society and environment

Mike Mulligan loved his steam shovel Mary Anne and took good care of her over her years of service. As time passed she became surpassed by fuel-driven alternatives but Mike trusted her ability to still work efficiently. When he is asked to prove his claim that she can dig as much in a day as one hundred men can dig in a week Mary Anne proceeds as a testimony to hard work but Mike and Mary Anne had no plan for how to get out of their hole once they are done. The solution was beautiful.

This book has been a great conversation starter for our family as we explored: