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. When Mary Anne is destined for the scrap heap, the duo must dig their way out of trouble in this timeless tale of friendship, old-fashioned hard work, and ingenuity.
"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
The Hardcover Edition includes bonus audio download performed by the Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick.
"This new edition features a snazzy red foil dust jacket and some brief back matter...A perfect choice to replace well-worn copies of this beloved book."
--School Library Journal
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 Katy and the Big Snow and Life Story.
Target Age: 4-7
Clarion Book
hardcover: 0.5" H x 8.5" L x 9.6" W, 56 pages
paperback: 0.2" H x 8.3" L x 9.1" W, 48 pages
board book: 0.8" H x 6.7" L x 7.5" W, 40 pages