Have you ever run across Beverly Cleary?

The whole Henry and Ribsy run, as well as the Ramona and Beezus stuff is definitely old. So it has an archaic feel to it. Hell, it has that feel back when I read it all the first time as a kid forty odd years ago.

But it hits well. I've read it to various kids over the years to good effect because it's simple, easy to follow, and easy enough to relate to for most kids. It won't hit for every kid, but it's where I tend to start once they're past Seuss.

Edit: the Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Cleary

It reminded me of the Ralph S Mouse stuff too.