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Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings
This behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the classic and beloved picture book Make Way for Ducklings will captivate young artists, writers, readers, and animal lovers alike.
While writing and illustrating the beloved picture book Make Way for Ducklings, Robert McCloskey brings a flock of ducklings into his tiny New York City apartment. But an artist + a bunch of ducklings in his apartment = chaos! There are ducklings in the bathtub and ducklings in the kitchen, quacking at dawn and sitting on his desk. Can he learn to draw them just right before they grow too big?
This glimpse into the creation of a much-loved story for kids is a must-read for fans of children’s books, or for anyone who is interested in the creative process and the importance of persistence.
While writing and illustrating the beloved picture book Make Way for Ducklings, Robert McCloskey brings a flock of ducklings into his tiny New York City apartment. But an artist + a bunch of ducklings in his apartment = chaos! There are ducklings in the bathtub and ducklings in the kitchen, quacking at dawn and sitting on his desk. Can he learn to draw them just right before they grow too big?
This glimpse into the creation of a much-loved story for kids is a must-read for fans of children’s books, or for anyone who is interested in the creative process and the importance of persistence.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
1774 people want to read
About the author
Emma Bland Smith
30 books45 followersEmma Bland Smith is the award-winning author of twelve book for children. Her debut picture book was Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West. Many of Emma’s books include animals—wolves, dogs, pigs, even alligators! Emma is a librarian and author and lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids, dog, and cat—but no wolf, pig, or alligator. Visit her online at emmabsmith.com and on Twitter at @emmablandsmith.
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November 20, 2022The storytelling is engaging and simply conveys information to the reader. The author allows the reader to come to the conclusion that writing "Make Way for Ducklings," took a lot of time and revisions without being pedantic. She shows the character and grit that McCloskey needed to keep going until the book was just right. The research and study that McCloskey did to learn to draw the ducks is emphasized. The backmatter is robust and her conclusion about his works being “comforting and American” could be the impetus for a deeper conversation. The sources used for research are a mix of primary and secondary sources. It is evident that this was a well-researched book about a subject the author deeply cares about.
Illustrations are eye-catching and have texture, reflecting the paper of a sketchbook. This ties in nicely with the theme of the book. the illustrations tell the story without reading the text, inviting the reader to turn the page. Emotions are subtly reflected through the illustrations and are easily discernible. The spreads with the crumpled paper shows the reader how many times McCloskey had to revise his work and how much effort he put into perfecting his craft. The illustrator seems to have taken care to honor the spirit of McCloskey’s work through her choice of materials and style. The illusrations steal the show in this heart-warming, cozy nonfiction picture book.
Illustrations are eye-catching and have texture, reflecting the paper of a sketchbook. This ties in nicely with the theme of the book. the illustrations tell the story without reading the text, inviting the reader to turn the page. Emotions are subtly reflected through the illustrations and are easily discernible. The spreads with the crumpled paper shows the reader how many times McCloskey had to revise his work and how much effort he put into perfecting his craft. The illustrator seems to have taken care to honor the spirit of McCloskey’s work through her choice of materials and style. The illusrations steal the show in this heart-warming, cozy nonfiction picture book.
August 24, 2022
Note to illustrators: Go buy some ducks! 🦆🦆🦆🦆
December 11, 2022
Fun background story behind the story! The ducks are adorable!
November 10, 2022
Who knew the author adopted ducks to study and draw them? I’ve loved Make Way For Ducklings for years and it was great to hear how McCloskey perfected his illustrations.
May 29, 2023
An interesting insight into what it took for a Classic author/illustrator to reach his belief of perfection in making a book based on duck characters. For those who have read Make Way For Ducklings this will most definitely be an interesting look into the shenanigans required to make that particular book although I am not sure there will be much younger readers who may be that interested in this particular tale.
What I would have loved to know is whether the page of mistakes were actually done by Robert McCloskey and copied to be included or whether they were artistic license done by Becca Stadtlander in the mimicking of what he may have done. Furthermore I thought it was interesting that the illustrator did have so many ducklings in his apartment when ducklings are fast developers thus after three months would have been much further along than the cute fluffy babies that they were portrayed as.
