Photo courtesy Universal Hub
Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common. Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack are all decked out and dressed in their fancy bonnets, ready for Easter.
This classic children’s book was written in 1941 and received the coveted Caldecott Medal in 1942. The story, based in Boston, is about two ducks, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, and their journey to find a proper home and start a family. After the ducklings hatch, there are adventures throughout the city and help from a friendly policeman named Michael.
Make Way for Ducklings has been continuously in print since it was first published. As of 2003, the book had sold over two million copies. The city of Boston has whole-heartedly embraced the story. In the Public Garden where the Mallards eventually settled, the bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings by artist Nancy Schön was erected in 1987 – a tribute to Robert McCloskey.
Happy Easter from the Bronze Ducklings at the Public Garden in Boston.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Happy Easter!!
And to you, Opher!
Cute!
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you, Ritu!
Same to You, Jennie!!
🙂
I can’t believe how many great American children’s books I don’t know, Jennie. Good thing I met you and can re-mediate [smile].
I’m so glad, Robbie. I wish we could go to the library here together.
Yes, that would be fun.
😀
Happy Easter from rainy Spain!! What a lovely tribute to a great book.
Thank you, Darlene. Yes, a great book! The bronze ducks have been decorated on occasion, like when the Red Sox won the World Series. Always a treat. The Easter bonnets are my favorite! Happy Easter from New England.
Your post made me want to get in my car and drive down to Boston to see the ducklings!
That’s great, Liz. Thank you!
That is a long time to be in print!
Somehow, Jennie, I just can’t imagine you being able to find your way out of a library.
Injoy your weekend and warm bunny ear hugs to you!
I could be in a library forever, Ren. This book is a winner, and a classic. Happy Easter and spring to you!
AWWWW! That’s just sweeter than any chocolate bunny. Happy Easter, Jennie. I’ll have to look for the book next time I’m out and about. Love the ducklings’ names.
Thank you so much, Marlene. It’s wonderful that Boston has the statues. I just love their Easter finery. The book is the children’s book of Massachusetts, while Dr. Seuss the the children’s author of Massachusetts. You will like the book, Marlene.
A wonderful post, Jennie. Thank you. Happy Easter to you
Thank you, John. Happy Easter to you! Will the Easter Bunny come for Lucy and Twiggy? They’re such good girls.
The bunny will and to 30 year-old daughter as well
Aww… that is wonderful!
😁
This is a book from my childhood that I also read to my children. What book do you suppose has been read to Benjamin as recently as Thursday? We are fortunate to live within easy travelling distance to visit Boston Public Garden and the magnificently sculptured Bronze Ducklings on the 35 feet of old Boston cobblestone. Over the past 30 years my children and now my grandchild have seen them adorned for holidays and for sporting events too. I think that we are overdue for another visit! Happy Easter! Thank-you! P.S. I am hoping that you will send me an email address, as I would like to send something to you!
That is just wonderful, Ellen! I love the bronze ducks when they’re decorated for different holidays and sporting events. The Easter bonnets are among the best. What a wonderful thing for Boston to have! I hope you get to visit there again soon. My address is P.O. Box 739, Groton, MA 01450. Best to you. 🙂
Thank-you for your address, many people hesitate to give theirs out to strangers and I can be quite strange at times! Such as the present…I was hoping for an email address! Thank-you!
Oh! I guess I’m showing my age as I think of a physical address when someone asks for an address. Ha! sfitzkee@erols.com 🙂
I always loved sharing this book with students. Such wonderful illustrations, and I had no idea about the statues! Thank you for this, and have a pleasant weekend, Jennie!
It’s one of my favorites, too, and definitely an important part of Boston. The duckling statues are so popular here. Best to you, Becky. 🙂
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Many thanks!
I loved seeing that art when I was in Boston!
I’m so glad you got to see it!
Ya it was actually one of the first things my friend took me to see:)
Awesome!
Such a joyful scene, Jennie, immortalizing my favorite story. Thank you for sharing. Happy Easter!❤️
Thanks so much, Susan! Didn’t you see his exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum? Such a classic book. Happy Easter to you! 🙂
Yes, I did. It was such a memorable experience for me!
I remember your post. That made me your blog follower! I love that museum. 🙂
Yes, I’m so glad that post led me to you and your blog!
😀
I love it when communities integrate different aspects of its citizens in its parks, gardens, festivals, etc. And when it’s such a large city such as Boston, makes me realize size of population really isn’t a factor in feeling that sense of community if it indeed exists!
All that to say: Happy Easter, Jennie!
Well said, Laura. You are absolutely right! Happy Easter to you!
I remember the first time I saw this. I was staying downtown for a week long class. This was such a wonderful way to escape the drudgery of technical training.
It is a delight for everyone. I’m glad it helped you escape the drudgery, Dan. Happy Easter!
Thanks Jennie – Happy Easter.
🙂
Even though it was written so MANY years ago, this is still one of my favourites. Happy Easter to you, Jennie. Enjoy the extra time off from school. Much as you love the kids, it’s always good to recharge your batteries.
It is one of my favorites, too. This has been a week of relaxing and catching up. Happy Easter, Anneli. 🙂
Looks like a great book, and the statue is an ideal tribute too.
The sun is out here for Easter! Have a lovely time, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s a very good book, Pete. The bronze ducklings are very popular with old and young alike. We have some warm weather and flowers are beginning to bloom. Happy Easter to you.
Jennie, Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you, Charles!
Happy Easter, Jennie!
And a Happy Easter to you, Magarisa!
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Thank you!
Happy Easter, Jennie!
Happy Easter to you, Miriam!
Thank you, Jennie!
You’re welcome, Miriam!
❤ ❤
A wonderful book and I love the bonnets on the duck family. What fun. Happy Easter, Jennie.
It is, Diana. Happy Easter to you!
What beautiful bronzes, Jennie and such a lovely way to commemorate such a lovely tale 🙂 x
Thank you, Carol. Best to you!
Happy Easter Jennie! ❤
Thank you, Debby! Hope you had a good Easter / spring weekend. 😍
I did, thanks. 😉 x
A wonderful story!
One of the best!
What a lovely pic:). Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome! 🙂
Hope you had a lovely Easter, Jennie! Even though I was never in Boston I know this beautiful sculpture through photos made by another blogging friend. It always makes me smile. 😊
I’m so glad to know the sculpture is well known across the globe. The book is, too! Easter was lovely, yet spring is taking its time to arrive. Best to you, Sarah. 🙂
Keeping my fingers crossed that Spring will soon be there with you, Jennie! Best to you too! Happy weekend! 😀
Thank you, Sarah!