Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

Those Telling Lines: The Art of Virginia Lee Burton
March 24 - June 21, 2009

From "A Centenary Tribute" by Barbara Elleman, Guest Curator
"On this centenary of her birth, Burton's techniques and style have earned her a secure place in children's literature. 'Those telling lines' she created still bring alive a sturdy steam shovel, a snowplow called to duty, a cable car ready to take on the steepest street, a legendary archer prepared to do battle, and a little house happy again in a hillside full of flowers. Together they personify the joy and love of life that were so much a part of Virginia Lee Burton and which she has given so abundantly to children through her books."

32 pages with black & white and color illustrations.

By Barbara Elleman

Virginia Lee Burton's name may bring to mind a steam shovel and a man named Mike Mulligan, a charming little house, and a snowplow named Katy. Yet to speak only of Burton's achievements as a picture book creator would be to paint only a part of the canvas of her life. She was also a dancer, an illustrator for an early Boston newspaper, and a musician, designer, sculptor, and printmaker. Well-regarded children's literature expert Barbara Elleman introduces the exuberant life, art, and books of Virginia Lee Burton, complemented by family photographs, illustrations from her books, and other examples of her inspiring book.

This acclaimed PBS documentary offers a unique portrait of Virginia Lee Burton, one of the most significant and groundbreaking authors/illustrators of the 20th Century. This finely wrought documentary explores Burton's life and art through a wealth of archival materials, never-before-seen photographs, personal documents, sketchbooks, original manuscripts and interviews with family and friends.

Running time: Approx. 87 min.

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

Includes:
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
The Little House
Katy and the Big Snow
Maybelle the Cable Car

With an introduction by Barbara Elleman, author of Virginia Lee Burton: A Life in Art, this handsome collection commemorates four of Burton's most popular stories, each featured complete and unabridged. Their appeal today, as strong as when the books were first published, is a tribute to one of America's most innovative illustrators, designers, and writers of stories for children.

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton
Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

By Virginia Lee Burton

Virginia Lee Burton's beloved children's book is brought to life with a new musical score by Stephen Simon. The complete story set to music adds drama and excitement as Mike and Mary Anne try to prove they are not obsolete. Narrated with full symphony orchestra accompaniment by the London Philharmonic, plus educational tracks.

Total playing time: Approx 50 minutes

By Virginia Lee Burton

Virginia Lee Burton's classic about Mike Mulligan, his steam shovel Mary Anne and their determination to dig for the Popperville town hall. The idea for the book's ending actually came from Burton's friend (who is credited in the text). From the original 1939 first edition cover.

- 100% cotton kids' tee
- Distressed, softened print
- Unisex sizing (2 yrs - 8 yrs)
- Color: red

Purchase of this shirt sends one book to a community in need and supports children's literacy initiatives in the U.S.