Today’s giveaway is from Maestro Classics! If you’ve been looking for a simple way to introduce your children to classical music in a way that makes it fun and accessible, I think you will really appreciate their collection.

We recently received the Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel album from Maestro Classics, and have really been enjoying it. This album is from the Stories in Music series. My kids like to read along with our own copy of Mike Mulligan while listening to the narration set to music on the album. Stories in Music is a classical music CD series for children and families. Produced by Maestro Classics, this series of works for narrator and symphony orchestra features new, sophisticated performances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and child-friendly, fun-filled stories and musical explanations. Educational for adults and children alike, this series grew out of family concerts created by conductor Stephen Simon and his wife, music educator/executive producer Bonnie Ward Simon, and premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Rave reviews nationwide and numerous top awards have greeted this unique series of classical music CDs for kids with its signature format.

From the Maestro Classics website: Virginia Lee Burton’s classic American children’s book, a childhood favorite for generations, is brought to life with this beautiful new music for orchestra and Irish bagpipes. In the story, Mike Mulligan refuses to give up his aging steam shovel Mary Anne as they travel to find one last job together. A tale of loyalty and friendship, perseverance and good ideas, this musical CD won a Parents’ Choice GOLD award. A 24-page activity book included with the CD contains biographies, sheet music, words to a sing-along song, information on featured instruments, games, and more.
Virginia Lee Burton has been a favorite of mine since childhood, and I was thrilled to learn while listening to his album, that she drew her inspiration from her children. Between my fondness for her work and the fantastic music that Stephen Simon composed to accompany the Mike Mulligan story, I think it’s probably my favorite of the Maestro Classics albums we own.
Maestro Classics is offering one Small Things reader a copy of their Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Stories in Music album.
For your chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post.
Visit the Maestro Classics website and leave another comment sharing which album you would most like to share with your family
“Like” Maestro Classics on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did so
Follow Maestro classics on Pinterest and leave an additional comment.
Make sure you leave separate comments for each additional chance to win!
Comments are closed and the winner is Lisa McK @etcblog “Fantastic idea to combine music and literature.”
Thanks, Maestro Classics!



I grew up reading that story often but I didn’t know it had music to go along with it! I’d love to hear it!
We love Mike Mulligan. This would be fun!
My six kids would love this!
My three year old son is a Mike Mulligan fanatic!
What a neat giveaway!
Just visited their site and the Peter and the Wolf album looks great as well!
My boys love this story and would love to listen to it set to music–and bonus I could take a break from reading it to them over and over and over again 🙂
Seems like such a great company. I’d love for our family to try any of them!
I would love to share this with my kindergarten class!
Just liked on Facebook!
We just found this book at a thrift store and it’s a favorite around here!
i loved this book!!
I’ve heard that is a really good book! I teach my children piano the same way – by labeling the notes and piano keys! Love it!
Visited the website. I think my top pick would be “My Name is Handel.”
We have always been Mike Mulligan fans! Thanks
Our son loves Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel 🙂
We love Mike Mulligan!
Mike Mulligan would be my absolute first choice; then maybe “Swan Lake” or “Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”
Following on Pinterest…
I’ve been curious about these for a while; thanks for the chance to win!
This looks really neat! Thank you!
I’ve been waiting to listen to this one…would be so grateful for the copy!
After visiting the website, I think the Swan Lake story would be a great one to have.
So neat! We love Mike Mulligan and classical music, so thank you for the giveaway!
Wonderful giveaway!
I liked their pinterest board and am now following it.
I have never heard of this series before but the quality sounds great on their website.
Liked on facebook.
This would be a great addition to our music appreciation!
One of very favorites!
Followed them on Pinterest 🙂
I would love to share the Swan Lake album with my kids–love Tchaikovsky!
my kids would love this, as would I!!
This sounds amazing!
Thank you for doing these giveaways! This book is a favorite and I know my kids would love to hear the music too!
Love Virginia Lee Burton! This sounds like a nice accompianment!
Sooo nice 🙂
I’ve heard of Classics for Kids, but not this. Will have to check it out – thanks for sharing Ginny.
This looks fun!
My boys love Mike Mulligan!
ah yes!!! How lovely. We would love any of their cds.
Would love to try this out!
Following on Pinterest! : )
Love the concept, thank you for introducing us.
Would love to have the Tortoise and the Hare for my son.
LIKED on facebook!
Followed Maestro Classics on Facebook
Carnival of the Animals! One of my favorites. Thanks for the introduction to this Maestro Classical!
What a unique giveaway!
Love this series!