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Ralph S. Mouse and More Exciting Animal Adventure Stories

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Nancy Davis Kho

This three story collection from Scholastic kicks off with the classic tale of Ralph S. Mouse (voiced by John Matthews), who lives at the Mountain View Inn and drives its manager crazy with his forays by motorcycle. Protected by his two human friends, Matt the bellman (Hume Cronyn) and young Ryan (Robert Oliveri), Ralph realizes that he must leave the hotel or Matt might lose his job. Off he heads to school in Ryan's pocket, where he causes havoc but helps Ryan make a new friend. The second story, Stanley the Caveman, reminds us that people who are different can have much to offer, while the third segment, Uncle Elephant, shows us that we can find happiness even in the worst of times.

Is It Any Good?

4

While the 1990's animation may feel somewhat dated to kids raised on CGI (it's a combination of live action and dimensional animation), the stories are nuanced and the acting is better than expected. The second and third stories pale in comparison to the tale of motorcycle-riding Ralph. Uncle Elephant may worry children with its themes of parental disappearance, but the other two tales model good lessons of friendship and teamwork.

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