Make Way for Ducklings
Robert McCloskey
The Viking Press (1969)
From what I can gather, need two is similar to need one, but added to that is books that help children learn about love, about family relationships, and about what it means to be a family.
I am still glowing from our family Christamas celebration. In fact, as I write this my step-daughters, Lily and Susannah, and Lily's boyfriend are sleeping in our living room. We are tired from late night games and chatting, and Mirette is still bouncing around excited to have everyone here. Our tree is twinkling and I am glad for Christmas and Hanukah (we celebrate both), for having such a great family, and for the people that love up Mirette.
Make Way for Ducklings is a special book for us because it was a gift from Mirette's sisters when she was first born. It is about family and love, mom and dad looking for a safe and comfortable place to live, having fun together, getting help from others, and protecting your young from danger. It's about sisters, brothers, and community. And c'mon, who doesn't like to say Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack.
Robert McCloskey (1914-2003) wrote other well-known books such as Lentil and Blueberries for Sal (books we have yet to dig into).
In Boston you can find a climable sculpture of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings and a Make Way for Ducklings annual parade where kids can dress as their favorite character http://www.schon.com/public/ducklings-boston.php.
McCloskey was into exact renderings of his animals. Much to the chagrin of his office mate, he brought ducks to his art studio and drew them in every pose imaginable! Here's the link to a biography written by his daughter Jane: http://www.amazon.com/Robert-McCloskey-Private-Words-Pictures/dp/0978689968/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1325535538&sr=8-12
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