Make Way for Ducklings
Reviews (184)
This book bridged the gap between the USA and Soviet Union in 1991
Tchaikovsky loved the serenity of the lake within Novodevichy Park in Moscow. It inspired him to write the ballet Swan Lake. On it's shores in 1991, while President George H.W. Bush and PresidentMichail Gorbachev were in discussions, Barbara Barbara Bush gave the bronze figures from Make Way For Ducklings. The inscription said it was given in friendship to the children of The Soviet Union from the children of the United States of America. Thanks to the duckling diplomacy between Mrs. Bush and Raisa Gorbachev, the ice was broken between the two countries. President Bush was able to negotiate The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties limiting the long range nuclear weapons between the two countries.
Make Way for Ducklings
I have a young niece who is a reluctant reader. For a Christmas gift last year, she received a book each month from Librarian Aunt Donna. I chose Caldecott Medal winners. She loved every book I sent to her and really got into them. She want's me to send her more. That reluctant reader is learning the joy of reading and being introduced to some wonderful books.
Beautiful Story
A delightful introduction to duck behavior from egg to adult. Anyone who lives in or wants to visit Boston will appreciate the 1940s vision of ducks living between the Charles River and the Boston Public Gardens. McCloskey was an author/illustrator who brought a special gentleness and humor to his work for children. Every child and parent should read his books again and again: Make Way For Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, A Time of Wonder, One Morning in Maine, are books that build appreciation for nature and human relationships. I had a bizarre experience of driving in northeastern Massachusetts one summer day when I had to stop on a road near a lake to let a family of ducks cross. Of course, I thought of Make Way for Ducklings. That is not all that unusual where ducks spend their summers. What happened next was that NPR sadly announced the death of Robert McCloskey. I am not superstitious, however that was one amazing, touching coincidence.
Enchanting and Enchanted
"Make Way for Ducklings" should be gifted to every baby by its fairy godparents. I remember having it read to me when I was little and the clothes & cars of the illustrations were contemporary. I read it to my sons, who loved the story of Mr and Mrs Mallard---that careful and competent mother of eight---and the compassionate policemen who stopped traffic right by the Boston Commons. I ordered a copy from Amazon a few weeks ago for my great-granddaughter, loving it just as much as ever. Why does the book---the story and the illustrations---hold up so well over so many years and generations? The story tells of a kindly world, such as would make a child feel secure, warm, and happy: the loving parent ducks, the island in the lake of the great park where the swanboats still glide, and the police who care enough about little ones to stop traffic so Mrs Duck can lead her small family across the streets and into their new home in the park. The story tells also about a city, Boston, with the old squares, the state house, details from which the reader can take off with more stories for the little ones nestled close. And the illustrations in brown crayon (I think) are magical, individuating the ducklings, catching the quirkiness of the good citizens of Boston, bringing to our today the life of one spring day long long ago. May you and your next generations delight in "Make Way for Ducklings" too!
Make way for ducklings
This story brings back happy memories with my great grandfather and reading this story to him, over and over and over again... he was so patient and kind. The story is fun and my grandson is going to love it. I purchased the hard back - as all books should be in my opinion. Can't wait.
We moved to Boston and it was a fun search to go find the duckling statues in the ...
Classic book! We moved to Boston and it was a fun search to go find the duckling statues in the Common. I had to explain a couple of things to my kiddos, as time and technology have made so many things obsolete. But it's a cute story and a family favorite.
Absolutely marvelous from a teacher for 45 years.
I ordered this best selling book for my great granddaughter, Harper Rae who was born to my granddaughter Lizzie four years ago. I wanted her to have this classic in her reading library throughout her growing up years. Hopefully, she will treasure it and share with her children. I also purchased a second book for a future great grandchild, (hopefully to be born to my grandson, Michael and his wife) when the time comes, if I am no longer here. Throughout my 45 years of teaching, all of my classes enjoyed hearing and reading this wonderful book, as did I.
Boston visit must
Bought this since we were taking our 20mo to Boston he was so excited and loved the police man in the book. That was a few months ago and he still remembers the places we visited that were mentioned in the book and talks fondly of the police man (we did end up seeing one in the public garden)... You would never know this book was about ducks if you got my sons synopsis.
This book was a favorite classic from my childhood
I'm 58 and fondly remember growing up in Mass and going to Boston Common to ride swan boats and feed ducks every summer. I have continued this tradition with my daughter every year when we visit as part of our ritual. This book was a favorite classic from my childhood, was given to my daughter as a gift when she was a baby. We continue to pass along this classic to friends as a baby gift.
Wonderful book for all ages
Everyone should read this book especially if you visit Boston and the Boston Public Garden. Ride the duck boats, see the duck sculpture! Great gift for a child with a trip to the gardens.
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