Make Way for Ducklings

Bibliographic Data:
McCloskey, Robert. 1941. Make Way for Ducklings. New York: The Viking Press.
ISBN 0140564349
Summary:
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are on the hunt for the perfect spot to raise their ducklings.  They locate a place that seems to be wonderful, the Public Garden, and even has a large swan that carries people on the pond.  The ducks swim over to say hello to the swan and are delighted when the people throw peanuts to them.  However, they quickly realize this perfect place can be dangerous for little ducklings.  They fly away and find a quiet place to begin the ducklings life.  Everything is great but one day Mr. Mallard decides to explore the rest of the locations.  Mrs. Mallard stays behind and teaches the ducklings everything they need to know to survive.  When she thinks they are ready they set up to join Mr. Mallard in the Public Garden.  With some traffic control help from the police department, Mrs. Mallard and the duckling safely make their way to the Public Garden where they live a happy life. 

Critical Analysis:
Robert McCloskey tells the story of a duck family finding their way through a busy city fulled with people and often dangerous obstacles.  He shows that the family can make a scary move and make it through with a little help.  He shows children that police officers are there to protect and keep everyone safe.  The illustrations with the police out in the city are chaotic and jumbled, while the illustrations with Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are calm and serene. 

Awards:
1942 Caldecott Medal

Review Excerpts:
Horn Book review: "The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding."

Connections:
This would be a good story to share with a younger children who has recently moved and having a difficult time.  They could talk about the hard times the ducks face and how they get through them.  This could lead to discussions about his or her own move and difficulties they have faced.
Students could rewrite the story with a different animal trying to find a home in a busy city.
Compare and contrast the ducklings in Three Ducks Went Wondering by Ron Roy and the ducklings in this story.