Further additional information included in the book for interested readers is a timeline for Robert McCloskey's life, a word from one of his daughter's, an author's note on Robert's influence on her life an an inclusion of information about famous editor May Massee. These are further enhanced with some old photographs and sketches originally made for Make Way for Ducklings as well as a colored photograph of the statues inspired from this timeless children's classic that can be found in Boston by Nancy Schön.
All in all it was most definitely interesting to read for those who would like to understand the thought process of Robert McCloskey while would also make for a great read on career days for inquisitive elementary children.
What I would have loved to know is whether the page of mistakes were actually done by Robert McCloskey and copied to be included or whether they were artistic license done by Becca Stadtlander in the mimicking of what he may have done. Furthermore I thought it was interesting that the illustrator did have so many ducklings in his apartment when ducklings are fast developers thus after three months would have been much further along than the cute fluffy babies that they were portrayed as.
Further additional information included in the book for interested readers is a timeline for Robert McCloskey's life, a word from one of his daughter's, an author's note on Robert's influence on her life an an inclusion of information about famous editor May Massee. These are further enhanced with some old photographs and sketches originally made for Make Way for Ducklings as well as a colored photograph of the statues inspired from this timeless children's classic that can be found in Boston by Nancy Schön.
All in all it was most definitely interesting to read for those who would like to understand the thought process of Robert McCloskey while would also make for a great read on career days for inquisitive elementary children.
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading the background information provided at the end of this tribute to one of my favorite picture books. But, were I not already acquainted with it, this story about the difficulties McCloskey encountered while writing it wouldn’t inspire me to put it on my must-read list. Smith’s writing is too plain and pedantic for my tastes. And, Stadtlander’s workmanlike illustrations don’t do much for me either. Somber and serious in tone when they should be celebratory, from neither can you guess just what it is about McCloskey’s masterpiece that continues to put a smile on the face of anyone who reads it.
July 17, 2025
After reading all of the picture book biographies written by Emma Bland Smith that I could get my hands on, this is my favorite. Perfect addition to read alongside Make Way for Ducklings and inspiring to read about Robert McCloskey's dedication to his craft.
January 9, 2024
Interesting story behind the making of a beloved book. I had no idea he actually had ducks live in his studio with him.
August 27, 2022
Make Way Way for Ducklings won the Caldecott Medal back in 1941, when the artist was 27 years old. If you have ever read it, you may have noticed how perfectly the artist rendered the ducks, almost as though he had them right in front of him.
Turns out, he did, which I never knew until reading this picture book about how he made the award winning book. He had first seen the ducks when he was studying art in Boston, and decided to do a story about them, when he moved to Greenwich Village in New York. Only problem was, he needed them as models, so he picked up some ducks, and brought them to his studio apartment.
Needless to say, the ducks did not like being inside, but if finally allowed him to draw them.
Delightful story about the process, with great pictures of the ducks in the living room and bathroom. The book also gives praise to his editor, who pushed him to put out the amazing picture book.
Best advice she ever gave him to get his own ducks.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Turns out, he did, which I never knew until reading this picture book about how he made the award winning book. He had first seen the ducks when he was studying art in Boston, and decided to do a story about them, when he moved to Greenwich Village in New York. Only problem was, he needed them as models, so he picked up some ducks, and brought them to his studio apartment.
Needless to say, the ducks did not like being inside, but if finally allowed him to draw them.
Delightful story about the process, with great pictures of the ducks in the living room and bathroom. The book also gives praise to his editor, who pushed him to put out the amazing picture book.
Best advice she ever gave him to get his own ducks.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
The story of the creation of Robert McCloskey's classic picture book,
Make Way for Ducklings
, is told by author Emma Bland Smith and illustrator Becca Stadtlander in this delightful work of biography for younger children. Shortly after his graduation from art school in Boston, living in a small studio apartment in New York City, with one picture book already under his belt—the 1940
Lentil
—Robert McCloskey was working on a new book, one about ducks. But no matter how he labored on his illustrations of his anatine characters, they just didn't seem right, and could not please his editor. Finally, in desperation, he decided that he would need to study these fowl, up close and personal. So he brought some ducklings, and then some full-grown ducks home to his tiny apartment, studying and drawing them to distraction (his own and his roommate's). The resultant book,
Make Way for Ducklings
, would go on to be a smash hit with children, and to win the 1942 Caldecott Medal...
