Picture Book Review: Maybelle the Cable Car

Maybelle the Cable Car by Virginia Lee Burton is another delightful story from the author of The Little House, Katy and the Big Snow, and MIke Mulligan and HIs Steam Shovel. 

Maybelle is a cable car that lives in San Francisco. She has been part of the enchanting city since the early days when it was so small that everyone knew everyone. She remembered the terrible fire and how the city was rebuilt. Cable cars, created to climb up and down the steep hills, were becoming obsolete as the story opens. Maybelle's nemesis, Bill the Bus who makes fun of the cable cars. 

The people of San Francisco learn of the news that they are going to phase out cable cars and there is quite a mixed reaction. A movement to save the San Francisco cable cars begins and when a vote is taken, Maybelle and her friends win. They even get a fresh coat of paint. 

Cable cars are an iconic part of San Francisco. In fact, they are one of the first things people think of when San Francisco is mentioned. 

I love the way Virginia Lee Burton brings these cable cars alive. 

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One of my favorite things about all of Virginia Lee Burton's books is the delightful illustrations throughout the book. Bright and cheerful, the pictures take you into an imaginary world where cable cars talk to one another and work hard to serve the citizens of San Francisco. 

A recurring theme in all of Mrs. Burton's books is the passage of time and its effect on machines, vehicles, and homes. As time marches on, change happens. The beloved characters must adapt and deal with change. 

This book will be fun for parents to read and children to listen to, as everyone travels to the town of San Francisco through the pages of Maybelle the Cable Car. 

I highly recommend this book. 

Happy Reading!

Warmly, 
Meredith Curtis

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