Rating: 
Summary: A Classic
Review: This was perhaps my favorite children's book. I received a hardbound copy as a child and I still have it, though the binding is busted and some of the pages are torn. As you probably imagine, I read it faithfully. I treasured it because it was one of the few books I owned. I bought another copy about ten years ago so that I could read the story to my students. It's a great read-aloud for young children. Virginia Lee Burton crafted a timeless tale that has maintained its status as a must-have for any child's collection.
Rating:
Summary: Timeles classic
Review: I loved this book when I was a child, and I couldn't wait to have a child of my own so I could read it again. My two-year-old son loves this book, and will read it to himself, looking at the pictures and calling out the names of Mike, Mary Anne, and Henry B. Swap. It is a tale that will never grow old.
Rating:
Summary: DIG UP THIS BOOK AND TREASURE IT! IT IS A CLASSIC!
Review: I have loved this book since I was a very little girl. My favorite uncle was a construction worker and all of my life I have had nothing but the deepest respect for these skilled workers who provide much needed services. A large part of Mike's appeal is his hard driven work ethic (like my uncle), the cool trucks and construction equipment (like my uncle used) and of course, his ultimate success.Need I add that my favorite uncle liked Mike, too?
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Summary: How I dreaded those nights............
Review: Yes, its true -- I dreaded the nights (night after night after night) when one of my sons would insist we read this book! Why? Because it's long, and detailed -- good for the child, terrible for a weary parent. My boys memorized the story, and if I ever tried to skip a page, I was found out and the missing page was revisited. This book is a great gift to give to any child who is enthralled with heavy machinery, but there's more to it than that. At the time the story is written (1939) Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne, his steam shovel, are becoming outdated. They used to be busy in the big city, making basements for big buildings. But as always happens, something better - faster, more efficient gas, electric and Diesel shovels - is replacing them. Mike Mulligan knows they still have value. He's always told people that Mary Anne could dig as much in a day as a hundred men could dig in a week, though he's never been quite sure this is true. To find work, he ventures into the country to the town of Popperville, where a new Town Hall is being built. Mike promises to build the cellar in just one day ("What!" said Henry B. Swap. "Dig a cellar in just one day! It would take a hundred men at least a week to dig the cellar for our new town hall." ) Henry and the townpeople are swayed when Mike promises that "If we can't do it, you won't have to pay." The citizens of Bangerville and Bopperville, Kipperville and Kopperville plus all the people from Popperville come out to watch Mike and Mary Anne work hard under the hot sun. They finish the job as the sun sets, just in the nick of time. One small boy has been watching them, and he asks a really good question - "How are they going to get out?" Mike was in such a hurry, he forgot to make a way to get Mary Anne out of the cellar. Everyone tries to think of a solution, but it's that astute little boy who comes up with the best one. They decide to keep the Steam Shovel in the cellar, and build the town hall over them. Mike Mulligan can be the janitor, the steam shovel will keep the building warm in the winter, they won't have to buy a new furnace (Henry B. Swap really likes this frugal thought!) and everyone is happy. The kids who read it especially like looking at all the tiny details in the pictures, but I think they especially like the small boy finding the solution that none of the adults can figure out. In retrospect, I suppose it really wasn't that awful to have to read it again and again and again. I've got the original hardcover in hand, waiting for the grandkids! Definitely worth buying the hardcover edition!
Rating:
Summary: Mulligan an all time classic.
Review: When I was growing up, I don't think there was any story I requested more than Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel.I have fond memories of my grandfather reading it to me again and again. The easy to remember and recite text, and the early 40s middle America drawings combine to create an evocative time piece. I believe this is one book that will cut past the computer generated entertainment for today's youngsters, and prove to be a classic in generations to come. If parents don't buy this for their kids, then I hope they'll buy it for themselves. Great ending too!
Rating:
Summary: I remember
Review: I remember this book from the early 1960's when I read it. I don't remember that many of the books I read at age 6, but this one stayed with me. It's the sort of simple story that I loved as a child, with characters I could identify with.
Rating:
Summary: Mike and Maryanne are perfect together!
Review: My friends Curt and Tony are both in the contracting business. They love the story of Mike and Maryanne! Curt even calls his Caterpillar by the name of Maryanne. This story is great for small children and even for the big boys and their big toys!
Rating:
Summary: A fun book!
Review: I remember reading and loving this book as a child, and I was excited to share it with my children. It has lasting appeal that spans generations. My kids were just as enthralled with the delightful drawings and exciting story line as I was many years ago. Virginia Lee Burton produced a story that teaches determination, dedication and ingenuity. It has a message for this era of technology and fast-expanding industry. It will never lose its charm. I'll keep it on the shelf for my grandchildren, too.
Rating:
Summary: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Review: "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel," is an excellent example of children's literature. The book has excellent art work that is appealing to children. Virginia Lee Burton demonstrates commanding control of lines and colors. Her illustrations match beautifully with the text, thus engaging younger children. I personally was suprised with the ending, and can only imagine a childs reaction. This book also gives children hope and confidence by using a young boy to solve the problem. An excellent read aloud book.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite "Daytime" book
Review: I loved Mike Mulligan to pieces, "literally." Awesome story, will never be outdated.
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