McCloskey, Robert. 1941. MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS. Ill. by Robert McCloskey. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 978-1-101-99795-6
PLOT SUMMARY
This story is about a family of mallard ducks. The parents are in search of their new home, but come across many elements that deter them from finding their hatching place. The father sets out to find the new home while the mother stays behind to help raise and guide them to their new home. Along the way, a policeman helps the ducks make it safely to their new home.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The characters Mr. and Mrs. Mallard express themselves as traditional loving parents to their unborn ducklings by searching for the perfect hatching spot. The sepia illustrations invoke a warm monochromatic style throughout the story and the illustrations extend the text with the details and overhead view as if looking from up above such as the ducks do. The story takes place outside and we can see their navigation from one place to the next through the illustrations which also go from daylight to nighttime with the use of darker colors. Upon becoming a mother, Mrs. Mallard immediately assumes her motherly role and cares for her 8 ducklings by teaching them how to swim, dive, walk and avoid moving objects. As Mr. Mallard seeks out to find their new home, the reader gets a sense of dependency for mother she is left alone to raise them until they reunite with their father.
The use of onomatopoeia with the ducklings as they try to alert traffic of their presence gives them a personality of their own as they learn to navigate their way to their new home. The theme of dependency continues as they befriend a police man who helps the mallard ducks safely cross the street and with the assistance of the other police man safely arrive to the public garden where Mr. Mallard was waiting for them. They are reunited and enjoy their new home together as a family.
REVIEW/ EXCERPTS
*Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
*Book Links, 01/01/99
*Caldecott Medal, 1942
*Horn Book Magazine
*School Library Journal Starred
Kirkus Reviews (10/27/11): “I’ve seen only three double spreads and the text of this picture book by the author-artist of Lentil–but I’m sure it is going to be an enchanting and very original book.”
Goodreads Reviews: “Awarded the Caldecott medal in 1942, Make Way for Ducklings has been described as “one of the merriest picture books ever” (The New York Times).
CONNECTIONS
*This is a lengthy book that will most likely appeal to be read with parents. This way children can relate to the family structure and themes of importance with relationships.
*I believe children will not be compelled to read a story with only sepia colored illustrations; therefore, an adult should be the one leading the story.
*Boston Public Garden has statues of Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings that are celebrated and dressed for special occasions by the community.
*Swim, Duck, swim! By: Harney, Jennifer. 978-1-36805-276-4
*5 Little Ducks By: Fleming, Denise. 978-1-48142-422-6
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