Mike Mulligan and More: A Classic Construction Story Collection About Hard Work for Children

by Virginia Lee Burton

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel plus three other classic picture book favorites, in one handsome hardcover. The four complete and unabridged picture books by Virginia Lee Burton in this volume are: Virginia Lee Burton wrote and illustrated stories that have been entertaining children, parents, and grandparents for more than sixty years. Many of her books—with themes that honor a simple way of life and celebrate heroes who endure through determination and by adapting to change—have become classic American tales. With an introduction by Barbara Elleman, author of Virginia Lee Burton: A Life in Art , this attractive collection commemorates four of Burton’s most popular stories, each featured complete and unabridged. Their appeal today, as strong as when the books were first published, is a tribute to one of America’s most innovative illustrators, designers, and writers of stories for children. This gift-ready and value priced hardcover belongs on every preschooler's bookshelf.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Literature, Classics, Pre K, School

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Virginia Lee Burton was an American illustrator and children's book author. Burton produced seven self-illustrated children's books. She married Boston Museum school sculptor, George Demetrios, with whom she had two sons and lived in Folly Cove, Gloucester. She died at 59.

Reviews

[Theo Logos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover advertises this collection as a Virginia Lee Burton Treasury. It doesn’t lie. These stories are treasures of timelessness. Burton first published these four books separately, starting in 1939. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Little House were favorite bedtime stories for me in the 1960s, but they were already hand-me-downs. They had been my older brothers books when they were small in the 1950s. And as part of this collection they were among my boys most loved tales when I would read them bedtime stories in the 2000s. Generation after generation grow to love Mike Mulligan, his faithful Steam Shovel, the Little House, and the other tales here.

The artwork is a big part of these stories. Burton created these pictures with crayons, which is amazing when you observe the detail of expression, emotion, and scenery conveyed. As a little kid, I got the sense that all these stories were taking place in the same general area, because Burton conveys a true sense of place in her artwork.

The stories (particularly Mike Mulligan and The Little House) create a sense of changes in motion, treasured things becoming outdated, and adjustments that must be made to a changing world. It’s really a complex idea aimed at such young minds, but from my own memories, both as a child and from reading them to my kids, Burton lands it perfectly. Melancholy isn’t a typical emotional in children, yet a sweet melancholy is exactly the mood of these stories, and will likely be a child’s first experience of that particular emotion.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sad when I finished this book. I had become such great friends with the steam shovel, Mike, Katy, Maybelle and especially The Little House.

This may be an ode to pre-industrial society, but it's also an ode to the acceptance of change. I appreciated the tidy-wrap-ups at the end, how peace and amiability were always just a compromise or an open mind away.

I do feel like The Little House's problem was only temporarily resolved, and I am haunted by this. It is such an eerie and exact representation of many industrialization-related problems that have been half-ass solved with cheap band-aids that often exacerbate the problems or create new ones.

Ok, so The Little House story pissed me off. But it pissed me off in a way that applauds Burton's impressive insightfulness. I think she would agree with me when I say that I wish she was wrong. But I am currently reading "Poop Happened" and from what I can understand industrialization had a little bit to do with making this world less plague-friendly and odiferous. So please pardon my industrialization-bashing party here. The Little House may have to keep moving each time progress springs up around it, but at least there aren't pails of shit in our houses and only a handful of plagues are lurking around *knock on wood*.

The illustrations are exceptional even without the knowledge that Burton made them with the same kind of waxy crayons that kids use today. The expressions are extraordinary and convey a wide variety of emotions, from happiness to pride and even dismay. If I were to ever be lucky enough to befriend a few machines and a house, these guys are at the top of my list.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute stories, my boys loved them. The cable car story at the end was a little less endearing, but the other three were a hit.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We received this book in our Sonlight curriculum and loved cuddling on the couch with our little ones over and over reading these stories while they drank milk out of their sippy cups..krb 2/23/16

Excellent read again..krb 2/29/16

[Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful classic.

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit something - I don't recall reading Mike Mulligan as a child. Of course, I knew of Mike Mulligan and his fantastic steamshovel Mary Anne. I was a big fan of Beverly Cleary's Ramona, and if you have read Ramona the Pest, you know that Mike Mulligan is Ramona's favorite story because "it was neither quiet and sleepy not sweet and pretty." It's definitely not. You know, I probably did read Mike Mulligant - or have it read to me - because afterall, who didn't? But as a grown up, I'm going to officially declare myself a fan of Mary Anne - and a lover of all things Virginia Burton. Mike Mulligan, and to some degree The Little House - are both visual delights and perfect little stories. If you have a group of little kids you know or teach, read them Mike Mulligan. They will sit still and listen (be sure and ask them how THEY think Mary Anne and Mike should get out of the hole they dug themselves into, and be prepared for a slew of clever asnwers). The four of these books are the crown jewels of illustration. It's very clear that Virginia Lee Burton was an artist and designer of the higest ability. Each book is DESIGNED, the text, the curve of each illustation, the colors, the patterns, they are all chosen to create a perfect combination of story and art. The Little House, a Caldecott winner (and deservedly so) is perfect in every way. Katy and Maybelle aren't the greatest stories ever told (I think Mike and The Little House rank up there though), but the illustrations are excellent. They aren't simply beauitful - there are plenty of beautifully illustrated picture books. They mean something; everything connects; everything moves and flows for a reason. There are little details and broad strokes. Burton knows her audience is BOTH kids and the grown ups who are reading the books aloud to them, and she speaks to both. These four aren't just picture books - they are works of art.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have used and enjoyed this collection for preschool and kindergarten read aloud. While some of Burton's ideas can be politically objectionable, her whimsical stories, personification of heavy machinery, captivating illustrations and themes of loyalty, hard work, and adaptation to change are sure to make these stories a family favorite for both children and their readers.

