Living Unabridged

Virginia Lee Burton wrote many classic children's stories. She particularly seemed to have a good idea of stories little boys (or mechanically minded children of either gender) might enjoy.

Our favorite:

The reason this is our favorite Burton has a lot to do with The Maestro Classics version: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. My girls have listened to this so often we all have it nearly memorized. And our CD copy is almost worn out, so I know we'll need to get a new one for our boy.

He's sure to love Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann as much as his sisters. (or more)

Other favorites by Burton:
The Little House. Oh, this story! This one can almost make me cry. (I wouldn't want to read this and then watch Up on the same day, is all I'm saying!)
 Katy and the Big Snow. A favorite that I keeped tucked away and only bring out when the season is right. If it's snowing and you have hot cocoa at hand, that's definitely the right time for "Katy."

Other sites about Burton:

• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Virginia Lee Burton page (biography, activities, & more)
• Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel unit study from Homeschool Share

Do you have a favorite Virginia Lee Burton book?

Resources for Readers: