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Virginia Lee Burton
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Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Board Book Board book – Illustrated, March 6, 2007

by Virginia Lee Burton (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,523 ratings
Teachers' pick
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A modern classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has delighted generations of children.

Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers.

But with progress come new machines, and soon the inseparable duo are out of work. Mike believes that Mary Anne can dig as much in a day as one hundred men can dig in a week, and the two have one last chance to prove it and save Mary Anne from the scrap heap.

What happens next in the small town of Popperville is a testament to their friendship and to old-fashioned hard work and ingenuity.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    2 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - Preschool
  5. Lexile measure
    580L
  6. Dimensions
    7.5 x 0.81 x 6.75 inches
  7. Publisher
    Clarion Books
  8. Publication date
    March 6, 2007
  9. ISBN-10
    0618840192
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0618840199
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is fun both in its text and gray 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 —

About the Author

Virginia Lee Burton (1909-1968) was the talented author and illustrator of some of the most enduring books ever written for children. The winner of the 1942 Caldecott Medal for THE LITTLE HOUSE, Burton's books include heroes and happy endings, lively illustrations, and a dash of nostalgia. She lived with her two sons, Aristides and Michael, and her husband George Demetrios, the sculptor, in a section of Gloucester, Massachusetts, called Folly Cove. Here she taught a class in design and from it emerged the Folly Cove designers, a group of internationally known professional artisans. She is the author of many classic children's picture books, including MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL and KATY AND THE BIG SNOW.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Illustrated edition (March 6, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Board book ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0618840192
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0618840199
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 580L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - Preschool
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.81 x 6.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,523 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Virginia Lee Burton

    Virginia Lee Burton

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Virginia Lee Burton was the talented author and illustrator of some of the most enduring books ever written for children. The winner of the 1942 Caldecott Medal for The Little House, Burton's books include heroes and happy endings, lively illustrations, and a dash of nostalgia. She lived with her two sons, Aristides and Michael, and her husband George Demetrios, the sculptor, in a section of Gloucester, Massachusetts, called Folly Cove. Here she taught a class in design and from it emerged the Folly Cove designers, a group of internationally known professional artisans.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Amadou Seydou Traoré

    Amadou Seydou Traoré

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
2,523 global ratings
Board Book Edition destroys this excellent childrens' story
1 Star
Board Book Edition destroys this excellent childrens' story
The Board Book does not include the complete story!! It is a truncated version with all of the most meaningful sections removed. Compare the first page of new book to the original next to it. The other 2 pictures are just some of the other missing parts of this wonderful storyI can not believe the publishers allow this. It is a horrendous butchery of an excellent children's book.Do not purchase this version. Check to make sure any book you purchase has the first page as depicted in the photo, and if possible, the other pages depicted.
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Top reviews from the United States

Robin Landry
5.0 out of 5 stars What makes a classic?
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2011
Verified Purchase
There are nearly 100 reviews of this book so I feel safe in giving my own interpretation of this wonderful story by Virginia Lee Burton.

This book was written in 1939 and it still holds up. What makes a classic? When the story touches on a great truth, and Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel is not just the simple story of a man and his machine, it goes far deeper. While it's easy to enjoy the sweet story of a man who loves his steam shovel, naming her Mary Ann, and he's so proud of her that he declares that she can out-dig a hundred men. He's continually bragging that Mary Ann can dig as much in one day as a hundred man can in a week.

This book gives the first clue to Mary Ann's specialness by saying that "Mike took such good care of Mary Ann she never grew old". So Mary Ann is immortal. She becomes something out of mythology. Then we have her name, Mary (Virgin Mary) Ann (Virgin Mary's mother), and Michael(Arch Angel, warrior of God). For years and years Mike and Mary Ann dig great canals for boats to go through, they cut through mountains for trains to get through, and highways for cars to move about. In other words, Mike and Mary Ann are in service to mankind.

