Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Make Way for Ducklings
Book Review: A McCloskey Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
Robert McCloskey's classic children's book, Make Way for Ducklings is just as delightful in the year 2002 as it was back when it was first published in 1941. The timeless story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their eight adorable ducklings is still a fun read for children and parents alike. The story begins as the prospective parents search for a new home suitable for raising their young ones. Mrs. Mallard is clearly the expert in this endeavor and Mr. Mallard is quite relieved when she finally settles on a spot that is not too dangerous or noisy for their young family. The couple make themselves quite at home on a little island in the Charles River of Boston, a quiet oasis within the busy city. Soon the ducklings hatch and Mrs. Mallard sets about teaching them all they need to know in order to live in the city. By now they have made good friends with some of their human neighbors, especially Michael, the policeman. When the family makes its first trip into the city, Michael calls for backup and literally stops traffic all along their path. The people the Mallards encounter are just as pleased to see the ducks as the Mallards are to be there. The reader leaves the family settling comfortably for the night after a day of happily following the Swan boats in the park and eating the peanunts tossed their way. The charm of this book lies in both the heartwarming story and th realistic but idyllic illustrations. McCloskey is quite gifted at portraying the natural world to children in a way that is authentic and familiar. Most children have seen duck families in a nearby pond and witnessed the way the ducklings learn about the world by waddling along after their parents. The sketched illustrations add to the natural feeling of the book. The depiction of the ducks is terrific because they are visually expressive but still look like ducks. Another engaging facet of the story is the positive interaction between animals and humans. The Mallards find a way to live comfortably within a city full of people and their human neighbors are welcoming and accommodating. Overall, this a warm and timeless book. It is just perfect for a parent and child to read together or for a teacher to read to a classroom of younger kids. This is a good selection for children aged 3 to 7.Book Review: Great Childhood Memories!
Summary: 5 Stars
My parents read this book to me when I was young. It is my favorite book ever. I would place this book among Goodnight Moon and the Velveteen Rabbit as the best children's books ever written. I plan on keeping this book for many years to read to my children and grandchildren. Then maybe, when ever they see a mother duck and her babies, they will think of the kind-faced officer, stopping traffic for them to cross the street, just as I do now.Book Review: A Timeless Story for All Ages!
Summary: 5 Stars
Children naturally are interested in understanding a parent's perspective on the family. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard's search for a safe home for their future family makes a wonderful story for children and parents to explore and understand more about parental love. Although the book has a 4-8 age reading level, younger children enjoy having it read to them (based on the experiences of my four children). The illustrations are terrific and draw the child's interest very easily. Older children like to reread the story because of its comfortable connection to their more youthful years and reinforcement of their sense of being wanted, loved, and belonging. To me, the best part of the book is that the locations are actually easy to find in Boston. So if you live in the Boston area or ever come here, you can also take your children to experience the story. I know my younger daughter thought that her first Swan boat ride in the Public Garden was the ultimate moment in her life (up to that point). She kept wanting to know which duck was Mrs. Mallard, and which one was Mr. Mallard. Then she wanted to spot Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack (my favorite name in the book), Pack, and Quack. I had a ball! There are also statues of Mrs. Mallard and her 8 offspring that the children can touch. There's also an annual parade that you can participate in.
If you don't know the story, here's a summary: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live where they could raise a family safely. Whenever Mr. Mallard found someplace he liked, Mrs. Mallard worried about foxes and turtles. Finally they got to the pond in the Public Garden in Boston, and were too tired to go on. So they spent the night on the little island there. The next morning they could not find much food, until the people on the Swan boats began to throw them peanuts. But the Mallards were almost run over by a bicycle, so they felt they needed a safer place. They tried several, but each had a drawback. Finally, they found an island in the Charles River not far from the Public Garden that met all their requirements. Michael, the policeman, fed them peanuts. Soon, Mrs. Mallard laid 8 eggs, and stayed to hatch them. After the ducklings were born, they learned to swim and walk single file behind their Mother. One day, she walked them towards the Public Garden. But they could not get across the highway. Michael spotted them and stopped the traffic so they could cross. He called Clancy at the station and told him to send a car to help Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings cross at the Public Garden. When in the pond there, they met Mr. Mallard on the little island. They decided to live there, and followed the Swan boats for peanuts after that.
I have enjoyed reading this story and reading it to children for almost 30 years. I look forward to reading it to my grandchildren when the time comes. It has also been my favorite book to give as a gift to new parents.
Enjoy the wonderful gift of warm family feeling in this book, and leave your stalled thinking about your cares and worries behind. It will remind you what is really important in your life!
Book Review: Fun and Educational
Summary: 5 Stars
Go on, buy it! "Make Way For Ducklings" falls on the list of those "you'll never regret it" book purchases.This treat for the eyes and ears, with beautifully drawn pictures and a carefully worded storyline, will bring your child into the Mallard family as they trek dangerously across town.
The names of each duckling are alliterative and rhythmic. Reading this aloud will bring chuckles with the silly "Ouack and Lack and Kack..." all those "quack" rhymes.
Not only will the book be fun to read and reread, but it will teach a child language skills, particularly those relating to poetry. Even though it is not a poem, because it so well-written, it has those poetic qualities.
When I visited Boston as an adult, I saw how familiar the town was only because I read "Make Way For Ducklings" as a child. The memories of this book are solid 30 years later, just as they will be for your son, daughter or younger relatives.
I fully recommend it.
Anthony Trendl
Book Review: Brown letters, green pictures
Summary: 5 Stars
What we have is a group of ducklings, led by their fearless and protective mother, traveling across Boston. Trouble is, like children, they are tiny, and get intimidated by the bigness of Boston.A kind policeman helps them out, as do the people of the swan boat, easing the stress of the journey.
A few books should matter to children. This one matters to me. The alliteration, the dance of the words is supurb, yet the pictures are far from an afterthought.
As a picture book with no social ore political agenda, it is a delight to read aloud. Moms and Dads and big siblings will love going through the challenging duckling names quickly (Zack and Lack and Mack, etc.) without getting tongue-tied.
Your library will have this book, but buy it. Get the hardcover. I still have the one my mom bought me in the late 60s or early 70s.