Save up to 20% off select gift cards.
Buy used:
$6.94
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Thursday, December 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Tuesday, December 17. Order within 9 hrs 49 mins
Arrives before Christmas
Used: Acceptable | Details
Sold by RNA TRADE LLC
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Acceptable
Comment: Missing dust jacket.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Virginia Lee Burton
Follow
Amadou Seydou Traoré
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Hardcover – Picture Book, September 9, 1939

by Virginia Lee Burton (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,572 ratings
Teachers' pick
See all formats and editions
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 -- the very symbol of industrial America. 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 slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    1 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    56 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    580L
  6. Dimensions
    9.37 x 0.12 x 8.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    HMH Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    September 9, 1939
  9. ISBN-10
    0395169615
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0395169612
  11. See all details
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

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 ‏ : ‎ HMH Books for Young Readers (September 9, 1939)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 56 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0395169615
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0395169612
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 - 5 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 580L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.37 x 0.12 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,572 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Virginia Lee Burton

    Virginia Lee Burton

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    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

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
3,572 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story heartwarming and classic. They appreciate the wonderful illustrations and bright colors. Readers describe the storytelling as captivating and engaging, bringing back great memories and fascination. The text is simple and well-written, making it a pleasure to read aloud.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Story lengthArtworkLanguageStorytelling
49 customers mention "Story length"42 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the story's length. They find the illustrations whimsical and the storyline heartwarming. The book is described as a classic with fun plot twists. It shows value even in an old story, bringing back good memories for readers.

"...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." Read more

"...Mike Mulligan displays the virtues of loyalty and perseverance. Plus what boy doesn’t want a book about a digger?!" Read more

"...is as meaningful, sentimental & well-received today as it must have been with the generation before me...." Read more

"...This is an amazing book, with a great story and beautiful artwork! Don't pass up this perfect edition of a beloved classic!" Read more

42 customers mention "Artwork"39 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the artwork. They find the story charming with classic pictures and good morals. The illustrations are bright and colorful, making it a nice board book for children.

"...This 75th Anniversary edition is a beautiful book (with instructions on how to download a free audiobook on the first page)... some of the pages are..." Read more

"...The hardback version is sturdy and colorful.This edition comes with a link to an free audio version...." Read more

"...Pictures are great and younger siblings listen to “see” the story." Read more

"...The illustrations are also complex and interesting to look at the details...." Read more

26 customers mention "Language"21 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's language. They find the text engaging, well-written, and easy to read. The simple words convey the story effectively with a rhythmic quality. While some readers find the writing challenging, others appreciate the rhythmic style and its ability to be read aloud.

"...I think our 4-1/2 year old grandson will do fine with it - the words are very simple, and are displayed in interesting configurations..." Read more

"Well written and illustrated.Teaches plenty about hard work, dedication, and adapting to change...." Read more

"...The reading by Matthew Broderick is delightful. Definitely survives the test of time." Read more

"...incredible illustrations in her signature style, and a great rhythm in the writing. Ordered this copy for a birthday gift for my nephew." Read more

26 customers mention "Storytelling"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging storytelling. They find it a classic read-aloud story that connects with kids of all ages. The illustrations are also appreciated.

"...I read it to him two days ago. He asked a lot of questions and seemed very interested...." Read more

"...It is the same exact book I had as a 5 year old child. Really enjoyed reading the story again...." Read more

"Engaging, fun classic story for construction obsessed 4 year olds." Read more

"...Great for children who like heavy equipment as well. Teaches vocabulary and great lessons. Highly recommended." Read more

Great memories
5 out of 5 stars
Great memories
Loved this book as a child. Great addition to my library.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

char
5.0 out of 5 stars great story for a little boy
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
This story was read to my husband as a child, by a great aunt. He loved it as a kid, and wanted our great grandson to hear it. I read it to him two days ago. He asked a lot of questions and seemed very interested. The real test is to see if he wants it read to him the next time he comes to visit.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Grandma Zizzy
5.0 out of 5 stars We're so happy to be placing this classic into our grandchildren's hands!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
My mother was a frequent visitor to used book stores while we were growing up (when you have ten children, you learn to live life in thrifty ways) and, when I saw Mike Mulligan on Amazon's list of 100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime, it brought back memories of reading a battered copy of this book to my younger brothers (which always seemed to inspire them to gather their old Tonka trucks and head outside for some excavating of their own!) I'd mentioned to my dad (born the year before the Great Depression ended in 1939, the year this book was first published) that I'd just purchased the 75th anniversary edition of Mike Mulligan for my grandkids and - even though he was stricken with Alzheimer's years ago, it brought an instant smile of recognition... this was a book he remembered from his childhood as well!

