Gertie, The Darling Duck of WWII

by Shari Swanson, Renée Graef (Illustrator)

In 1945, the attention of the United States, along with the rest of the world, was focused on World War II. After more than five years of fighting, downcast, war-weary people were looking for signs of hope of a better future. One April morning, a duck searching for a nesting spot lands on a tall post sticking out of the Milwaukee River. Situated near a busy drawbridge and the noisy city of Milwaukee, this was an unlikely, precarious spot for a soon-to-be-mama duck to build her nest. But that is exactly where Gertie (named by a local reporter) decides to make her home and lay her eggs. Once local newspapers report the story, crowds begin visiting the bridge to watch Gertie and speculate how she will safely hatch her babies. Soon, news outlets around the world are carrying the hopeful tale of the plucky duck, raising spirits, and giving readers a shared sense of community.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, World War II, Childrens, Animals, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2023

Reviews

[Pink Leaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A real life “Make Way for Ducklings!”

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a true story. Wow. The illustrations made the story come to life. Gertie, oh, what a brave mommy duck

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating trying to explain how a story went viral before the invention of the Internet. We are truly at the point where students don't understand how newspapers worked, much less the prevalence of radio communication before the advent of personal screens. Can you remember sharing a thirteen inch screen with a group of strangers?

[Abbi Gilzean · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to the beautiful drawings, I love the brief history included in the back of the book about the real Gertie and the town that came together to protect her and her ducklings. Adorable!

[Jennifer Wadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely non-fiction with a nod to McCloskey, archival photos, incorporated quotes. If it had net happened it would seem silly, but since it did, it provides insight into American culture in 1945.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5 for me, close to a 4. I'm always on the outlook for books that describe what life was like on the home front during times of war or other challenging times. Having spent three years dealing with the fears and limitations caused by the recent global pandemic, many readers will relate to the need for something to bring hope and lightness to hard times that this picture book describes. When a duck builds her nest on a large post in the Milwaukee River in 1945, her unusual choice for a place to lay her eggs and wait for them to hatch rivets the local residents, who begin traveling to the spot to watch her and her babies after they are born. Named Gertie by a newspaper reporter, the mother duck seems aware of her audience, often wiggling her tail feathers and flapping her wings. The top of a post high above a river isn't an ideal spot for ducklings so bridge tenders had to scoop up the ducklings from the river when they fell in. When one egg failed to hatch, a duck expert used his expertise to save it. Bad weather threatened the ducklings so they were temporarily moved to a display window in Gimbel's department store, where they could be admired by passersby. Eventually, Gertie and her five little ones were transported to a local park that had a lagoon for their use, and statues of the ducks were placed on Wisconsin Avenue Bridge. While a mother duck and her ducklings might seem to be unlikely symbols of hope and resilience during wartime, they offered distractions to a war-weary nation as did the actions of those who worked so hard to keep them safe. Relying primarily on muted, not flashy, colors, the illustrations consist of detailed spot drawings, full-page artwork, and double-page spreads that depict Gertie and her babies in all their glory as well as their many admirers and saviors. The back matter consists of "More to the Story," which provides more background to the story and times and relevant photos. There's even one of Gertie as she looks over her clutch of eggs. This well-told story serves as a reminder that the lives of others matter and that there is good in the world, a message that is just as relevant today as it was several decades ago. Add this one to a collection featuring animals that made a difference or one consisting of books about war or even one about kindness.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a duck makes her nest atop a tall post by the Milwaukee River, people around her start to notice and they publish her picture in the newspaper. The reporter names her Gertie and she becomes a wonder for locals to admire. During the strains of WWII, Gertie and her nest give people hope of the good to come, but how can she safely hatch her eggs so high up? The bridge workers become invested in their safety and vow to keep an eye on them. True to their word, when danger hits, they step in to save the day.

GERTIE, THE DARLING DUCK is a picture book full of hope in unlikely situations. During a time when there was more bad than good, Gertie gave the people something positive to focus on. It brought people together because everyone wanted to see her and her ducklings. The illustrations are beautifully detailed, including the ducks inside of the covers. In the back of the book, the author goes into more detail about the true events and historical relevance this story has. We also get to see real pictures of Gertie and the statues that commemorate her.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of history, WWII, and animals. It's an inspiring and thought-provoking read that should be in history classrooms for further reading for children aged six and up.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I lived in Milwaukee in the early 1990s, and I don't remember seeing the statue of Gertie. My bad. However, Swanson's book (illustrated by Renee Graef) was a great way for me to learn how a duck and her ducklings helped people in and beyond Milwaukee rally their spirits during the trying times of WWII.

This picture book retells a well-documented (by journalists) story about how a duck built a next on a tall post near a Milwaukee bridge. Once the eggs hatched, the people of the city were even more vigelint. The people of the city helped relocate Gertie and her ducklings to a storefront window until summer when they were released into a lagoon. The attention and help this bird received helped people in the city feel hopeful and capable of solving problems during a time where many felt dread and lack of power. Gerte's story moved beyond Milwaukee because the story made the national news.

The backmatter includes a few photographs that were taken of Gertie, her nest, her eggs, and her hatched ducklings. There is also a WWII poster about rationing scraps and another of a female riveter in Long Beach, CA--to demonstrate some of the zeitgeist of those war years.

Fun and well-illustrated book that shows human compassion and resilence.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: One April morning in 1945, when the world was weary of war, a duck flew to the top of a tall post poking out of the Milwaukee River near a big drawbridge and settled in. People smiled at the plucky duck nesting on a perch so high above the water in the middle of a busy, noisy city.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction. History. World War II. Picture book. Gertie, a duck, becomes famous at the end of the Second World War. She warms hearts and features front and center (perhaps not literally) in newspapers around the globe. Everyone, apparently, wanted updates on this darling duck, and her nest of eggs. The place she's chosen for her nest is precarious, at best. Will all be well?

My thoughts: I'd not heard of Gertie. I'm going to guess that the book's intended audience will be unfamiliar as well. This book was a DELIGHT. I absolutely loved this narrative nonfiction text. I loved the illustrations. I loved the end pages that include "more of the story."

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3.5 stars **

This is a very cute story about a duck that became famous during WWII by helping to take people's minds off the horrors of the war going on. The fact that it happened in Milwaukee was even more interesting.

The illustrations were great and the story itself was wonderful. I really enjoyed the additional factual information and photos at the end of the story. This book can't be construed as a rhyming, cute picture book for kids. The text is written in a very matter of fact - true- style. It reads a bit like a newspaper article for kids. I thought it was a fun read...I'm not 100% sure what kids would actually think of it.

I need to search for the Gertie and her ducklings statues in Milwaukee too...I'm not sure if I have seen them before, but I defnitely want to see them now!

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

An absolutely delightful book that recounts the story of Gertie and her ducklings. Whether you've never stepped foot in Milwaukee, are familiar with the story, or have just walked past the bronze duck statues on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, this book offers interesting details and a wonderful rendition of Gertie's impact.

Heartfelt with nice themes of perseverance, kindness, and hope.

At the back of the book is a more detailed look at the story as well as the larger context at the time, including women's and children's efforts during WWII.

Beautiful illustrations and an uplifting story.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One April morning in 1945, when the world was weary of war, a duck flew to the top of a tall post..." And so starts the truly charming story of Gertie, who chose a completely unreasonable spot to lay her eggs. Her tale was published across the US and caught the collective imagination by storm, as thousands (maybe even millions) waited and worried about what would happen when Gertie's hatchlings wobbled out of their eggs onto a post high above the raging Milwaukee River. I don't want to spoil it for you, but I will say that this very much a feel-good book. As Shari Swanson writes, Gertie "helped lift the spirits of a war-weary world, giving people a reason to hope for a brighter future."