Having recently enjoyed Journey , another work of picture book non-fiction from Emma Bland Smith, about a wolf in Oregon who wanders for more than a thousand miles looking for a home and a pack, I decided to seek out other titles by her, and requested Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings from the library. I am glad I did, as I found this a charming book, one which offers a history of one very popular picture book's creation, as well as a depiction of its creator's dedication to his craft. I regret that I didn't grow up with Make Way for Ducklings , having encountered it first as an adult, but for all that I think it a wonderful title, and was glad to learn a little more about the story behind the story. Children who love McClockey's tale will feel likewise, I suspect. The accompanying artwork from Becca Stadtlander, whose work I have enjoyed elsewhere, was also appealing, as was the back matter, where I learned even more about McCloskey. I never knew, for instance, that he used his daughters as models for many of his illustrations, or that he was roommates—during this same period with the ducks—with fellow picture book creator and Newbery medalist Marc Simont. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed Make Way for Ducklings , as well as to picture book readers in general who enjoy biography and/or stories about artists and their art.
Having recently enjoyed Journey , another work of picture book non-fiction from Emma Bland Smith, about a wolf in Oregon who wanders for more than a thousand miles looking for a home and a pack, I decided to seek out other titles by her, and requested Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings from the library. I am glad I did, as I found this a charming book, one which offers a history of one very popular picture book's creation, as well as a depiction of its creator's dedication to his craft. I regret that I didn't grow up with Make Way for Ducklings , having encountered it first as an adult, but for all that I think it a wonderful title, and was glad to learn a little more about the story behind the story. Children who love McClockey's tale will feel likewise, I suspect. The accompanying artwork from Becca Stadtlander, whose work I have enjoyed elsewhere, was also appealing, as was the back matter, where I learned even more about McCloskey. I never knew, for instance, that he used his daughters as models for many of his illustrations, or that he was roommates—during this same period with the ducks—with fellow picture book creator and Newbery medalist Marc Simont. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed Make Way for Ducklings , as well as to picture book readers in general who enjoy biography and/or stories about artists and their art.
November 4, 2022
The story in Make Way for Ducklings is so well known that even those who haven’t read the book may be familiar with the statue of the mother duck and her ducklings that stands in the Boston Public Garden. Even those that have read the book, though, probably didn’t know how difficult it was for McCloskey to illustrate the ducks in such a satisfying way.
Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Calkins Creek, 2022), tells the story of “The Making of Make Way for Ducklings.” In fact, as this biographical picture book informs, young artist McCloskey struggled with drawing ducks. He had already written the story, but couldn’t seem to get the art right. Studying stuffed ducks in the museum didn’t help. Watching ducks from the side of a pond didn’t help. So, instead, McCloskey took home tiny, noisy ducklings! By watching the ducklings swim in his bathtub and live in his apartment, McCloskey got that intimate look at the birds that he needed in order to perfect the look of the ducks in his own book.
McCloskey’s story is inspirational: it’s about an artist that wanted to improve and worked hard to do so. Beyond the inspiration, the illustrations in Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards bring out the hilarity of the situation. I hadn’t known that McCloskey was unmarried and had a roommate while he was bringing these ducks into his own home! What a mess that must have been! I especially like the page in which the grown-up ducks and the ducklings are causing complete chaos in his bathroom!
Stadtlander’s illustrations are unique from McCloskey, and that is intentional. Except for sample pages that imitate McCloskey’s art in process, Stadtlander’s illustrations stand alone. For example, they are colorful (McCloskey’s were not), and they are painted in gouache for the most part (McCloskey used pencil). But they serve different purposes. McCloskey was drawing a 1942 book for a story about a family of ducklings. Stadtlander is telling a story about an artist that happens to be illustrating a book about ducklings. Her illustrations are fantastic too, for a different purpose and in a different style. Both styles fit well together in this nonfiction account.
I’m glad Stadtlander didn’t try to completely imitate McCloskey’s style here: there is only one Make Way for Ducklings, and McCloskey has already nailed that into the canon of fantastic children’s literature. Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards puts that fantastic book and its author into a historical context that we can all appreciate! This would be a nice companion to reading Make Way for Ducklings or for finding inspiration in developing talent.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book for review consideration.
Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Calkins Creek, 2022), tells the story of “The Making of Make Way for Ducklings.” In fact, as this biographical picture book informs, young artist McCloskey struggled with drawing ducks. He had already written the story, but couldn’t seem to get the art right. Studying stuffed ducks in the museum didn’t help. Watching ducks from the side of a pond didn’t help. So, instead, McCloskey took home tiny, noisy ducklings! By watching the ducklings swim in his bathtub and live in his apartment, McCloskey got that intimate look at the birds that he needed in order to perfect the look of the ducks in his own book.
McCloskey’s story is inspirational: it’s about an artist that wanted to improve and worked hard to do so. Beyond the inspiration, the illustrations in Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards bring out the hilarity of the situation. I hadn’t known that McCloskey was unmarried and had a roommate while he was bringing these ducks into his own home! What a mess that must have been! I especially like the page in which the grown-up ducks and the ducklings are causing complete chaos in his bathroom!
Stadtlander’s illustrations are unique from McCloskey, and that is intentional. Except for sample pages that imitate McCloskey’s art in process, Stadtlander’s illustrations stand alone. For example, they are colorful (McCloskey’s were not), and they are painted in gouache for the most part (McCloskey used pencil). But they serve different purposes. McCloskey was drawing a 1942 book for a story about a family of ducklings. Stadtlander is telling a story about an artist that happens to be illustrating a book about ducklings. Her illustrations are fantastic too, for a different purpose and in a different style. Both styles fit well together in this nonfiction account.
I’m glad Stadtlander didn’t try to completely imitate McCloskey’s style here: there is only one Make Way for Ducklings, and McCloskey has already nailed that into the canon of fantastic children’s literature. Mr. McCloskey’s Marvellous Mallards puts that fantastic book and its author into a historical context that we can all appreciate! This would be a nice companion to reading Make Way for Ducklings or for finding inspiration in developing talent.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book for review consideration.
April 17, 2025
Author of the Caldecott Award-winning Make Way for Ducklings, this is a "must read" for classes studying that book.
The book opens with Robert McCloskey in his studio struggling to get the artwork "just right" for his second picture book, a story about a family of ducks who are home in Boston. After much trial and error, he buys some ducks and both observes and sketches the little quackers in his studio, then his apartment. Finally, he was able to catch exactly what he wanted. Backmatter includes a note from McCloskey's daughter Jane, an author's note with history about MWFD, a bit more about his editor, the famed May Massee, a bibliography of books he workd on, a timeline, and bibliography of sources. Also included are a couple of photos of McCloskey with his family, sketches and a dummy page from the book, and a photo of the statues in Boston Common.
Smith's text captures the spirit of the time and event. It is the gouach and colored pencil artwork by Becca Stadtlander that really is the star here. She has captured McCloskey's likeness with a remarkable resemblance. Her attention to detail extends to his failed attempts crumpled up and on the ground near the trash can. Even areas shown in/around Boston feel real.
Add this title along with Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings by Angela Burke Kunkel for a deep dive into a unit on Make Way for Ducklings or on Robert McCloskey's work.
Recommended for grades K-3.
The book opens with Robert McCloskey in his studio struggling to get the artwork "just right" for his second picture book, a story about a family of ducks who are home in Boston. After much trial and error, he buys some ducks and both observes and sketches the little quackers in his studio, then his apartment. Finally, he was able to catch exactly what he wanted. Backmatter includes a note from McCloskey's daughter Jane, an author's note with history about MWFD, a bit more about his editor, the famed May Massee, a bibliography of books he workd on, a timeline, and bibliography of sources. Also included are a couple of photos of McCloskey with his family, sketches and a dummy page from the book, and a photo of the statues in Boston Common.
Smith's text captures the spirit of the time and event. It is the gouach and colored pencil artwork by Becca Stadtlander that really is the star here. She has captured McCloskey's likeness with a remarkable resemblance. Her attention to detail extends to his failed attempts crumpled up and on the ground near the trash can. Even areas shown in/around Boston feel real.
Add this title along with Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings by Angela Burke Kunkel for a deep dive into a unit on Make Way for Ducklings or on Robert McCloskey's work.
Recommended for grades K-3.
November 9, 2022
This charming book shares the true story of how Robert McCloskey created the classic picture book Make Way for Ducklings. The story of his trial and error will be relatable to other creatives, and children and adults alike will love the hilarious chaos of him bringing ducks into his apartment to serve as live models.
