Written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton and originally published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a book about the power of friendship, hard work, and the how life can continue to be purposeful even when your reason for living has apparently disappeared.

Mike and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, are being outclassed by the newer diesel powered diggers, so they travel to a small town where their services may be useful again. There they discover work and a unique challenge, but not the life they originally envisioned.

Having read this to my own children, it’s amazing that a 70 year old book about steam shovels can still both entertain and resonate with in a meaningful way. Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel is a timeless classic that will inspire children and parents for generations to come.

~ Evan Derrick

Purchase "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" here.