Make Way for Ducklings

McCloskey, R. (1999). Make way for ducklings. New York: Viking Press.

Summary

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard have finally chosen the perfect city to raise their family: Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard found many lovely things in Boston, like the graceful Swan Boats, beautiful parks, and plenty of people to feed them peanuts, but they also realized the dangers that come from living too close to people, such as bicycles, cars, and a concrete jungle. After exploring the city and finding the perfect spot for a nest, Mrs. Mallard hatched eight handsome ducklings and taught them all about being a good duckling: swimming, diving, walking in a straight line, and staying away from things with wheels! One day Mrs. Mallard decided it was time to take the ducklings back to the Public Garden. Rushing, honking traffic did not stop Mrs. Mallard from waddling through the streets of Boston with her eight ducklings, and thanks to the policemen stopping traffic she safely led her family to the Public Garden. There she and Mr. Mallard proudly show off their ducklings to riders in the Swan Boats.

Worth a bookmark?

Although the most recent copyright listed was 1999, Make Way for Ducklings was originally published in 1941. This book reminded me of another beloved book, Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, in many facets: the characters, the problems the characters encounter, the language of the book, and the Boston setting. I really enjoyed reading this story, and as expected with a Caldecott Award, the illustrations added so much to the story! The book reflects the time period the book in which the book was written, especially in the illustrations but also in the style and language to tell the story. The illustrations add so much dimension to the characters, allowing readers to connect with them by seeing their expressions and admiring the adorable ducks and ducklings. The onomatopoeia in the illustrations also adds great humor to the story. That the book has been reprinted so many times in the 60 years since its creation says it will continue to be a book that reaches children from one generation to the next.

In my library…

This story is whimsical and light-hearted; it would be a great way to get younger children thinking about wild animals coping with living in a human world without talking about rainforests being destroyed or animals becoming extinct. After reading this book, students would be able to talk about and design pictures of ways to help Mr. and Mrs. Mallard survive, such as feeding them or keeping parks and ponds clean so they do not eat things that may make them sick. For older students, this might be a quick way to introduce them to some historical and cultural places around Boston. As Mr. and Mrs. Mallard fly around looking for a nesting place, they note several recognizable landmarks such as the Swan Boats in the Public Garden, Beacon Hill, the State House, Louisburg Square, and the Charles River.

Reviews

Set in the bustling city of Boston, Make Way for Ducklings first amazed audiences in 1941. Awarded the Caldecott Medal in the same year, this delightful picture book captures the humor and beauty of one special duckling family.

When Mr. and Mrs. Mallard need a proper home to raise a family, they scour all of Boston's prominent spots. However, from Beacon Hill to the State House to Louisburg Square, nothing seems quite right -- until they find a small island in the Charles River that is perfect. After settling in, they take a trip to the park, where they meet a very nice policemen who feds them peanuts.

Soon, Mrs. Mallard has laid her eggs. After keeping them warm and safe, she watches the ducklings hatch, healthy and happy. She teaches them to swim, dive, and walk in a neat line, one behind the other. When she takes her brood out for their first walk into the city streets, cars screech to a halt, and Mrs. Mallard quacks her way across. Luckily, her policeman friend calls for help, and the officers direct traffic to "make way" for the duckling clan.

McClosky's illustrations are brilliant and filled with humor. The details of the ducklings, along with the popular sights of Boston, come across wonderfully. The image of the entire family proudly walking in line is a classic. Revisit this timeless tale with this splendid 60th anniversary edition, which also features a commemorative author bookplate to celebrate the occasion. (Amy Barkat, The Barnes & Noble Review)