The text is lively and engaging, and the illustrations visualize the details in interesting ways while also standing on their own from a stylistic perspective. They're not lookalikes of the original book, but have their own unique style. The author's note at the end shares photos, more information about McCloskey's life and career, and details about his fictional duck family's enduring cultural presence. This section also includes reflections from one of McCloskey's daughters, and this personal touch further enriches the book.
This will appeal to fans of Make Way for Ducklings, fans of McCloskey, and people who are interested in true stories about the challenges that authors and artists face to do their best work and revise it until it's just right. This unique nonfiction picture book has all-ages appeal, and will be especially encouraging to children who are interested in art and writing.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The text is lively and engaging, and the illustrations visualize the details in interesting ways while also standing on their own from a stylistic perspective. They're not lookalikes of the original book, but have their own unique style. The author's note at the end shares photos, more information about McCloskey's life and career, and details about his fictional duck family's enduring cultural presence. This section also includes reflections from one of McCloskey's daughters, and this personal touch further enriches the book.
This will appeal to fans of Make Way for Ducklings, fans of McCloskey, and people who are interested in true stories about the challenges that authors and artists face to do their best work and revise it until it's just right. This unique nonfiction picture book has all-ages appeal, and will be especially encouraging to children who are interested in art and writing.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
While not every older picture book stands the test of time, I'm very much of the opinion that there are some picture books that are not only timeless in their appeal, but truly embody the ideals of creativity, uniqueness, extraordinary artwork, beautiful use of language and more, in ways that we rarely see. The kind of stories that pull you right into their world no matter the era.
I love sharing those stories with kids, I know a lot of you do as well, and since we know storytime never ends at just one book, this week I'm suggesting a pairing that I think kids will find especially fun.
Having been in print pretty much forever, I know many of you already have a copy of Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings" (1941) on your bookshelves. Some of you have even visited the duckling statues in Boston that it inspired.
If you really want to delight your kids, though, you'll pair it with "Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards" (2022), the true story of how McCloskey, determined to get his duck illustrations absolutely perfect, brought home a crate of six live ducklings to his tiny studio apartment, and lived in that feathery chaos for two whole years!
With plenty of back matter for those who are curious, this is a fabulous choice for lovers of "Make Way for Ducklings".
I love sharing those stories with kids, I know a lot of you do as well, and since we know storytime never ends at just one book, this week I'm suggesting a pairing that I think kids will find especially fun.
Having been in print pretty much forever, I know many of you already have a copy of Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings" (1941) on your bookshelves. Some of you have even visited the duckling statues in Boston that it inspired.
If you really want to delight your kids, though, you'll pair it with "Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards" (2022), the true story of how McCloskey, determined to get his duck illustrations absolutely perfect, brought home a crate of six live ducklings to his tiny studio apartment, and lived in that feathery chaos for two whole years!
With plenty of back matter for those who are curious, this is a fabulous choice for lovers of "Make Way for Ducklings".
November 20, 2022
Illustrations are eye-catching and have texture, reflecting the paper of a sketchbook. Ties in nicely with the theme of the book. Illustrations tell the story without reading the text, inviting the reader to turn the page. Emotions are subtly reflected through the illustrations and are easily discernible. The spreads with the crumpled paper shows the reader how many times McCloskey had to revise his work and the practice he did. The illustrator seems to have taken care to honor the spirit of McCloskey’s work through her choice of materials and style.
The storytelling is engaging and simply conveys information to the reader. The author allows the reader to come to the conclusion that writing Make Way for Ducklings, took a lot of time and revisions without being pedantic. She shows the character and grit that McCloskey needed to keep going until the book was just right. The research and study that McCloskey did to learn to draw the ducks is emphasized. The back matter is robust and her conclusion about his works being “comforting and American” could be the impetus for a deeper conversation. The sources used for research are a mix of primary and secondary sources. It is evident that this was a well-researched book about a subject the author deeply cares about. The illustrations definetly steal the show is this delightful nonfiction picture book.
The storytelling is engaging and simply conveys information to the reader. The author allows the reader to come to the conclusion that writing Make Way for Ducklings, took a lot of time and revisions without being pedantic. She shows the character and grit that McCloskey needed to keep going until the book was just right. The research and study that McCloskey did to learn to draw the ducks is emphasized. The back matter is robust and her conclusion about his works being “comforting and American” could be the impetus for a deeper conversation. The sources used for research are a mix of primary and secondary sources. It is evident that this was a well-researched book about a subject the author deeply cares about. The illustrations definetly steal the show is this delightful nonfiction picture book.
