Political themes in classic children's books

'Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel' By Virginia Lee Burton Conservative theme: A hard-working solo entrepreneur opts out of wage and hour laws and, through sheer honest effort, overcomes a scheming government official. Liberal theme: A marginalized worker uses a public-works job as a steppingstone to steady government employment, while finding a way to conserve and recycle outmoded equipment.

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By Tom Scocca
"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel"
By Virginia Lee Burton

Conservative theme: A hard-working solo entrepreneur opts out of wage and hour laws and, through sheer honest effort, overcomes a scheming government official.

Liberal theme: A marginalized worker uses a public-works job as a steppingstone to steady government employment, while finding a way to conserve and recycle outmoded equipment.