Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has provided bedtime entertainment to delighted generations of children. The story is a testament to friendship and old-fashioned hard work and ingenuity.

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. But with progress comes new machines, and soon the inseparable duo are out of work. The valiant steam shovel and the equally valiant Mike set off to prove to the world that they are not obsolete, not worthless...just because they are old, just because they are now different, they still have value! And they dig, and they dig, and they dig. And soon they have attracted a large audience, all of whom are pulling for the team to win even though it seems impossible.

In the end, Mike and Mary Ann have prevailed. They have dug the basement in one day! But just when they are being celebrated as heroes, a terrible problem arises. Mary Ann cannot get back out of the hole. What is to happen? Was it all for nothing?

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a wonderful story for reading and teaching children about morals & ethics, to persevere, to glory in their "otherness" and to grab life with both hands. It is a treasure for young and old alike.