Author & Illustrator Profile
Virginia Lee Burton
6 Books
Virginia Lee Burton was an acclaimed American children's book author and illustrator who often anthropomorphized machines and buildings in her stories. She won the Caldecott Medal for "The Little House" and is universally beloved for her enduring classic "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel." Her beautifully designed, rhythmic books celebrated the charm of everyday heroes and documented the changing American landscape.
Do you know Katy? She's not just any tractor; she's a super strong crawler tractor who works hard for the city! In summer, Katy helps build and fix roads with her big bulldozer. But when winter comes, she gets a special snowplow to clear away snow. Katy is always ready for a challenge, and she secretly wishes for a really, really big snow day where she can truly show what she can do.
One day, her wish comes true! A huge blizzard buries the city of Geoppolis under piles of snow. No one can get around! The police, fire department, and even the doctor are stuck. It looks like the whole city is in trouble. But don't worry, because Katy is here to save the day! Watch as this amazing red tractor plows through the deepest drifts, clearing paths and helping everyone. You'll love seeing how Katy's strength and hard work make her a true hero when the city needs her most!
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Meet Maybelle, a cheerful and hard-working cable car who loves her bustling life in the hilly city of San Francisco. Every day, she happily carries passengers up and down the steep streets, listening to the clanging of her bell and enjoying the beautiful views. You can almost feel the wind rushing by as she goes about her daily routine. But one day, everything changes. The City Fathers decide that buses are faster and more modern, and they want to take Maybelle and her friends out of service. Now, Maybelle needs the help of the citizens who love her to prove that newer is not always better. Will the people of San Francisco band together to save their beloved cable cars? This classic story celebrates the value of tradition, community spirit, and standing up for the things that make a city special.
6-8 Years
52 Pages
Far out in the quiet countryside stands a sturdy, happy Little House. Built on a gentle hill surrounded by apple trees, she watches the beautiful changing seasons, from the bright pink blossoms of spring to the sparkling white snow of winter. You will feel the peacefulness of her simple life as she watches the sun rise and set each day. But slowly, the world around her begins to change. A new road brings cars, then bigger buildings, and soon, a loud and busy city completely surrounds her. She misses the stars, the daisies, and the quiet country nights. Just when she thinks she will be trapped in the dark shadows of tall skyscrapers forever, a surprising discovery might give her a second chance. This beautiful, award-winning tale explores the passing of time and the comforting joy of finding your way home.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Mike Mulligan and his trusty red steam shovel, Mary Anne, are the best digging team around. Together, they have dug deep canals, cut through tall mountains, and created the cellars for towering city skyscrapers. You would be amazed by how much dirt Mary Anne can scoop up. But the world is changing fast. New gasoline and electric shovels are taking over, and suddenly Mike and Mary Anne find themselves out of work. Determined to prove that his beloved Mary Anne is still the best, Mike makes a daring promise to the town of Popperville. He claims they can dig the entire cellar for the new town hall in just one day. If they fail, they will not get paid at all. Join this inseparable pair as they race against the setting sun in a heartwarming adventure about loyalty, hard work, and finding clever solutions.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Out in the wild, dusty lands of Cactus County, there is no horse faster, smarter, or braver than Calico. She is a true wonder horse, capable of outrunning a speeding train and outsmarting any outlaw who dares to cause trouble. You will be on the edge of your seat as Calico springs into action to protect the peaceful people of her town. When the mean and terrible villain Stewy Stinker and his gang of bad guys show up to ruin everything, they think they can steal from the town and get away with it. But they have not met Calico yet. This incredibly unique, action-packed story is drawn just like a classic comic book, filled with thrilling chases, clever traps, and hilarious moments. Saddle up and get ready for a fast-paced western adventure where one brilliant horse proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
There is nothing more exciting than the powerful chug and hiss of a beautiful black steam engine, and Choo Choo is the finest locomotive on the tracks. She normally loves her important job of pulling cars full of passengers and mail from the small country town to the big, bustling city. But one day, Choo Choo grows tired of her humdrum duties. She decides she wants to show the world just how fast she can go all by herself, without any heavy cars holding her back. Leaving her crew behind, she speeds off down the tracks on a wild and runaway adventure. As she races past startled farm animals, through busy towns, and into unfamiliar territory, she soon realizes that being completely on your own might be more scary than fun. This charming and thrilling classic brings the joy of trains to life in a way that will capture your imagination.
6-8 Years
53 Pages
