Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

The book states, “Mike loved Mary Anne”–what kind of love is there between the two? Is it love as union (having a desire to share an identity and well-being with another person, even if results in personal sacrifices), as robust concern (caring about another person for their sake and always acting to promote what would be best for their well-being), or as valuing ( i.e. This book also raises questions about the nature and morality of love. This can push the children to question themselves on the concept of loyalty, reflect on how it is presented and carried out in their everyday life, and assess whether and when they think it is right.

Since loyalty between people is usually mutually beneficial, could it be considered selfish? Are people loyal to others because they owe them a debt of gratitude for being loyal, or because loyalty helps build strong relationships, which is something of value? All of this can allow an adult to lead a discussion with children on their experiences and views on loyalty–whether they think loyalty is important and what it means to be loyal. Answers to this question range from how loyalty benefits society as a whole to how it benefits individuals. The book also brings up questions about reasons for loyalty. Is Mike’s choice admirable, particularly if we assume that Mary Anne is a sentient being that cares for Mike and knows that Mike cares for her? Is loyalty inherently admirable, or does it depend upon what one is loyal to? Some argue that loyalty is a virtue in itself, while others bring up examples such as sports teams or even gangs to demonstrate that the value of loyalty might be dependent upon the object of loyalty. Mike has the option of replacing Mary Anne with a more advanced shovel, but he remains loyal to his longtime partner instead, even though this loyalty means the pair might be out of work. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel raises questions about the nature and morality of loyalty. Read aloud video by Read to My Children Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Loyalty But how will they get Mary Anne out of the cellar that she has just dug? And if they don’t, will they get paid? While this greatly perplexes everyone at first, a little boy comes up with a brilliant solution. But when newer, more advanced shovels come along, no one wants to hire Mike and Mary Anne anymore–until Mike hears that the nearby town of Popperville needs someone to dig the cellar of their new town hall. Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel Mary Anne are a great team. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a story about love and loyalty in the face of a changing world.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton