It’s not easy raising children in an urban environment—so many dangers and pitfalls! But with smart parents, careful planning, and the kindness of friends and stranger alike, all can turn out well.
Such is the story told in the children’s book, Make Way for Ducklings. Written in 1941 by Robert McCloskey, the book won the Caldecott Medal for “most distinguished American picture book for children” in 1942.
The story is set in Boston, Massachusetts, and that town has embraced the story and the eight ducklings, named Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack, ever since the book was published.
In the book, Mama Mallard leads her ducklings across some of the busiest streets in the city and their friend, the policeman, stops traffic to allow them to make it safely to the park.
On our recent visit to Boston, we visited the venerable Museum of Fine Arts to see the “Matisse on the Studio” exhibit. While we were there, we found the ducklings honored, too.
A gallery featured McCloskey’s delightful drawings and paintings done for several of his books for children and the ducklings took center stage.
McCloskey’s illustration
the picture translated to sculpture
Eight ducklings make their way
Then on a perfect morning walk in the Boston Public Garden, we visited the ducklings themselves, and their proud mama.
Yes, it was Easter, and, yes, those are Easter bonnets.
Do folks make way for ducklings where you live?
Love Those "Hands at Home" 