Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
McCloskey, Robert. 1941. Make Way for Ducklings. Ill. by Robert McCloskey. New York: Viking Press.
ISBN 0670451495

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ducks, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard,  are looking for a perfect new home for their ducklings. Searching all over town and with the help of humans, they find a great place to rise their new-hatched baby ducks.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
McCloskey takes readers on a delightful tale of duck parents looking for a place to hatch their ducklings. Searching the landmarks of Boston, MA., the Mallards hatch their babies but move to another part of Public Gardens. With the help of a police officer, who has been feeding the parents, Mrs. Mallard and the duckling make their way safely to their new home. McCloskey's illustrations, done in charcoal, bring to life the plight and determination of the parent ducks. Especially entertaining is the expression of the ducks when almost being run over by the cyclists. Though in this very scene, Mrs. Mallard "squawked..., all in a dither", may not be understand by young readers. A close-up  illustration of the little ducks as they "grow-up" is adorable.


4. AWARDS AND REVIEWS
1942 Caldecott Medal

From The New York Times (recovered from book jacket) "This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers.  Awarded the Caldecott Medal as 'the most distinguished American picture book for children' in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions, children and adults alike, as 'one of the merriest picture-book ever...told in very few words with a gravity that underscores the delightful comedy of the pictures'".


5. CONNECTIONS
Make Way for Duckings is a bit long for a preschool story time, it may suit well for elementary students. I think this book may be used in a thematic units on animal habitats; though ducks are considered farm animals, we see them here in the city.