Reviews

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

jessicaa_'s review

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

sofiabonilla's review against another edition

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5.0

Classic

jess_mango's review against another edition

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4.0

A classic of children's literature...and it takes place in Boston, so... BONUS POINTS!

If you've read this book and visit Boston be sure to check out the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues in the Public Garden.

book_concierge's review against another edition

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5.0

5***** and a ❤

Mr and Mrs Mallard search for a good home in which to raise their brood. It must be safe from foxes and turtles, have water to swim in, and a good source of food. They find the perfect place just in time.

This is a perennial favorite for children and their parents. I have many fond memories of sitting before the television, watching in rapt attention as Captain Kangaroo read this book to us. Oh, how I loved the story of how Policeman Michael and the other people ensured the safety of Mrs Mallard and her brood: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack, as they crossed busy streets, waddled past coffee shops and book stores, and finally made their way to the Public Gardens, for a reunion with Mr Mallard who waited patiently on the little island in the pond.

It’s an absolute delight to revisit this story and my adult self is much more able to appreciate the wonderfully detailed illustrations.

megancrandall's review against another edition

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4.0

In Make Way for Ducklings, Mother and Father mallard fly across Boston to find the best place to raise their ducklings. They find the safest place on an island in the Charles River where they are fed by their new friend and policeman, Michael. The mallards molt their feathers and Mother lays her eggs. Father goes to the Public Garden, and Mother has one week to teach her eight ducklings how swim, walk in line, and come when they are called. After one week, Mother takes the ducklings, with the help of Michael and the other policemen, across Boston to the Public Garden where the duck family decides to remain.

The themes of this book are adaptation, learning new skills, and helping others.

Make Way for Ducklings was enjoyable and clever. I loved the pictures along with the longer story. I have never been to Boston, so I loved to see the pictures of the Boston landmarks. While the main characters are animals, the story is relatable, because most parents take their time to find the best place to raise a family. Also, many of the skills I acquired at a young age were taught to me by my parents.

I would recommend this book, because it has an entertaining plot, beautiful pictures, and can be used in many ways in the classroom. Children could be learning about ducks, migration patterns, building a home, or the geography of Boston, among other things. Some of the words used in the book such as "molt" may need explanation for young children. Instead of being an obstacle in reading the book, I think it provides an opportunity for children to learn while enjoying a good story. Michael's character is also a good representation of how acts of kindness affects people.

lee_hillshire's review against another edition

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I was not a in a great place to appreciate this today, but it's cute I suppose.

natiperleggere's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

bookgoodfeelgood's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

savvy810's review against another edition

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5.0

Much better than Icebreaker

onceuponacarm's review against another edition

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5.0

Also read in January 2012 to stage II.