ice cream - "Life is full"
Chapter 3 was my favorite, but all good.
I admire her consistency and simple, sweet themes, with some decent life-lessons along the way (without being too obvious).
This one might be my favorite of the bunch.
Delightful artwork.
3 "chapters," good for getting the idea of chapter books out to an early reader.
The humor (tragedy of no cake - ha, and much more)
Problem-solving (why don't we try pie?)
Trying and liking - so important.
Chapter two - driving around to check out sites, but the cabbie needs a destination. Life metaphor.
Nostalgia - and then discovery of new friend.
Chapter 3 - the very real travails of trying to share popcorn at the movies - the struggle is real I tell you!
Self discovery (I realize now I actually DO hog the popcorn)
topping it all off with ice cream - "Life is full"
Chapter 3 was my favorite, but all good.
March 18, 2020
This is a great little easy reader book with three short chapters and succinct wording. The chapters involve cute dilemmas with fun problem solving strategies. It is very similar to Mr. Putter and Tabby series-
Find Motor Mouse at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Find Motor Mouse at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
April 19, 2019
Cute book. Illustrations are great!
August 6, 2019
3.5 stars for this cute story collection
May 5, 2019
The beloved author of many easy readers returns with the first book in a new series. Done in a larger picture book format, the book still has three short chapters inside. The first story focuses on the joy of having cake every Friday for our Motor Mouse and Telly. When they discover that their cake shop is closed one Friday, what will they do? Perhaps another sweet treat can save the day thanks to a friendly hedgehog. In the second story, Motor Mouse decided he’d rather look around than drive. He takes a cab but can’t quite figure out what he wants to see. In the end though, he moves from memory lane to a bowling alley to making a new friend. The last story takes Motor Mouse to the movies with his brother, Vincent. Vincent always orders one large popcorn and doesn’t quite manage to share it. So when he does the same thing, Motor Mouse insists on being the one to hold the bucket this time. But sharing can be really hard!
Told with Rylant’s beautiful writing that sets just the right curious tone on each of the short chapters, this is a fantastic picture book. With a look towards dealing with expectations, managing friendships, and learning to share and appreciate one another, the themes are universal for small children who are trying to navigate similar situations. The stories are gentle but also profound.
Howard, who has collaborated with Rylant on the Mr. Putter & Tabby series as well as the Gooseberry Park books, returns with his signature style. With clear black lines, the illustrations are bouncy and friendly even when situations get a little problematic. There is a constant optimism about Howard’s work that is particularly effective here.
A great start to a new series that is sure to be popular. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Told with Rylant’s beautiful writing that sets just the right curious tone on each of the short chapters, this is a fantastic picture book. With a look towards dealing with expectations, managing friendships, and learning to share and appreciate one another, the themes are universal for small children who are trying to navigate similar situations. The stories are gentle but also profound.
Howard, who has collaborated with Rylant on the Mr. Putter & Tabby series as well as the Gooseberry Park books, returns with his signature style. With clear black lines, the illustrations are bouncy and friendly even when situations get a little problematic. There is a constant optimism about Howard’s work that is particularly effective here.
A great start to a new series that is sure to be popular. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
November 11, 2019
There is a weird thing going on in the children's book world. Standard picture books like The Grouchy Ladybug are being turned into beginning readers. And the reverse--things like my old, old favorite Emmett's Pig are being turned into picture books.
So here's a book in 4 chapters by Cynthia Rylant, author of such immortal beginning reader series as Mr. Putter & Tabby I, 12 Volumes and Henry and Mudge - The First Book, and this clearly is that sort of book, and how is it produced?
As a picture book.
As I said, weird.
So here's a book in 4 chapters by Cynthia Rylant, author of such immortal beginning reader series as Mr. Putter & Tabby I, 12 Volumes and Henry and Mudge - The First Book, and this clearly is that sort of book, and how is it produced?
As a picture book.
As I said, weird.
June 17, 2019
OK folks, I don't think there are many writers for our youngest readers better than Cynthia Rylant. Her ability to build plot, character, and instantly engage children using the simplest of sentence structures and vocabulary is simply amazing.
Motor Mouse is her latest and is an interesting mix of picture book and beginning chapter book. There are 3 short stories here, each simple and satisfying while having the size and format of a picture book. It is a book that begs to be read aloud and shared between an adult and child as some of the vocabulary is a bit more difficult to decode for a young reader. Arthur Howard's adorably funny illustrations provide plenty of visual cues though and after reading with assistance, a child can easily reread alone.
The humor has the same charmingly nuanced feel as the Mr. Putter and Tabby series and just looking at the cover made me smile. I truly hope we see more adventures of Motor Mouse and his brother Valentino!
