"This is the kind of quality, well-produced, enriching recording a parent dreams of, and reaches for again and again. Engrossing story, fascinating music, and the engagement of his imagination."

Marsha Lucas, Ph.D., Amazon customer

"An excellent melding of children's literature and beautiful music, this welcome addition to audio collections is a fun and innovative way to introduce music and a classic tale to youngsters."

Jean Hatfield, Booklist

"CONGRATULATIONS! It is not often that a children's CD comes along that combines the magic of a great story, great narrating, and great music....
A wonderful addition to any family collection for home or car!"

"An imaginative way for kids to relax and slow down."

Child Magazine, Best Storytime CD

"I want to thank you for showing me that we are far from alone in our belief that a fired-up imagination is a student's best guide to education...  I found especially clever the smooth transition from symphonic to jazz treatment of the song, opening up the possibilities and perspectives of study, effortlessly embracing children's varied backgrounds and interests... Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel are now part of our Heckscher Foundation Resource Center library, for all to enjoy.

Scott Noppe-Brandon,
Executive Director, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

"As the conductor of a community band and as one who has done children's and family music programming for some years, I'm delighted to see the proposed series of works by Stephen Simon coming out on CD. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a delightful musical romp through a great story and Casey at the Bat, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Juanita the Spanish Lobster sound like great additions to a much-needed repertoire for children of all ages. At AARP we always like to find things that bring generations together and this series promises to do so magnificently."

"[This is a] highly educational yet enjoyable series..."

"The Simon's have created an inspired blend of music, storytelling, and just plain fun! It's the next step in growing an enthusiastic generation of young music lovers."

"This would be a great introduction or follow-up resource for music appreciation. This age group would also appreciate the story and the information about the instruments, as they are learning about orchestra, instruments and composers in third grade music. Next year, I hope to teach kindergarten, and I think the kids would LOVE to hear the story and do the movements when they hear the different characters or instruments."

"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is the first release in a new series, Stories in Music™, and it's wonderful!"

EdutainingKids.com