Picture Book Thursday

Every Thursday I'm going to focus on a special picture book that has meant something to me or my children. I think it's a fun way to introduce people to books that aren't necessarily just for the preschoolers. The first book I chose is one that is near and dear to my heart. It's not a well known book outside of New England, but it's a beautiful Caldecott Winner and the history of it is just so special. "Make Way for Ducklings" Robert McCloskey This book tells the story or two ducks, Mr. & Mrs Mallard, who are looking for a place to live to lay their eggs. They fly across Cambridge, MA and land in the Public Garden in Boston, MA and find the best island in the pond to call home. But soon Mrs. Mallard is nearly struck down by a youngster on a bicycle and she decides that maybe it's not the best place to call home. The pencil drawings of Boston in the 1940's captures a time, long gone. But when I read it again and again, I see the Boston that I remember and it still looks the same some 60 years later. McCloskey lived in the New England area until his death in 2003. He's also known for "Blueberries for Sal" which takes place in Maine. "Make way for Ducklings" is such a beloved story here in Boston and right in the Public Gardens are statues of the ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack. Should anyone come to Boston, the Swan Boats are a must, and having your picture taken with all the ducklings. This truly is a brilliant masterpiece and endures 68 years later.