Motor Mouse is her latest and is an interesting mix of picture book and beginning chapter book. There are 3 short stories here, each simple and satisfying while having the size and format of a picture book. It is a book that begs to be read aloud and shared between an adult and child as some of the vocabulary is a bit more difficult to decode for a young reader. Arthur Howard's adorably funny illustrations provide plenty of visual cues though and after reading with assistance, a child can easily reread alone.
The humor has the same charmingly nuanced feel as the Mr. Putter and Tabby series and just looking at the cover made me smile. I truly hope we see more adventures of Motor Mouse and his brother Valentino!
April 2, 2025
If the three stories in this series book seem formulaic, how would a toddler ever figure this out? To Rylant's audience, every life experience is new and fresh.
It's easy to understand the shallow depths of the character named "Motor Mouse" since he is a busy little mouse. Very much like a human toddler, thinly disguised, he's constantly having adventures.
“The Friday Cake Day,” celebrates a weekly custom of Motor Mouse and his friend Telly, where they eat cake together on Fridays. But this time the Cake Shop is closed. Whatever will they do?
Not for the first time, reading picture books for toddlers, I wonder, Where are the parents?
In “Going For a Look-About,” Motor Mouse decides to NOT do all the driving, but be a passenger instead. He hires a cab. The big surprise for him is discovering a brand-new friend, right in the taxi.
Guess what “Front Row at the Picture Show” is about? Yes Motor Mouse and his brother, Vincent, have an adventure, alright. But the drama doesn't come from the movie. How will these guys ever manage to share their popcorn?
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers.
This audience is likely to be toddlers who like to eat snacks and sweets, and who are always seeking new friends. Of course, the same could be said for children of any age. The younger variety would probably give this book FIVE STARS.
It's easy to understand the shallow depths of the character named "Motor Mouse" since he is a busy little mouse. Very much like a human toddler, thinly disguised, he's constantly having adventures.
“The Friday Cake Day,” celebrates a weekly custom of Motor Mouse and his friend Telly, where they eat cake together on Fridays. But this time the Cake Shop is closed. Whatever will they do?
Not for the first time, reading picture books for toddlers, I wonder, Where are the parents?
In “Going For a Look-About,” Motor Mouse decides to NOT do all the driving, but be a passenger instead. He hires a cab. The big surprise for him is discovering a brand-new friend, right in the taxi.
Guess what “Front Row at the Picture Show” is about? Yes Motor Mouse and his brother, Vincent, have an adventure, alright. But the drama doesn't come from the movie. How will these guys ever manage to share their popcorn?
RATING THIS BOOK
Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers.
This audience is likely to be toddlers who like to eat snacks and sweets, and who are always seeking new friends. Of course, the same could be said for children of any age. The younger variety would probably give this book FIVE STARS.
February 4, 2020
Three entertaining stories for early readers are told in three chapters, but surprisingly, they are in picture book size.
While intended for a young audience, Rylant uses several idioms, sentence configurations and vocabulary words which may be unfamiliar to children: everything went south; in due time; would you fancy a trip?; hire a cab, going to a picture show, etc.
This book may work best for parent/child sharing, or as a read-aloud--at least for the first time through. After that, children will likely happily return on their own.
The colorful cartoonish illustrations enhance the gentle sentiments and humor of the stories.
While intended for a young audience, Rylant uses several idioms, sentence configurations and vocabulary words which may be unfamiliar to children: everything went south; in due time; would you fancy a trip?; hire a cab, going to a picture show, etc.
This book may work best for parent/child sharing, or as a read-aloud--at least for the first time through. After that, children will likely happily return on their own.
The colorful cartoonish illustrations enhance the gentle sentiments and humor of the stories.
March 30, 2020
I grew up with Cynthia Rylant. Perhaps you did as well? Mr Putter and Tabby? "Henry and Mudge?" "Annie and Snowball?"
Well, i definitely see see Motor Mouse become a series on its own. Finding picture books that have "chapters" is a huge selling point for beginning readers. As children start to emerge as readers, they often want a chapter book. But they aren't ready for a chapter book. "Motor Mouse" fits that bill.
It's three different short stories--going and getting cake, going for a drive, and a trip to the movies. The characters make one smile. I was expecting more of a cohesive story but it isn't a deal breaker. Its differences set it apart from typical reads.
Well, i definitely see see Motor Mouse become a series on its own. Finding picture books that have "chapters" is a huge selling point for beginning readers. As children start to emerge as readers, they often want a chapter book. But they aren't ready for a chapter book. "Motor Mouse" fits that bill.
It's three different short stories--going and getting cake, going for a drive, and a trip to the movies. The characters make one smile. I was expecting more of a cohesive story but it isn't a deal breaker. Its differences set it apart from typical reads.
October 22, 2025
All these years I've been a huge fan of this team's Mr. Putter And Tabby Pour The Tea series and I never thought to see if they'd done anything else. So glad to find they did! This is almost as wonderful, and so heartwarming & funny. I love the expressions on the faces of the other audience members at the theater, for example. And Motor Mouse's watch, which has a special dial for rainy/sunny (as some do irl) and another for .