April 10, 2023
As the subtitle suggests, this is the story of the making of the book “Make Way for Ducklings”. Robert McCloskey has an idea that he wants to write a book about ducks finding a safe place to live and raise their children. The problem is that all his sketches of ducks seem to be turning out wrong. As he struggles more and more he realizes that he needs to be able to actually see live ducks for his drawings. Inspired, he acquires baby ducks that he then keeps in his New York City studio. As the story progresses he needs older and bigger ducks to draw. The new ducks then get added to the collection in his studio which might have been a great comical interlude but fails in the follow through. Finally, the drawings complete, the ducks go to a friend’s house to live out their lives.
The book was a bit disjointed with some themes that just were not clear or complete. We’re, at times, not sure whether we are in Boston or New York and there is a running tag line of “he could do better” that is not grounded by the story. There’s not any new information in here and the story just feels drawn out.
The book was a bit disjointed with some themes that just were not clear or complete. We’re, at times, not sure whether we are in Boston or New York and there is a running tag line of “he could do better” that is not grounded by the story. There’s not any new information in here and the story just feels drawn out.
September 19, 2023
Emma Bland Smith shares the lengths Robert McCloskey went to to make sure the ducks in Make Way for Ducklings were just right.
The notes in the back of the book from McCloskey's daughter and the author are super interesting reads. I didn't realize what a perfectionist McCloskey was, how much McCloskey used live models for his books, or how often his daughters Sal and Jane showed up as characters in his books. I also like how this story shows the role of an editor in the picture book making process, something that doesn't get highlighted for kids that much. I adored McCloskey's books as a child and still enjoy them today so this was a very nostalgic read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kids will love the idea of someone living with ducks in their apartment, and then hopefully they'll go pick up Make Way for Ducklings.
The notes in the back of the book from McCloskey's daughter and the author are super interesting reads. I didn't realize what a perfectionist McCloskey was, how much McCloskey used live models for his books, or how often his daughters Sal and Jane showed up as characters in his books. I also like how this story shows the role of an editor in the picture book making process, something that doesn't get highlighted for kids that much. I adored McCloskey's books as a child and still enjoy them today so this was a very nostalgic read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kids will love the idea of someone living with ducks in their apartment, and then hopefully they'll go pick up Make Way for Ducklings.
September 27, 2023
Robert McCloskey was an illustrator and a perfectionist. To draw pictures of ducks for his new book, he tried and tried, but was never satisfied with his results. His illustrations of ducks were not realistic enough and just slightly off. To get it just right, he didn't give up, but instead brought ducks into his studio in New York and lived with them for months as he drew them over and over again!
The information in back from his daughter and the author is very interesting. We learn how McCloskey's illustrations for all his books had some tie to his real life. "Blueberries for Sal" for instance, was about his daughter, Sal. We also learn about the important influence his editor had in his journey in illustrations.
The information in back from his daughter and the author is very interesting. We learn how McCloskey's illustrations for all his books had some tie to his real life. "Blueberries for Sal" for instance, was about his daughter, Sal. We also learn about the important influence his editor had in his journey in illustrations.
October 20, 2022
A very nicely done picture book account the creation of MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, McCloskey's wonderful book that won the 1941 Caldecott Award. I've read this story before in Leonard Marcus's Caldecott Celebration and this is a charming version for children. This would make a wonderful read aloud and, of course, pairing with the the original Caldecott winner. A great way to talk about perseverance as well as the work behind a picture book.
The back matter in this book is outstanding!!!!! I enjoyed it almost more than the picture book itself.
The back matter in this book is outstanding!!!!! I enjoyed it almost more than the picture book itself.
November 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this "behind the scenes" look at the writing of Make Way for Ducklings. It showed how devoted McCloskey was to getting the details right & also teaches the lesson of perseverance. It took a lot of hard work to get those ducks just right!
Speaking of illustrations, the illustrations in the book were beautifully done.
The information at the end of the book was top-notch and despite having read Blueberries for Sal & One Morning in Maine several times (both as a child & as an adult), I never picked up that the "Sal" in both books is based on his real life daughter.
Speaking of illustrations, the illustrations in the book were beautifully done.
