Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

McCloskey, R. (1969). Make way for ducklings. New York: Viking. ISBN-0-670-45149-5


Plot Summary:  
Nice story about Mr. & Mrs. Mallard as they search for the perfect location as a  home for their nest. They liked the prospect of a small island in Boston
Public Garden once they got to explore it a bit, but found it dangerous for their nest.  They end up building their nest nearby. Mrs. Mallard must stay with the eight eggs to
keep them warm as they prepare to hatch. Once her ducklings hatch Mrs. Mallard, sets her sights
on the small island once again by teaching her duckling many basic skills they will need before making the journey through the city streets since her eight ducklings can’t fly.  A proud Mrs.
Mallard and her ducklings are able to make it safely with the aid of a police man and some other members of his department.
Analysis:
I feel that this is a good book to show students that while a habitat may seem a good for someone/something to live, all things must be considered.
Mrs. Mallard wants the best for her ducklings and has specific things that she is looking for in a place to build her nest, free of natural predators, near water,
and have a food source. This is similar to what many mothers do as they prepare now only their baby’s nursery, but also when purchasing a home. The illustrations are drawn softly and in a gentle manner with sepia tones and display detail. Readers can gather details about the surroundings and about the mallard ducks by the illustrations alone.  
Review Excerpts:
Caldecott Medal 1942
School Library Journal #6 of the Top 100 Books for Children to Read list (2012)
Review on Goodreads “The brilliantly illustrated tale of mallards on the move received the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture
book of the year, and has been a favorite of generations of readers.”
Connections:
*Good way for students to make a connection of habitats and animals.
*Love and care for family-making the connection on what parents do to prepare for rearing children (prepare a home, teach basic skills).
*Boston-The city landmarks are depicted accurately and in 1987 the city also installed a bronze statue set of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings
to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Public Garden.

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