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Milwaukee, WI - the setting for this true story about Gertie the Duck. During World War II when people were in need of some positive news, Gertie the Duck landed on a pillar in the middle of the Milwaukee River and built her nest. She became a celebrity. People watched and waited eagerly for her ducklings to arrive and hoped she could keep them safe in the middle of the river. The words and pictures tell this story well with just the right amount of tension and detail. A fun nonfiction story for anyone, but most especially for those who know this river, this town, and the bronze statue that sits along it celebrating one hope inspiring duck.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy I learned the story of Gertie - a steadfast mama duck who inspired hope and caring around the world during the last days of World War 2.
I think this book could be used in a lot of different ways in a classroom setting. There are some great vocabulary words. Plus the book is a unique take on how something as simple as a duck building a nest can boost the spirits of people during a time of hardship and loss. The community rallies to protect mama and her five babies. I also thought it was interesting how the news spread so quickly throughout the world - long before the time of the internet.

[Reshamad · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the world was beaten down by WW II, a duck and her chicks gives people hope and a peek at a brighter future. Gertie lands on a tall post sticking out of the Milwaukee river. This post is right next to a bridge and next to a busy street corner. People noticed the perch and decided to "watch over" the bird and her chicks when they hatched. What follows is a heart warming tale of Gertie, her chicks and the care she gets from people watching over her. Beautiful pencil art renditions makes this for a great picture book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the city of Milwaukee in 1945 during the time of WWII people desperately needed something to help keep their minds off of the war, and Gertie the duck and her eggs were quite the distraction. I enjoyed this adorable true story of a mama duck and her ducklings that were given such esteem and care and provided optimism and joy to the people of Milwaukee. Would be a great read aloud for many different lessons.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little known true story of how the WWII war-weary people of Milwaukee WI found something simple and heart-warming to focus on. Wonderful illustrations showing people in typical 1945 clothing at the actual site of the story.
Back matter expands on the text and provides a few photographs.
Compare with "Make Way for Ducklings", "Lucky Ducklings" by Moore, "Mr. Lincoln's Way" by Polacco.
ELA tie-in: narrative nonfiction
Social studies tie-in: WWII
Science/spring time: hatching eggs, new life

[Cindy DavisClark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't include the books I read with the great grand children. This is a special book about the ducks that captured the hearts of the people in Milwaukee during World War II. People went to great lengths to keep the ducks safe. Recently statues of these ducks were erected on the bridge in downtown Milwaukee to commemorate the events that took place so long ago. The illustrations were by a favorite artist.

[Louise Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes of empathy, history, and teamwork shine in this lovely picture book. During WWII, just when the United States needed something familiar and uplifting to rally around, a duck happened to lay eggs in a precarious location in Milwaukee. News coverage spread far and wide as the city rallied to help, even cheering the overseas troops. Be sure to read the back matter in this feel-good gem to learn more about daily life for citizens at that time.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this a 5 star rating because this story is a great read when discussing WWII with earlier ages as it is a story that brings about hope and raises spirits for those living during this time. This book in my opinion is a great choice for a read aloud especially when entering a topic as devastating as WWII.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story with interesting illustrations: have students look closely, and they should be able to see brushstrokes. I had never heard this story before, and apparently many others have not either, even those who live in the area. It's not easy to balance something like a cute animal story against the backdrop of war, but this does a suitable job.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet true story of a mama Duck, what chose to made a nest on a wooden pillar in the middle of the Milwaukee River. The town got involved with helping her keep track of her Ducklins & the newspaper covered the story from day to day. It was a feel good story in the midst of hard times. There is a statue of Gertie Duck in Downton Milwaukee by the river. 😊💛🦤

[Crissi Brandhuber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story about Gertie and her babies. Can be paired with Make Way for Duckings. We just watched the eagle cam, so I know how vested society can be in animals. The photos in the back add genuine value for the reader.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations, but I didn't find the story as compelling as I had hoped. It felt short, although good length for a bedtime read with kids.

[Amy Pickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and heartwarming story about a "plucky duck" who raised spirits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and beyond during the war-weary days of 1945.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story! And it's all true! Come join the fun and learn about the duck that helped lift spirits towards the end of the war. ^_^

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story for kids and adults. Good viewpoint on a real historical symbol.

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute nonfiction story

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations and the story itself was so heartwarming and even better, a true story!

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

True story about a duck that built her nest in a rather poor spot. But everyone was looking out for her. Happy ending guaranteed, but little ones may be bored.