The information at the end of the book was top-notch and despite having read Blueberries for Sal & One Morning in Maine several times (both as a child & as an adult), I never picked up that the "Sal" in both books is based on his real life daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
My only question about this book is the title; it was probably chosen for the alliteration, but the book states that no one could ascertain if the ducks he adopted were indeed mallards.
This is a great story of perseverance (which can border on perfectionism), and the illustrations are wonderful! Done in gouache and colored pencil, they have great texture and the suggestion of depth.
I am a long-time fan of Make Way for Ducklings, because I'm one of those kids who was raised watching Captain Kangaroo, which puts the book among several of my all-time favorites.
This is a great story of perseverance (which can border on perfectionism), and the illustrations are wonderful! Done in gouache and colored pencil, they have great texture and the suggestion of depth.
I am a long-time fan of Make Way for Ducklings, because I'm one of those kids who was raised watching Captain Kangaroo, which puts the book among several of my all-time favorites.
May 17, 2023
An engaging book about the backstory for the Caldecott Medal winning picture book Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. I had read that Mr. McCloskey had brought home a box of ducklings at one point, but never knew that he also brought home some adult ducks as well. There is something timeless about such a simple story.
Both Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander bring that process of writing and drawing to life. I think this is a great book for kids to realize that mastery of a skill takes time, and that the process of learning is a reward unto itself.
Both Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander bring that process of writing and drawing to life. I think this is a great book for kids to realize that mastery of a skill takes time, and that the process of learning is a reward unto itself.
June 16, 2023
I read this book for both the AR Diamond Book Award as an adult reader and also for the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. I do feel like this book is more appropriate for the Diamond award list. It is recommended by SLJ for grades 1st-3rd, and it reads like a 2nd-3rd grade level biography book. Almost everyone on the planet has heard of or read Make Way for Ducklings. If you loved it, you will love this book. It takes the reader on a behind-the-scenes journey of the making of the famous book and illustrations. It will 100% make you want to go out an purchase a box full of ducks.
November 5, 2022
This book is bound to be beloved by those who grew up reading MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS - but also by those new to it! The rendering of McCloskey's persistence, creativity, (and very messy duck-filled bathroom!) as he brought ducklings home to help him truly capture their energy is both fascinating and inspiring. A lesson in giving a hard task another try (and another and another) that readers of all ages are going to love!
November 11, 2022
This picture book biography focuses on a specific part of Robert McCloskey's life when he was illustrating Make Way for Ducklings. McCloskey was a perfectionist and struggled with making his illustrations real and lifelike. He even bought ducklings and adult mallards to study. Smith makes the story accessible to children, but Stadtlander's illustrations steal the show with her signature folk art style.
A cute story about a well-known illustrator.
A cute story about a well-known illustrator.
January 28, 2025
As usual, a fabulous picture book biography from Emma Bland Smith. I recently saw the duckling statues in the Boston Public Gardens and checked out Mccloskey's Make Way for Ducklings as a result. As serendipity often happens, I ran into Smith's biography by accident. I adore all the connections McCloskey had and now have a slew of new picture books to read...Ruth Sawyer (mother-in-law), May Massee(editor), and Marc Simont (studio roommate and author of The Stray Dog).
November 15, 2022
Love, Love, Loved this nonfiction picture book about the author of "Make Way for Ducklings". I have always loved that book and many of his others. It was really interesting to learn more about his life and his writing process. The art was beautiful and the notes at the back were very informitave also.
December 10, 2022
A thoughtful biography of children's author and illustrator, Robert McCloskey, that focuses on his work in creating the award winning illustrations for Make Way for Ducklings. A must-read when reading any of his work and an insightful picture book to include in units about children's illustrators. Don't miss the extensive information at the back of the book!
December 28, 2022
I loved Make Way For Ducklings as a child. I checked it out of the library again and again. As a first grade teacher, I read it aloud to my class several times in a school year, especially when we were hatching duck eggs. It is tremendously satisfying to read the back story of this treasured book. Now, I’m going to have to revisit Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine.
December 31, 2022
I loved learning about how the Caldecott book Make Way For Ducklings came to be! I would have loved it to be longer, but since it is just about MWFD, I can understand why it's not. It is a well-told biography, and the illustrations and look of the book (textures that make it look like one of McCloskey's books) are fantastic! Thank you, Edelewiss+, for the advanced copy.
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