Bibliography
McCloskey, Robert. 1941.
Make Way for Ducklings. New York: Viking Press. ISBN: 978-0670451494
Plot Summary
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are
searching for a new home that will be safe from foxes and turtles so that they
can raise a family of ducklings. In search of their home they briefly visit Boston’s
Public Garden, but deciding that it is far too busy and hazardous to make it
their home. They settle in along the nearby Charles River, build a nest, and
hatch a family of ducklings. The story continues as Mrs. Mallard travels with
the ducklings through busy and dangerous streets of Boston on the way back to
the Public Garden.
Critical Analysis
This 1942 Caldecott Medal
winner is still a favorite with children today. Young readers will love
Mrs. Mallard’s proud, loving protection of her ducklings and the protection
that they receive from the police in the story. The plot develops with
page-turning pacing and has been well-crafted and thought out, doubling the reader
back into Boston and the Public Garden at its conclusion.
The illustrations for the
story were created in charcoal and then lithographed on zinc plates. Through
the illustrations we are given a bird’s eye view of Boston and surrounding
area. The ducks in the pictures look very realistic, while the people look more
cartoon-like. In 2002 Robert McCloskey was named a “Living Treasure” by the
Library of Congress.
Review Excerpts
"Robert McCloskey's
unusual and stunning pictures have long been a delight for their fun as well as
their spirit of place." — The Horn
Book
"… one of the
merriest picture books ever" – The
New York Times
Awards / Best Books
Caldecott Medal, 1942
Connections
Have students draw pictures of objects and characters from the story and then they can place them on a map of Boston. You may want to make a large-scale, simplified map of just the streets that are mentioned in the story. Students can practice retelling the story and retracing the ducks' routes. Students
can practice retelling the story and retracing the ducks' routes.
This story takes place in a city and your students will be able to find urban characteristics throughout the book. Make a chart which includes the characteristics of and differences between a city, a suburban area, and a rural area. Students can then compare and contrast the buildings, open spaces, transportation, population sizes, etc.
Give children a blank piece of paper and ask them to draw a new home for the ducklings. It should include all aspects of shelter that the ducks would need to survive, such as being safe from enemies, easy access to food, a dry and comfortable area, etc. After children have had a chance to share their ideas with each other, follow up by learning about habitats and wildlife adaptation.
Related Books:
·
Hiranandani,
Veera, adapter and Shane L. Johnson, illustrator. Olivia and Her Ducklings. ISBN: 978-1442413825
·
McCloskey,
Robert. Blueberries for Sal. ISBN:
978-0670175918
·
Potter,
Beatrix. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. ISBN: 978-0723267782
·
Tafuri, Nancy.
Have You Seen My Duckling? ISBN:
978-0688027971
·
Willems, Mo. The Pidgeon Finds a Hot Dog! ISBN: 978-0786818693
