A Quacking Good Time: Discovering Make Way for Ducklings Together
There’s something magical about snuggling up for a bedtime story with my little ones, especially when the day has been filled with chaos and a few too many tantrums. Just the other night, after what felt like an endless round of “why” questions and “can I have one more snack?” pleas, I needed a book that would capture my kids’ attention and whisk us away on a delightful adventure. Enter Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, a classic I’d heard whispers about but hadn’t yet dived into. I thought, “What could be more calming than a family of ducks?” Spoiler alert: it was the perfect choice!
At its heart, Make Way for Ducklings captures the journey of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard as they seek a safe spot to raise their brood. After a few not-so-safe encounters in the great outdoors, they decide the bustling city feels more secure—if you can dodge a bike or two. The plot thickens when the couple finds themselves in a delightful dilemma: how to safely guide their eight ducklings (with names as quirky as Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack) across the city to meet their father. As a parent, I couldn’t help but chuckle at Mr. Mallard’s less-than-responsible choice to leave the real work to Mrs. Mallard!
Now, let’s talk about how my kiddos reacted. The illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking—so rich in detail that we spent ages pointing out the little ducks waddling along. My three-year-old was particularly taken with the scene of the Mallards crossing the busy street. “Look, Mommy, they’re like us when we cross the road!” It sparked a light-hearted conversation about pedestrian safety, something we often discuss given our own family escapades through town.
And can I just share how much we absolutely adored the repetitive, catchy names of the ducklings? Every time we read a new name, my youngest burst out laughing, saying, “Why isn’t there a ‘Quack’ Duck in school?!” It was a reminder that sometimes humor shines brightest in unexpected places.
On our second reading (yes, we dove right back in!), I found myself sharing my own “duckling” anecdotes—like the time we attempted a family outing to the park and ended up chasing a runaway toddler instead. As we read aloud, we became a little family of quacking ducks ourselves, weaving in our own stories amidst McCloskey’s delightful prose.
So who would I recommend this book to? It’s perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, especially those who enjoy adventures sprinkled with a bit of humor. Whether you’re sitting down for storytime or looking for a book to spark conversations about city life, this one is a gem. For our family, it’s undoubtedly a new favorite that brings both giggles and a sense of calm that always seems to accompany a good duck tale.
In a world filled with the overwhelming noise of parenting, Make Way for Ducklings serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes adventure can be found right at our feet, even if it involves a little chaos. And who knows? Maybe next time we cross a street, our little ducks will be a bit more mindful about their own waddle in the real-life urban jungle. 🦆💛
