 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Make Way for Ducklings
- By Robert McCloskey
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Kids and parents enjoy this story about family.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is nothing of concern in this gentle story of a family of ducks, told skillfully and straightforwardly.
What's the story?
Honk, honk! "Quack!" Watch out for the cars, Mrs. Mallard! She must convey her eight ducklings safely across several busy Boston streets to the Public Garden so they can meet their father. Children and parents will enjoy sharing this endearing story about family. The illustrations are all in sepia charcoal, which will disappoint some kids used to full color.
Is it any good?
Family is the central theme in this Robert McCloskey classic. The mallard ducks illustrate love and care in the family. McCloskey describes the adult ducks carefully selecting a nesting site and, later, teaching the ducklings basic survival skills. Tension and adventure are created in the story during their dangerous trip across busy streets to get to the Public Garden and safety.
Today's children respond with enthusiasm and affection for the ducks and ducklings, barely noticing the dated cars or police officer's uniform. Sepia-toned charcoal art on cream-colored paper conveys the story's gentle love and warmth. Today's children, however, may find the one-tone illustrations dull. Children will appreciate being able to count all eight ducklings in each illustration of the family and will check to see that all are present.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the duck family's search for a good home. What do they need for a good place to live? Did this book make you think differently about how "regular" people things might seem to animals?
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AGE
Great Children's book
Although the tale alone makes for a great bedtime story, the pictures are what gives this book it's real charm. Simply drawn yet rich in detail, kids will spend a long time looking at the pictures before they learn to read the book themselves.
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| Author: | Robert McCloskey |
| Illustrator: | Robert McCloskey |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | May 19, 1969 |
| Number of pages: | 72 |
| Hardcover price: | $0.00 |
| Paperback price: | $7.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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