Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Sandpiper Books)

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 . . .

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.

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.

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.

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

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

It's well-made, and the same story I loved as a kid, and now my kids get to, too.

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.

Great book! Takes you bake in time. Worth the purchase.

Arrived in perfect condition.

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!

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.

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.