I would recommend this hardcover edition for years of reading. Neither the stories nor the illustrations have been reduced, and this lovely rendition features full pages of:
* Mike Mulligan & Mary Anne
* The Little House
* Katy and the Big Snow
* Maybelle the Cable Car

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this with the two youngest (8 and 5). They really loved the stories (but not so much Maybelle the Cable Car). I love having all the books in one place and they didn't cut out any of the pictures to make it fit.

Overall a lovely collection with some great, classics stories. I still find my older boys reading these at times. When I sat down to read it the other day, one of the 11-yr-olds told his brothers, "Oh, I remember that story. You're going to love it. It's such a great story."

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel was my favorite picture when I was little. I wanted to reread it because I had forgotten the shovel's name. I found this volume at my online library. I was not familiar with the other books in the treasury, but found them just as wonderful ad Mike Mulligan. I am so glad that Ms. Burton won a Caldecott medal, though I wish it had been for Mike Mulligan. If you loved any one of these stories, you will love them all. With a smile and a tear ~ Kathy

[Liesl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-worn favorite in our house. Each of my kids has liked a different story best.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every little boy needs this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves this book!

[EJP · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kid doesn't love Virginia Lee Burton? She has an amazing way of giving inanimate objects human-like qualities. This is a great collection.

[Erin Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

These classics always bring back fond memories. The art style, the style of writing, how it all wraps up at the end nicely with happy and sweet endings. I'm sure some kids today wouldn't pick out books like these as their first choice as they aren't as flashy and popping with lots of vibrant colors like a lot of picture books now, but they really are good little stories with heart.

[Maria Kammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of Burton's best. As a librarian, this is one of my favorite books to give as a gift. In particular, I love all of the strong, determined, female protagonists that are portrayed in each of the stories. These characters serve as great role models for children and adults alike.

[Sara Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for something that was not cheesy or cartoonish for my son who loves construction, and Virginia Lee Burton’s books are it. They have the quality language and artwork that you do not often see in modern books. That’s why the classics are the best.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of Burton's classic children's books. One to treasure.

[Mel Lockcuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 year old loves these stories. We checked it out at the library and enjoyed it so much, I found us a copy of our own. The stories and illustrations are just beautiful.

[Genny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and timeless stories.

[Brianna Jade Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic, and loved by little boys. The illustrations are simple but beautiful and the stories are sweet.

[Lora Poucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these classic books and love that this treasury holds 5 great stories!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful edition of 4 of my favorites - a gift from Mrs. Bartley.

[Abigail Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even for children not obsessed with machinery, these are engaging stories that are fun for all ages to read through.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with "treasury" in title

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting children's books about progress and change.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy and the Big Snow
Recommended to Margaret by: Sonlight P3/4
Read on May 21, 2012

We read this one within our "Mike Mulligan and More" Storybook Treasury, although I wouldn't mind adding the individual book to our shelf someday. Katy is a very neat read. First recommended to me through P3/4 and then again through AOY0 we've read this one time and again. We've read it anytime of year, but it's best in the winter, when we have just a dusting of snow. Here the girls get to see the excitement and possibility (imagination!) of how life could be if we lived somewhere with lots of snow.

Virginia Lee Burton is an author/illustrator that has definitely earned a place on my keeper list. Slowly but surely we're adding more of her titles to our shelves and I'm loving it! Katy is a special character and one that I'm sure we'll revisit time and again.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Recommended to Margaret by: Sonlight P3/4
Read on December 06, 2012 — I own a copy

I grabbed this one up already knowing thanks to the Mike Mulligan and More: A Virginia Lee Burton Treasury that I really like Virginia Lee Burton's writing and illustrations. The combination of gently showing old things turning into new as well as giving personality to the machines that help make our lives run is just great for everyone as well as my preschooler. She loves every story we're read from Virginia Lee Burton and I look forward to reading more and more. Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne worked hard and these are important lessons for all to learn.

We have a beat up old teacher's copy from a relative, but also have this one in the treasury. I'm glad.

I still need to review The Little House and Maybelle the Cable Car, both of which we also enjoyed.

[Patti Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today you get several picture books in one as my picture book recommendation! I absolutely love Virginia Lee Burton! My two favorites in this collection are "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel," and "The Little House." Through clean and beautiful artwork and unlikely heroes, Virginia Lee Burton brings long ago times to life while teaching and entertaining readers. Three cheers for this author and three cheers for Mike Mulligan, the Steam Shovel, the Little House and all her other amazing characters. Happy National Picture Book month:)

[Robin E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Mike Mulligan's steam shovel or San Francisco cable cars? This treasury of Virgina Lee Burton's works has full sized illustrations and is a lovely addition to any preschooler's home library.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent collection of classic stories to read to / with young child(ren)

[Kiddo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet