Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings

by Angela Burke Kunkel, Claire Keane (Illustrator)

A beautiful and fascinating picture book biography that follows the lives of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings , and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks grace Boston Public Garden.

In the beginning, there was a boy named Robert McCloskey, growing up in Ohio, his hands always moving, always creating. Many years later, after attending art school in Boston, he would reflect on his days wandering through Boston Garden and write the classic picture book Make Way for Ducklings .

In the beginning, there was also a girl named Nancy Schön. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, working in her father's greenhouse, twisting wire and boughs into wreaths. Many years later, Nancy would look at Robert's drawings in Make Way for Ducklings and get the seed of an idea. That seed became the beloved bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings that stand in Boston Garden today.

This stunning and clever picture book biography intertwines the lives of two phenomenal artists--who were contemporaries and friends--and reveals the extraordinary impact they've had on generations of children.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Childrens, History, Books About Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2023

About the author

Angela Burke Kunkel is the author of Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built (Random House/Schwartz & Wade, 2020), an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book and winner of both the Américas Award and International Latino Book Award. She is also the author of Penguin Journey (Abrams Appleseed, 2022). Look for her next books from Random House Studio, Make Way: The Story Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings in 2023 and World More Beautiful: The Life and Art of Barbara Cooney in 2024.
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Angela lives with her family in Vermont, where she works as a school librarian. She is represented by Liza Fleissig at the Liza Royce Agency. You can also connect on Instagram @angkunkel.

Reviews

[NoNieqa Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Burke Kunkel’s picture book gem MAKE WAY is a beautifully-written biography
graced with stunning and nostalgic art from illustrator Claire Keane. Burke Kunkel masterfully intertwines the creative journeys of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks are a beloved keystone of Boston Public Garden and the larger Boston community. Poring over Keane’s entrancing illustrations, curious readers will excitedly turn pages to see if McCloskey and Schön will persevere and create something special. The socio-emotional messages in this text will resonate with every reader: Art takes time. Dreams aren’t achieved overnight. Rejection doesn’t mean failure. Have patience with yourself!
The back matter delves into deeper detail about the sculptures’ impact, from their use to champion the human rights of Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, to the powerful generational impact these statues have had on children and families. This book is accessible enough to be enjoyed by independent readers. MAKE WAY–paired with Make Way for Ducklings!- should be on every classroom bookshelf and is sure to be enjoyed for generations to come!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a delightful book for those of us who cherish Robert McCloskey’s classic children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” and enjoy the statues created by Nancy Shön installed at the Boston Public Garden.
The author tells the back story of Robert and Nancy and how they came to write and sculpt. It is a feel good story but does not gloss over the hardships and failures each felt while growing up. Probably for ages 4 and up…

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful nonfiction picture book that tells the story of how Robert McCloskey's book inspired sculptor Nancy Schon to create the delightful Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Gardens. The story is both engaging and inspiring and is an excellent example of how two talented artists can work together. Pair this with Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings by Emma Bland Smith.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I’m giving this two stars, I’m going to tell you to take a look at this book.

The illustrator did such a lovely job - it is so whimsical and so wonderful to look at. The pictures tell the story well enough that you could even skip the writing.

Which is actually a really good idea.

I don’t know if it was on purpose or if English is the author’s second language or what, but I did not care for the tenses skipping around and the fragmented sentences. I really dislike that style (if it’s in fact called a style).

So maybe just find a copy at your library so you can learn about the behind the scenes of the book, Make Way for Ducklings, and how the sculptures came to be in Boston too.

We visited Boston and the park: watch my reel!

Ages: 2 - 8

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and nostalgic! Claire Keane made absolutely beautiful artwork… I’ve enjoyed her work since Tangled, which is why I found out about this book. Also, I’ve always loved Make Way for the Ducklings…one of the best picture books ever! I love how this tells the story of the original picture book and the statues simultaneously—though I feel like it focuses more on the statues.

*authors note

[M.O. Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book biography about Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön. Angela Burke Kunkel brilliantly intertwines the lives of these two phenomenal artists, the hardships they went through to achieve their dreams, and the impact their work has had on generations of children. Claires Keane’s illustrations are gorgeous in sepia tones and a nod to the original illustrations in the classic picture book, Make Way for Ducklings. An inspiring story for all readers!

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this nonfiction picture book that shares the story of how Robert McCloskey’s book ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ inspired artist Nancy Schön to create the lovely sculpture in the Boston Public Gardens. I enjoyed learning the backstory of each creator as well as the author’s note and timeline in the back matter.

[Isabella Kung · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book about the creator of the Caldecott-winning book MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS and the creator of the sculptures inspired by said book at the Boston Public Garden! This is a wonderful example of how art inspires through time – a true testimonial to the creativity and tenacity of human beings. I love reading about Robert McCloskey's journey to creating MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, coinciding with Nancy Schön journey of reading the picture book and becoming inspired to build the famous duck sculptures. This non-fiction book shows part of these artists' life struggles and how their hard work and persistence mounted to achieve these masterworks of creation that still inspire us all today. The illustrations nod to the art style used in the MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS too, beautifully nostalgic and fitting for this story. The back matter gives us more information about how the public still adores the sculptures and are still a much-visited landmark in Boston.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make way: the story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and some very famous ducklings is a children's biography about the author McCloskey, the sculpture Schon, and the life of ducks. What a unique story that blends the story of an author, a sculptor, and ducks. McCloskey won Caldecott Gold in 1942 for Make Way for Ducklings. With his approval, Nancy Schon sculpted the duck in McCloskey's book. These ducks can be found today in Boston's Public Gardens. This biography is so easy for children to understand how all of this came to be!

The colors in this book's illustrations remind me of the four-color spread for pictures in the early 1900s. And this book seems to have a bronze tone or maybe even the look of Caldecott Gold.

The back matter of this book has so much great information connected to this story. I was impressed that a third grade class was instrumental in influencing their state legislators to adopt Make Way for Duckling as the official Children's Book for Massachusetts.

This book is most informative and would make a great pairing with the Caldecott book, Make Way for Ducklings.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must write that this brought tears, a very special story of the "Famous Ducklings", where I still own my original Make Way for Ducklings and while I didn't know the story of those wonderful sculptures in the Boston Public Garden, by Nancy Schön, I have visited them several times. Angela Burke Kunkel tells the story of both people which almost feels like a fairy tale while Claire Keane's illustrations show the story in gorgeous sepia tones, a marvelous history told.

[Katherine Szerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY BOOK REVIEW: MAKE WAY: The Story of Robert McCliskey, Nancy Schron, and Some Very Famous Ducks
By Angela Burke Kunkel; Illustrated by Clair Keane. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will admit I am a sucker for children’s picture books about picture book artists and writers! I am fascinated by the process authors and illustrators go through in creating their masterpieces! Having just seen the Make Way for Ducklings statue in Boston last year. I was drawn to this book as Make Way for Ducklings has always been one of my and my children’s favorite picture books!
I presumed incorrectly that the bulk of this picture book was about Robert MCloskey who was both the original writer and illustrator of Make Way for Ducklings, but I was wrong. This book is mostly the story of Nancy Schon, a Jewish-American artist who was drawn to a more 3-dimensional representational style. After McCloskey found success with the publication of his book about a family of mallards, Schon had a vision of creating a statue for Boston’s Public Garden that served as the setting of the story. After it was complete, she asked McCloskey to meet in order that she might solicit his support!
The Book is exquisitely written in the same cadence as Make Way for Ducklings and illustrated in a style typical of the 1940s and 50’s.
Recommended for ages 8-108!

[Qing Zhuang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, what the hell, this is such a beautiful book. The art from the incredibly talented animator Claire Keane is just so lively and fitting of the topic. Angela Burke Kunkel’s writing is gorgeous and rich and buzzing with a fervor to match the passionate strivings of the two artists in the book. There is nothing else to say, thank you to everyone who made this book happen. I am partial because as an artist I relate to the perseverance of the artists but it really is just damn good art and writing.

[Rajani LaRocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, art comes from art. And sometimes, art comes from art comes from art. MAKE WAY by Angela Burke Kunkel and Claire Keane is the beautiful story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and the ducklings of Boston.

The words are beautiful, capturing the art of creation and renewal. The sepia-toned art is an homage to the original book, like a warm hug.

This story “most of all is a feeling—of looking for safety, of family, and of coming home, all wrapped up in a book.” 😍😭

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. The cover is interesting, but it may not appeal to younger readers. I'm not sure that they would catch the name of the book and make the connection. The artwork on the cover and throughout is simply beautiful. This one may take some promotion from teachers and librarians. It is a nice story about McCloskey and Schon that many kids probably don't know about.

[Sharon Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like to give books as baby shower gifts. My favorite books to gift have always been the Robert McCloskey books Make Way For Ducklings, Blueberries For Sal and One Maine Morning. I especially love gifting them to people who didn't grow up in New England where the books are set. Robert McCloskey lived in Maine so his books were very popular when I was growing up. When shopping online for a set to gift to John's nephew I found this book that tells the story of how he wrote the book Make Way For Ducklings and someone else sculpted the ducks to put in the park. Very cute, beautifully illustrated, well worth the read. I'm tempted to keep it for myself, but will send it on its way to Florida with the other books.

[Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really lovely book. The storylines of Bob and Nancy are tied together nicely and the ending is satisfying. I adore Make Way for Ducklings so I really enjoyed learning more about McCloskey’s process of creating the book.

[Cassiejoan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just fantastic. I love McCloskey and have even seen the famous ducks in Boston, but knew nothing of the history of that famous sculpture. This book is well written and well illustrated and the icing on top was how relevant it is given our studies of WWII and anti-Semitism.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vigorous illustrations and a sweet story.

[Dannelle Kouf · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet picture book that shows the early life of Robert mcCloskey and Nancy schon, how they came to write and sculpt make way for ducklings.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for creative kids dreaming about a career in the arts. I love how the story demonstrates all the steps Robert McCloskey took when creating his famous picture book, Make Way for Ducklings, which went on to win the Caldecott Medal. We learn how he was inspired, the rejection he faced, and just how far he went to make sure his illustrations were accurate and appealing to kids. It also intertwines the story of Nancy Schon, the sculptor behind the famous duck/duckling sculptures in the Boston Public Garden. We see parallels in her journey as an artist- also facing rejection, also going above and beyond to make sure her art was exceptional. The two stories come together beautifully at the end, making a very satisfying conclusion.

The story is beautifully told in both the words and the pictures. And I really love how Claire Keane's illustrations recall the feel of Robert McCloskey's art. Highly recommend!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful look at the creation of the classic children's book, MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, and the beloved Boston Public Garden duck sculptures inspired by the book.

DUCKLINGS is a wonderful example of humane literature, and has inspired joy and compassion for animals in generations of children and their families. It's enjoyable to see how it all came together.

Humane families note: While the book and sculptures celebrate respect and kindness for ducks, the artists didn't always adhere to this principle. There is a reference and illustration of the sculptor buying a disembodied duck's foot at the butcher shop, and both artists examined taxidermy ducks. This content may bother some compassionate kids.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really frustrated at first because I didn’t know where this was going but by the end I closed the book teary eyed at a great build up.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delight from start to finish, this picture book is a visual and textual treat that fans of the 1942 Caldecott-winning book, Make Way for Ducklings, will simply have to read. Blending lines about its author/illustrator Robert McCloskey, with information about Nancy Schon, the sculptor who created the tribute to Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings featured in that book and whose work [dedicated in 1987] rests today in the Boston Public Garden, this title explores both creators' formative years, artistic growth and inspiration, and even describes how they met. Although both were artists, they weren't necessarily overnight successes as both struggled for different reasons. The author goes to great pains to describe the steps Schon took in crafting her tribute to those ducklings that charmed the world. Using Procreate for the artwork, the illustrator takes great care to follow McCloskey's lead in the visuals. Readers will be forgiven if they think that she's almost channeled the original artwork and artist on these pages, which consist of a sepia tint in the background. Even some of the lines on the last page of the narrative are reminiscent of McCloskey's work while acknowledging the hard-to-explain perfection of a masterwork: "Out of an egg comes a duckling. On the blank page, a line is put down, right and true, and a drawing comes to life. Clay is shaped, and molded, and cast in bronze" (unpaged). Kudos to the book designer because everything about this book is celebratory and admiring, even down to the book jacket whose colors and imagery, even its text, is reminiscent of the original book. An Author's Note provides additional information about those bronze ducklings as well as a photograph of McCloskey, Schon, and the ducklings. A Timeline and Selected Bibliography round out this special book. Many books are read and forgotten as soon as the last page has been reached, but others, like Make Way for Ducklings, have staying power. This book goes a long way toward explaining why that was the case and adds further details to what readers might know about the original book and those ducklings. This one is a must for anyone who loves children's literature or art.

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an (almost) lifelong resident of the Boston area, I remember reading Make Way for Ducklings over and over again, and then going for a ride on the Swan Boats and visiting the real-life ducks in the Public Garden, as well as, later, visiting Nancy Schon's charming statue which is beloved by children city-wide and has become a symbol of Boston.

Angela Kunkel's text and Claire Keene's art meld perfectly to tell the story of the making of both the Make Way for Ducklings book and the statue, and the moment when two artists came together. I loved that the tone and feel of this dual biography match the original Make Way for Ducklings. Even the size of the book matches. The emphasis in the story is that artists never give up, and I loved the descriptions of how both Robert McCloskey and Nancy Schon dove so deeply into their work to get every detail exactly right in their respective mediums -- as much as (it's clear) the author and illustrator of this biography carefully sifted through the details of the narrative to craft a compelling story. This book will be fascinating to anyone who has read Make Way for Ducklings, or visited the statue (or both), and also general readers who are interested in the artistic process and how different artists can inspire each other. The back matter gives a bit more information on the statue and what it has come to mean as a piece of public art in the city of Boston.

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorite activities when my family lived in Boston was visiting the Public Garden to see what holiday- or seasonally-themed outfits the duckling statues were wearing. So I’m thrilled about this new book, which celebrates the two artists connected to these ducklings - Robert McCloskey, author of the beloved MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, and Nancy Schön, the sculptor inspired by McCloskey’s book. The text is lyrical and lovely, and the illustrations pay tribute to McCloskey’s original drawings. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the text and illustrations, especially in the scenes where McCloskey puts live ducks in his bathtub as models for his illustrations.
There’s so much to learn in this book: how a famous landmark came to be, how ideas become art, how artists collaborate and inspire each other, and how public art (in the form of a book and a statue) can continue to delight and surprise new generations of children and families. One section of this book explains how McCloskey’s book captured a feeling of safety, family, and home. Kunkel and Keane’s book captures a feeling of joy in coming together to make lasting art. Their book is innovative and interesting, encourages creativity and collaboration, and will definitely inspire a visit to Boston to see the famous duckling statues!

[John Mullarkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual biography of Robert McCloskey and sculpture Nancy Shon is also a story about the process of adapting an iconic illustrator’s work and turning it into another medium - in this case famous illustrations of ducks into the beloved statues of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings in Boston’s Public Garden. The narrative works very well as it alternates between both artists in their early careers and how their unique methods of creating their art would take similar, but different paths. McCloskey’s diligence in actually “adopting” a nest of ducklings in bringing them into his apartment to study is better known and the subject of another picture book. Schon, of course did not receive the same kind of fame/recognition as McCloskey, but it would be later in both their lives where they meet - and need to coordinate their ideas into one vision which propels the story to its conclusion.
The beautiful artwork by (Disney artist) Claire Keane is reminiscent of Mcloskey’s original illustrations to give the story the retro feeling of a treasured picture book from years ago. Like the original Make Way for Ducklings, the story will connect the past to now and engage readers both young and old. The back matter at the end of the story offers photographs and additional details about the duck sculptures and their cultural impact on the city of Boston.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Way is a picture book that focuses on three main figures: Robert McCloskey, an author; Nancy Schon, an artist; and the Mallards, the duck family of McCloskey's famous story. Though years apart, both Robert and Nancy are very devoted artists. For Robert, he got his chance to show his skills by writing his story, Make Way For Ducklings, showing his artistic skills and the devotions he took to portray ducks humanely and accurately. For Nancy, art was her safe space, and despite numerous rejections, found inspirations in Robert's book to create sculptures that would bring her the recognition she seeks for her passion.

Cleverly detailed, Kunkel managed to introduce us readers to how both creators found a way to convey their artistic passions that both elevated them to public acclaim. There are many trials & errors, both individuals faced in their lifetime before they were able to achieve success. What mattered was that no obstacle stopped them from reaching their dreams, even if it took longer than they expected. In the process, the ducks in the story became cultural icons and local celebrities in their Boston home. Keane's art style is done heavily in crayon, reminiscing of childhood drawings, and the earthly tones adds well to the grounded story of never giving up. A good biographical piece, with a strong message in perseverance.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence of 'prologue': In the beginning, a duck is an egg. A drawing is a blank page. A sculpture is a lump of clay.

First sentence of book: In the beginning, a boy named Bob lives in a place called Hamilton. He wanders the Ohio town with his dog, playing a harmonica, notes trailing behind them. Bob's mind whirs like a motor and his hands move constantly.

Premise/plot: Make Way is a nonfiction picture book for slightly older readers. I do think it is one that adults will be drawn to. It is the a) a mini-biography of Robert McCloskey, children's author and illustrator b) a mini-biography of Nancy Schön, an artist who was inspired by Make Way for Ducklings, c) the story of the impact of ONE children's book, the book being Make Way for Ducklings.

MY thoughts: I can't think about Make Way for Ducklings without thinking about my Mom. This is one that she regularly read to us (my sister and I). After reading this one, I immediately had to go put Robert McCloskey's book on hold. (In fact, I put on hold ALL of his books that my library had in their collection). I think that's a good reaction or response. I hope the author would approve! This picture book is like a love letter.

[Marilyn Wolpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings is a story of two artists: Bob McCloskey, the author and illustrator of Make Way for Ducklings and Nancy Schön, the struggling Jewish woman sculptor who created bronze replicas of McCloskey’s mama duck and her ducklings for the Public Gardens in Boston where the original story takes place. Schön’s Judaism is depicted on one page with a scene of antisemitism during the war years, while another page contains an image of Shabbat candles being lit. Some critiques have given negative reviews to this book because in the backmatter, Kunkel mentions Boston’s habit of dressing up the ducks in costumes to coincide with various events. This is a poor excuse for panning this lovely story of creativity and collaboration. Instead, high marks should be given to it, especially for the true and straightforward depiction of Schön’s Judaism. Beautiful art accompanies this parallel tale of two artists and their collaboration as they bring their ideas to life. All pros and no cons.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Way for Ducklings is one of my favorite books so I was delighted to see this new biographical book. Initially I though this was the story of how McCloskey created his book. It is - but it is also the story of sculptor Nancy Schön. Did you know that there is an amazing sculpture of Mama Duck and her eight ducklings in the Boston Public Gardens? And the sculptor who created it was Nancy Schön!

I loved reading about Bob McCloskey's journey to create Make Way for Ducklings and also the equally inspiring story of Nancy who persisted in her quest to sculpt even after being told NO so many, many times. Some day I hope to visit Boston and see the ducks in person! I also enjoyed hearing how kids have been and continue to be delighted no only with McCloskey's book but also with Nancy's sculpture. Quack, quack, quack!

This book will hopefully inspire others who desire to create art or books!