Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is one of my most favorite picture books of all time. I think that I expressed the same sentiment in my Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey review. If I were asked for the ten picture books that are not, for any reason, to be missed, this would always be on my list. The story itself is completely charming and a joy entirely on its own. The illustration, however, is not “as good as the story.” The illustration is in fact absolute perfection. 

Actually, maybe, I just might say that Make Way For Ducklings is the tiniest hair better than Blueberries for Sal. But, maybe that is just because Ducklings is nearer at hand right now than Sal. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live. But every time Mr. Mallard saw what looked like a nice place, Mrs. Mallard said it was no good. There were sure to be foxes in the woods or turtles in the water, and she was not going to raise a family where there might be foxes or turtles. So they flew on and on.”

We are captivated by the story and the incredible illustration immediately. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are sketched flying high above a village and woods. There is such incredible movement in the picture you can almost trick yourselves into believing that the ducks are actually flying off of the page. The sepia colored pencil is perfect for Mrs. Mallard’s coloring and the warm hues make the story feel timeless and old-fashioned in the best possible way. 

Mr. And Mrs. Mallard do eventually find a place to settle down and it is lovely. When it comes time to move their family, however, they have a perilous journey to make. 

This story is marvelous. I could tell you so much more, but you need to just go and read it. Read it. Buy it. Keep it. Read it out loud to every small person you know and even to yourself when you are feeling world-weary and in need of something delightful. 

This book won the 1942 Caldecott Medal. Biblioguides has done some amazing work with the Caldecott awards and we can’t wait to link over to them when their project is ready very soon!