As soon as you open this book, the old-fashioned illustrations take you back to what was a simpler time, but also an extremely stressful time - the end of the longest and most far-reaching economic downturn in our nation's history (at its lowest point, 13-15 million Americans were out of work, close to half of the banks had failed, a time when bread lines and soup kitchens were the norm, with foreclosures and repossessions leading to rising numbers of homeless as people lost their jobs - just as Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel named Mary Anne do, as steam shovels are quickly being replaced by power shovels. The deep hole Mike and Mary Anne find themselves in with no way out feels reflective of that period. It was a time when loyalty, trust, faith and ingenuity was about all you had to get by on, and the deep friendship between Mike and Mary Anne is a perfect example of that. 1939 was the year American industry shifted into high gear with WW II, when pulling together to support the troops was everything, including re-purposing of various items for new usages... just as Mary Anne becomes re-purposed as a furnace for a new town hall, for which Mike becomes the janitor - still together through it all. It was interesting to discover that Mary Anne's name was based on the Marion, Ohio's Marion Steam Shovel Company, re-named the Marion Power Shovel Company after the change from steam to diesel power within the industry had taken hold. (Sadly, after being sold, spun off, and then integrated into the product line of a long time rival, the Marion facility was closed.)

This 75th Anniversary edition is a beautiful book (with instructions on how to download a free audiobook on the first page)... some of the pages are pretty wordy, so I don't know that it would hold the attention of a 2 year old, but I think our 4-1/2 year old grandson will do fine with it - the words are very simple, and are displayed in interesting configurations (many of the pages have the lines of words in a slanted fashion, which sort of reminds me of a big load of words Mary Anne might lift!), and though the imprinted $17.99 price on the cover seems a bit hefty for a 44-page book, this is one of the true classics (which the National Education Association places among the "Teachers' Top 100 Books") - one we'll be happy to place into the hands of our grandchildren. My favorite thing about the story is the sense of dignity and respect with which Mike and Mary Anne are treated in the end, after all of their years of hard work. If only all American workers could look forward to the same treatment!
33 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
tatorgurl
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for children
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book was a favorite of my husbands growing up, he still has his copy from the 1960’s! He read it to our daughter and son when they were little. When our daughter started teaching kindergarten 8 years ago, she requested a copy for her classroom because she loved it so. Now she is expecting a son in January and asked once again for a copy for her new son , to share the wonderful story of Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann ( his steamshovel!) . It’s a family tradition!
Helpful
 Report
i2whl4fn
5.0 out of 5 stars MEMORIES
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
The first and only time I've heard of this book was watching Captain Kangaroo read it to me. Yes I'm that old. I saw it come up during a random search and had to buy myself a copy. It's still a great book, many years later.
Helpful
 Report
Jack Mayes
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book as a child
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
I have two grandsons that now like this book I used to read it in elementary school for both my girls elementary School classes
Helpful
 Report
cgm
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless children's book
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
I read to my brother 60 years ago and am sending to another child. The story and message is timeless. Just a lovely book for children.
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun time with grandpa
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
A classic story to pass on a lot of fun to read the little ones
Helpful
 Report
kristin@temple.edu
5.0 out of 5 stars Love!
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was one of my favorites when I was a kid! Mine now loves it too. It’s so fun to be able to enjoy it now together!
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
mags
5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic for kids
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Very engaging book for the little ones.
Report
kathryn
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on August 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
Takes me back to my childhood , a beautiful story beautifully told
Report
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!
Report
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.
Report
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.
Report