Make Way for Ducklings

I realized that while I've been featuring some forgotten Robert McCloskey titles, I have neglected to recommend his beloved book Make Way for Ducklings (c. 1969).  Oh this story with Caldecott winning illustrations remains a favorite for many!  And it's another on the MUST list (books you must read to your children to enrich their childhood).  And so our story begins: 

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live.  But every time Mr. Mallard saw what looked like a nice place, Mrs. Mallard said it was no good.  There were sure to be foxes in the woods or turtles in the water, and she was not going to raise a family where there might be foxes or turtles.  So they flew on and on.

Take a lovely, and historical, tour of Boston with the Mallard family in McCloskey's unforgettable children's classic Make Way for Ducklings.

And look!  Boston Public Gardens even has the bronze sculpture by Nancy Schön commemorating McCloskey's book: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/make-way-for-ducklings.html#axzz1d4yVoFBL   And check out the ducklings in their holiday finest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dippy_duck/2173283522/  In fact, just Google "Make Way for Ducklings" and view all the images of the bronze brood throughout the seasons in Boston Public Gardens.

While I think that's recommendation enough, I must share a true story . . . that really . . . did . . . happen.  This past summer when we vacationed with the Mister's family, we ate at a Brixx Pizza located near a small pond.  While enjoying our pizza over laughter and conversation, all five cousins spotted a mother duck marching her ducklings past the glassed windows of the restaurant, 100 feet or so toward the pond.  We ALL delighted in the sight, adults and children alike.  Now I ask you, doesn't that spark your curiosity as to the inspiration behind McCloskey's story?  It does mine!

Burt Dow Deep-Water Man

Oh, goody!  We discovered another book by Robert McCloskey: Burt Dow Deep-Water Man: A Tale of the Sea in the Classic Tradition (c. 1963).  I hardly thought it could be possible!

Burt Dow Deep-Water Man reveals a master story-teller at work.  First, McCloskey uses onomatopoeia (words that mean what they sound like) to relate this tall tale.  Listen to these lines to hear the onomatopoeia:

• When Burt Dow puts out to sea in the Tidely-Idley, everybody in town knows it.  They hear him pump out all the water that has leaked in overnight, slish-cashlosh, slish-cashlosh! . . .   Then they hear him start the make-and-break engine, clackety bang! clackety bang! . . . 

• . . . The giggling gull was teetering to and fro on the tip of the tiller and tittering "Tee-he-he-hee!" now and then, in a nervous sort of way.

Then McCloskey evokes perfect rhythm while weaving his spellbinding tale.  We all know McCloskey as a brilliant illustrator.  However, I challenge you to close your eyes and listen to Burt Dow read aloud . . . you'll discover that the text can stand on its own.  Yes, it's a rare jewel that displays the craft of oral storytelling at its best

So how did Burt Dow get from here:

to here:

Well, you'll have to read this little treasure of an adventure to find out!

By-the-way, here's another title that the fellas would enjoy.

Homer Price

There are some authors that you wish had written more because you're desperate to read more of their work.  Robert McCloskey remains one of those author-illustrators for many of us.

Homer Price (c. 19) keeps us howling in its series of tall tales.  The first chapter begins the hilarity with an unassuming skunk who, along with Homer Price, saves the day when capturing notorious robbers on the run.

Fortunately for those who love Homer Price, McCloskey has a follow up chapter books: Centerburg Tales (c. 19).

I quite frequently receive requests for titles for boys.  I haven't met a fella (or a girl) yet who didn't enjoy the antics of Homer Price.

One Morning in Maine

One Morning in Maine, written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey (c. 1952), remains a quintessential example of excellent storytelling paired with exceptional artistry.  Seriously, do not let your children's childhoods slip by without reading them this classic story!  It's much more than just another book about loosing that first tooth.  One word: i-d-e-n-t-i-f-i-c-a-t-i-o-n.  Kids identify with Sal's disappointment.  I would mention that this could be a lengthy read for the younger set, yet from the age of two, my children would let me read it to them every single day if I could handle it.  It's in their top ten favorite books.  And it's one that you parents will enjoy just as much as your kids.  What's more to say?!  Except that we're all dying to visit Maine!

Lentil

I just discovered a new book!  I thought I had read most all of Robert McCloskey's books (at least all the ones I can get my hands on).  But oh no, as I was rummaging through our library shelves, I discovered this little gem: Lentil (c. 1940).

Now, I want you to close your eyes and think back.  Amble down the streets of Mayberry, USA, past the courthouse over to Floyd's Barber Shop.  Notice how time slows down with the traffic.  Pull up a chair and listen to Andy and Floyd spin a few yarns.  This story, Lentil, by Robert McCloskey could easily be one of Andy Griffith's yarns (but remember, it's Robert McCloskey's) describing the homecoming of the local celebrity, Colonel Carter.  Sometimes town heroes pop up in the most unexpected places, impersonating themselves in the most unassuming people!