You never forget your first time!
Opening the rural Alabama mailbox and finding a package with my name on it was a big deal for a then six-year-old boy. Tearing into the box like it was Christmas, I soon held my first book, Mike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel, one of the Weekly Reader Children Book Club’s offerings.
The tale of a hard working man, who, along with his loyal machine, charted years of construction projects, Mike was being phased out as more modern-day equipment and their operators arrived onto the scene. But, his work and legacy weren’t done; thus, another chapter was created for this blue collar testament of perseverance.
As a boy, the book entertained and enlightened with its morals of self worth and determination. As a soon to be 55-year-old man, the messages still ring true – perhaps, even louder!
When my career shifted eight years ago from corporate America to my psychic medium practice, I fell in love with books all over again. Since then, I’ve read practically a library’s worth on a host of spiritually related topics, not to mention countless biographies of trailblazers and pioneers in this realm of work. With each page, each chapter and each publication, my knowledge continues to grow stronger.
More importantly, all the reading has personalized the subtle underpinning of my favorite childhood book: my work and legacy aren’t done.
Love and light,
Tony
Mike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel was my first book! (I still have it!)
Virginia Lee Burton also wrote and illustrated one of my favorite childhood books — “The Little House.” I still have my copy. Flipping through it, I see where mine was also a “Weekly Reader Book Club Edition.”
The story is told from the perspective of the Little House, who lived in the country but wondered what is was like to live in the city. The Little House’s surroundings gradually changed and became more and more urban, until the Little House was sitting neglected in the middle of a busy city. Luckily, the Little House was rescued and returned to the countryside by the great-great-granddaughter of the man who built her. Ever since I read that story as a kid, I’ve always felt that houses have a soul of sorts.
Oh my goodness!! Now, I’m going to have to find this book! Thank you so much for sharing!! And, yes, houses do have souls and energy.
That was such a good book! I remember reading it. Would love to re-read it now to mine its simple truths in an increasingly complex world. I re-read another childhood favorite, The Boxcar Children, last year. Very fulfulling!
I’m with you; the book really connects with children and even adults later in life. (Thanks, too, for reminding me of The Boxcar Children!)
I loved my weekly reader. Nice u could share this story!
Yes, Weekly Reader book club rocked as a kid! Thanks for reading!
A good book always stays with you. Very impressed that you remember your first book.
I agree; a good book will always stay with you. And, I still have my first book too!
I remember the cover of this book, but not the contents. Now you have me yearning to re-read it and share with my son. I always loved opening up a weekly reader, it was so exciting. One of my favorites of today (for myself and Clark) is, “The Giving Tree” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go”.
Thanks so much for your comment about this special book! “Oh the Placess You’ll Go” is another favorite of mine as well!
We grew up with this book such a great message I loved this book!!!
Thanks for reading the blog! I think this book was in many households as kids grew up!
Sounds like a very special book. Cherish those childhood memories.
Hey Gary! Thanks for reading the post! Yes, it’s one of those books that stays with you forever!
If I’m not mistaken, your edition was illustrated with ink block….. No colors, only black—- in traditional ink block method.
Love to you, Tony.
Becky
💙💙💙💙
Love to you too! Another favorite book was the one you introduced me to: “From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”