Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton, Virginia Lee Burton (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

Although steam shovels are being replaced by more modern machines, Mike Mulligan refuses to consign his beloved Mary Anne to the junk heap. Desperate for work, Mike promises to dig the cellar of Popperville's new town hall in just one day--or go without pay. All the townsfolk gather to watch Mike and Mary Anne in their race against the sun. They win, but in his haste, Mike forgets a very important detail. First published in 1939, this classic is full of informative illustrations, including a diagram of a steam shovel.

From the Publisher

"In print now for almost forty years, the story of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel is as fresh today as when it was published -- and it will speaks directly to children." -- from the jacket

New Yorker

"This is fun both in its text and gay crayon drawings. Mike Mulligan remains faithful to his steam shovel, Mary Anne, against the threat of the new gas and Diesel-engine contraptions and digs his way to a surprising and happy ending." -- The New Yorker

Children's Literature

Mary Anne, the faithful steam shovel that successfully dug canals, mountain roads, highways, and foundations for years, is facing unemployment in the modern age. Steam shovels are being replaced by gasoline shovels, electric shovels and diesel motor shovels. Mary Anne and her owner, Mike Mulligan, stop getting called for jobs. "No Steam Shovels Wanted" read the signs. Steam shovels are being sold for junk. Mike knows that Mary Anne could still dig as much in a day as a hundred men could in a week. So, when he reads that a new town hall will be built in Popperville, Mike and Mary Anne race over there with a proposition. Mike says that Mary Ann will dig the cellar for the new town hall in just one day; if it is not done, the town will not have to pay. The challenge is on! On the morning they begin, a little boy comes by and Mike tells him to stay and watch so that they will work faster and better. As the day wears on, more people come by to watch and, sure enough, Mary Anne digs faster and better. Although the cellar is finished at the end of the day, an unforeseen problem threatens to wreck the deal. The people of Popperville are up in arms until the little boy thinks of a perfect solution. A CD with two readings (one with page-turn signals and one without) and a paperback copy of the book are packaged in a reusable plastic case. First published in 1939, this book has become an American classic. Children will appreciate the relationship that Mike Mulligan has with his beloved steam shovel. The respect and dignity he shows towards Mary Anne, his long-time work partner, is an important lesson for all children. The fact that a little boy outsmarts the town officials in coming up with asolution for Mary Anne will not be lost on readers. The cheerful illustrations depict an earlier era when life was full of simple pleasures. This title is one in the publishers' "A Read-Along Book and CD Favorite" series.

Product Details