June 8, 2019
“Life is full.”
Three short stories about Motor Mouse. Life throws Motor Mouse a curveball in The Friday Cake Day, but Motor Mouse and Telly discover that pie can be okay, too, even on Friday Cake Day. In Going for a Look-About, Motor Mouse asks a cabbie to take him down memory lane, but he misses his friends, so they go bowling instead. In Front Row at the Picture Show, Motor Mouse and brother Valentino love going to the movies, but have trouble deciding how to handle the popcorn bucket.
Each story has an important message for the reader.
Three short stories about Motor Mouse. Life throws Motor Mouse a curveball in The Friday Cake Day, but Motor Mouse and Telly discover that pie can be okay, too, even on Friday Cake Day. In Going for a Look-About, Motor Mouse asks a cabbie to take him down memory lane, but he misses his friends, so they go bowling instead. In Front Row at the Picture Show, Motor Mouse and brother Valentino love going to the movies, but have trouble deciding how to handle the popcorn bucket.
Each story has an important message for the reader.
June 25, 2019
Great to use with beginner readers. I am not a fan of the size. This is one I would like to put into my early reader section, but doubt it will fit. It is published in format of a picture book, larger size.
This has chapters and would make a great book to read together with a child one on one or for a child to read independently. Some harder wording but good for developing vocabulary if used for a child to read aloud to parent and discuss.
This has chapters and would make a great book to read together with a child one on one or for a child to read independently. Some harder wording but good for developing vocabulary if used for a child to read aloud to parent and discuss.
December 22, 2019
I was expecting a chapter book when ordering Motor Mouse for our library, but once one starts reading this tale about finding the silver lining in small problems the reader is hooked on Motor Mouse, his sibling, and friends. Any child will relate to the need for a favorite tasty treat of popcorn, cake, and pie, yum. It would be great if this turned into one of Cynthia Rylant's exquisite chapter book series.
February 10, 2020
My children grew up with Henry and Mudge and I think this is a book along those lines. You have to work a little harder to find the heart of the stories so I would suggest this for older beginning readers.
If you are using this as a comp title for something you are writing, you better be pretty compelling because if this had not been put together by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard, it would not have been published in today's market.
If you are using this as a comp title for something you are writing, you better be pretty compelling because if this had not been put together by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard, it would not have been published in today's market.
January 16, 2020
The last line!!! "Life was full." So special. This book has 3 short stories broken up into chapters. Each story has a little "moral": trying new things is good, you can make new friends, and life can be full when sharing! (Or at least that is how I would interpret to children). This definitely would make for a nice bedtime read aloud.
February 10, 2020
I had originally picked this up for storytime but quickly realized that it was three stories in one book. If each story was its own book, then it would be a good storytime read, but my students won't let me skip pages so it won't work for me. The stories are cute and have good lessons to learn for young children. Recommend for at home reading with little ones.
October 12, 2025
motor mouse and tally always have cake on Fridays, but one Friday the cake shop is closed. A hedgehog suggests pie instead.
motor mouse makes a new friend when he decides he wants to take a ride down memory lane.
motor mouse goes to the movies with his brother Valentino who always hogs the popcorn. I enjoy these short little stories and illustrations.
motor mouse makes a new friend when he decides he wants to take a ride down memory lane.
motor mouse goes to the movies with his brother Valentino who always hogs the popcorn. I enjoy these short little stories and illustrations.
October 27, 2019
This Rylant story follows the “recipe” of her stellar Henry & Mudge and Mr. Putter & Tabby books, with three brief chapters, a gentle focus on emotion rather than action, and plenty of white space around the watercolor illustrations. The familiar “Easy reader” size and layout would probably have invited more readers in.
September 9, 2021
From the team who created “Mr. Putter and Tabby.” This is a large format picture book, but I think it would’ve been better as a small format early reader, although the vocabulary made it not appropriate for early readers.
Why are we still saying the word motorcar in America in 2021?
Why are we still saying the word motorcar in America in 2021?
May 1, 2019
An appealing, hardworking rodent in a trio of stories.
May 4, 2019
Greatly enjoyed 2 of the three stories
June 2, 2019
I usually love Cynthia Rylant, but this one was just okay- pleasant while you are reading it, but not very memorable. Not nearly as exciting as the title suggests. Ages 5-7.
June 24, 2019
Motor Mouse is a mouse who loves to go on adventures. Driving in his car, or in a cab, Motor Mouse heads out on three different adventures in this hybrid picture/chapter book by Cynthia Rylant.
July 22, 2019
I loved the sparse stories and cute illustrations.
August 21, 2019
Reminds me of the George and Martha books. I hope there are more!
August 31, 2019
I never thought I’d feel “meh” about a Cynthia Tulane book, but both my five year old and I were like “meh.” That was disappointingly boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews