Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Recommended. Age: 6+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Mike will not scrap Mary Anne when the world calls her useless. He stays loyal, works hard, and the two of them keep a bold promise. A small boy's idea then gives them both a new job and a home. It is honest work and friendship in 44 pages. The only reservation is that there is no faith content.
For parents
Read aloud from 3 or 4. Independent reading from about 6 or 7. For every family with small children. Ask why Mike did not sell Mary Anne for junk. Ask what job your child could do that seems too big, and who would cheer them on.