Make+way+for+ducklings



Reading level: 3-8 years Soft Cover: 64 pages Language: English ISBN-0-14-050171-1
 * Bibliographic Data:**

Robert McCloskey was born on September 15, 1914 in Hamilton Ohio. Robert was an American children’s author and illustrator. McCloskey wrote and illustrated eight children’s books, two won Caldecott medals. McCloskey moved to Boston in 1932 and later moved to New York where he studied at the National Academy of Design. Robert married Peggy Durand whose mother was a children’s author as well. Robert and Peggy had two daughters, Sally and Jane, the family resided in New York State. McCloskeys book “Make way for ducklings” takes place in Boston, Massachusetts and was named the official children’s book of Massachusetts in 2003. During the same year the book sold over two million copies and the popularity of the book made way for the construction of a bronze statue of the ducklings. Robert McCloskey’s books are enjoyed by many and his impact upon the community has been vast.
 * Author Biography:**

“Make Way for Ducklings” is a children’s story taking place in Boston, Massachusetts and was written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey in 1941. The book tells a story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard duck who are searching for a location to raise their family of ducklings. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were seeking a place to live that wasn’t already inhabited by foxes and turtles. While the couple was tired they stopped off in the Boston Public Garden to rest a bit and decided that this was the place they would raise their ducklings. The city did not have foxes or turtles from what the Mallards could tell but they city had cars, bicycles, boats and was quite populated. Mrs. Mallard had taught the ducklings how to swim in a line, walk right behind her, come when they were called and how to remain safe when around bikes and scooters. Mrs. Mallard took the ducklings into the city and walked right into the busy bustling street. Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings were quacking at cars and causing traffic to stop while their police friend Michael came to their rescue to help stop traffic around the city. The ducks certainly caused a commotion in the city but finally made it to the Boston Public Garden where Mr. Mallard was waiting for them. “Make Way for Ducklings” is enjoyed by adults and children alike.
 * Summary:**

“Make Way for Ducklings” was a book from my childhood that was surely my favorite. Not only do I enjoy ducks and stories about ducks but the time period the story takes place in I always found to be magnificent. I enjoy the story not only because of its entertaining nature but also for the illustrations. This particular book has illustrations that are unlike any that I can remember. Most books have color pictures or black and white pictures but this book has drawings in a sepia tone. The images and the story come to life and jumps off the page with enthusiasm. The book is an easy read that is certainly enjoyable. A section of this book shows the Policeman named Michael stopping traffic for mother duck and her duckling’s .As the story progresses more and more people in the city are helping to stop traffic to let Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings cross the streets of Boston. I think it is evident that a good deed is always appreciated and that doing nice things catch on.
 * Review:**

I would use this book in a classroom to discuss the element of setting. “Make Way for Ducklings” takes place in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is a city that has so much culture and so much to offer that it would be interesting to not only look into the city of Boston but also learning about urban, suburban, and rural living. I grew up in a small farming town and I think that is part of the reason this book was my favorite for the fact that I could learn a little bit about a place I had never visited at that time in my life. Discussing setting in this story could also open up discussion about where specific animals live and if they migrate for certain parts of the year. “ There were sure to be foxes in the woods or turtles in the water, and she was not going to raise a family where there might be foxes or turtles.” …” When they got to Boston, they felt too tired to fly any further. There was a nice pond in the Public Garden, with a little island on it.” Understanding the setting of a story is a valuable skill when you’re 5 or 35. This book holds the opportunities to discuss the historical value of the city Boston, Massachusetts and the types of places ducks typically live in.
 * Analysis of Literary Element (Setting):**

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