Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
on Goodreads (53,440)
What’s inside...
In the book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel tells the story of Mike and his beloved steam shovel, Mary Anne, as they undertake the task of digging the basement for a new town hall. Despite the arrival of more advanced diggers, Mike and Mary Anne prove that, together, they can still perform as well as the newer models. A modern classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939. 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.
Age
1-5
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mike Mulligan
Mary Anne
Little Boy
Henry B. Swap
Discussion points
Why do you think Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, were so determined to keep working even when newer machines were being used?
How did Mike and Mary Anne show teamwork throughout their adventure?
What are some ways Mike and Mary Anne tried to prove that they were still useful?
How do you think Mike felt when he realized they had dug themselves into a hole? How would you feel?
What does the story teach us about change and adapting to new situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences of facing new challenges or changes, similar to how Mike and Mary Anne faced modernization.
Highlight the values of perseverance and teamwork illustrated in the story, and discuss with your child times they have had to work hard at something.
Ask your child to think about what they would do if they were in Mike's situation, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of adaptability, using examples from the book and connecting them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Mike Mulligan remains determined to prove the worth of his beloved steam shovel, Mary Anne, despite the advent of more modern shovels.
Real-World Application: Children learn the values of determination and hard work. They see that perseverance can lead to success, even when faced with newer, seemingly better options.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Mike and Mary Anne adapt to change by converting to a furnace in Popperville, demonstrating flexibility and innovation.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and finding new ways to utilize old skills or tools in different contexts.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The success of Mike and Mary Anne in digging the town hall's basement in just one day shows the power of working collaboratively.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the effectiveness of partnership and cooperation in achieving goals quicker and more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Pride in One’s Work
Explanation: Mike takes great pride in the capabilities of Mary Anne, which motivates him to work hard and prove her efficiency.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take pride in their efforts and to strive for excellence in their tasks, reflecting a positive work ethic.