What happens in Make Way for Ducklings?
In Robert McCloskey’s 1941 beloved children’s classic, Make Way for Ducklings, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard come to Boston when searching for the perfect home for their soon-to-be family. They find the Public Garden, and decide to spend the night on the little island in the Lagoon. Even though this beloved children’s class was written almost 70 years ago, you’ll totally recognize the Public Garden of today. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard spot what they describe as “a strange enormous bird” pushing a boat full of people who throw peanuts toward them. Delighted by the plentiful food supply, they’re about to make their home in the Public Garden when a child rushes by on a bicycle. Mrs. Mallard declares that park is way too dangerous for ducklings! So they fly over Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House, and finally find a nice spot along the edge of the Charles River. The book’s charming drawings show the Esplanade next to the river, just like today. After the ducklings hatch, Mrs. Mallard teaches t