Then, when Mary Ann goes out of fashion because she's steam, and diesel engines come on the scene, work runs out for the two. No one has faith in them anymore. So Mike takes Mary Ann to a small town where the people need a basement dug for their city hall. Now Mike has to make good in his bragging, and he and Mary Ann have to dig the basement in only one day or do the job for free. (Mike has faith even though he doesn't know for sure.)

They set about digging the basement and a young boy sits down to watch, showing his faith in Mike and Mary Ann. Now we have the Biblical faith of a child echoed in the story. Soon other join the boy and the more people that join, the faster Make and Mary Ann dig. When the smoke clears at the end of the day, (smoke moves between the dimensions) and they've done it! The basement is finished in time. But wait . . . Mary Ann and Mike didn't leave themselves any way out of the whole. And here's where the story really comes together, since Mary Ann can't get out of the whole, or at least she could if she ruined the whole, she becomes the steam furnance for the town hall.

Mary Ann sacrifices herself and becomes something greater than she was before, still serving mankind. So instead of dying (being pulled apart for scrap) Mary Ann becomes something new because Mike loved her enough to keep her running perfectly. He's rewarded by being given the job of continuing to care for Mary Ann in her new form.

Of course you can read this story as just a simple story of a man how loves his steam shovel . . .
14 people found this helpful
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Cj the good aunt
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic kids book
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
It's a fun story. I love that the steam shovel is female. Great for children who like heavy equipment as well. Teaches vocabulary and great lessons. Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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John R. Fitzgerald
5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic kid’s story
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
Well written and illustrated.

Teaches plenty about hard work, dedication, and adapting to change. Kids love it (although might be hard to follow before age 3-4, depending upon listening abilities).

Pictures are great and younger siblings listen to “see” the story.
One person found this helpful
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Hugh Bryce
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a classic!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
Bought it to read to my youngest Grand-daughter her dad heard it when he was young and so it gets passed on to the next. It's a great read for little ones to hear and see the pictures.
One person found this helpful
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Thomas McElroy
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was one of my all-time favorite books when I was growing up. Now I read it to my son. I think he likes it because he starts breathing heavy. I don’t know, he’s like 6 months old so I have to interpret a lot of movements and noises, but I’m pretty sure he’s approved it. Either way, I enjoy it. Sometimes I read the characters voices really weird just to annoy my wife. That’s fun too. You should do the same
One person found this helpful
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Schoeny
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I remember
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
It's well-made, and the same story I loved as a kid, and now my kids get to, too.
One person found this helpful
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kristian kauffman
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent choice
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
I remember reading this book as a child, and now that I have a daughter, I will share it with her as well as my nieces, nephews, and my 3 year old cousin
One person found this helpful
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Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story for the little people
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
I read this book to my grand friend many times. Several times over and over. Cute story with a fun ending. I purchased two for , one for my great grandson and one for a shower gift.
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Top reviews from other countries

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MJanzen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.
Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
Great book! Takes you bake in time. Worth the purchase.
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John D
5.0 out of 5 stars Great value, thank you.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
Arrived in perfect condition.
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donna fanale
5.0 out of 5 stars Generational favorite.
Reviewed in Germany on August 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was my son’s favorite book. Bought it for my two year old grandson who is infatuated with excavation equipment. He loves the book. His other Oma is buying one for each of her other three grandsons. Her name is Marianne!
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Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Memories revisited
Reviewed in France on November 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
A book I loved when I was a small boy, and one that my little boy loves now. Great pictures, a lovely story from a time less hectic.
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Staci
5.0 out of 5 stars Quality paperback, lovable story!
Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
An enjoyable and exciting book! The pages are thick, the illustrations are just enough to tell the story but not too much so you can engage your imagination. A lovable classic that is doubly enjoyable when listening to Maestro Classics musical telling of the story (we got the download straight from their site with the same title) while turning the pages at the right time.
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