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Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton tells the story of Mike and his steam shovel, Mary Anne. Mike and Mary Anne dig all kinds of things from canals and roads, to basements for skyscrapers. When gasoline, electric, and Diesel steam shovels come along, no one wants to use a steam shovel anymore. Mike and Mary Anne find themselves out of work. When Mike learns that the small town of Popperville needs a new town hall, Mike decides to take Mary Anne and go dig the cellar of the new building for the town. When they get to Popperville, Mike and Mary Anne are in for the biggest challenge of their lives! In the end, friendship and hard work prevail in this heart-warming picture book.

Publication Date
1939
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Book descriptions

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Illustrators

We have provided at least one recommended illustrator for each applicable book, though other excellent options may exist.

Content guidance

Reading level
Early Elementary
Content warning
None

Book tags

Genre
Fiction

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