Make Way for Ducklings in Boston
While visiting Boston, I spent some time walking through the beautiful Boston Gardens, and one of the things I discovered was the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues.
If you are aware of the children’s book Make Way for Ducklings, seeing these bronze ducks in the Boston Public Garden is a little like watching the story come to life.
The Book That Started It All
Make Way for Ducklings was written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey and published 1941. The book became an instant favorite and went on to win the Caldecott Medal in 1942, one of the most prestigious awards for children’s picture books.
The story takes place in Boston and follows Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, who are looking for a safe place to raise their family. They eventually decide that an island in the lagoon of the Boston Public Garden would be the perfect place to settle down.
After their eight ducklings are born—Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack—Mrs. Mallard must escort all eight babies safely across the busy streets of Boston.
Fortunately, the family gets some help from the Boston police. The story follows Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings as they make their way through the city to the Public Boston Gardens.
It is a simple, charming story, but it has become much more than just a children’s book. It has become part of Boston itself.
The Ducklings Become Real
The beloved characters from the book were brought to life in bronze by sculptor Nancy Schön.
Schön created a statue of Mrs. Mallard followed by her eight ducklings, and the sculptures were placed in the Boston Public Garden in 1987. They quickly became one of Boston’s most recognizable and photographed landmarks.
The statues have also become something of a Boston tradition. Visitors often decorate the ducks for different seasons and occasions, and you may even see them wearing Boston sports jerseys or other outfits.
I learned the story from a local woman walking her dog in the gardens. She was eager to share the history of the duck statues with this tourist. There was a sign but it was not easy to read.
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| The sign but It doesn’t tell the full story |
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| There are lots of real featured friends in the park as well. |
Duckling Day on Mother’s Day
There is a fun Boston tradition that brings the story to life every year on Mother’s Day.
The Friends of the Public Garden host an annual celebration called Duckling Day. Children dress up as little ducklings and take part in a parade that follows the route Mrs. Mallard and her babies traveled in the book.
The parade begins at the Boston Common and makes its way to the Public Garden, where the bronze ducklings are waiting at the end of the journey.
A Boston Tradition I Loved Seeing
For anyone who remembers Make Way for Ducklings, seeing Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings in the Boston Public Garden is one of those special moments. A children’s story written more than 80 years ago has become a beloved part of the city, connecting generations of families with Boston’s Public Garden.
And after seeing the statues for myself, I can certainly understand why these little ducklings have become such a treasured Boston tradition.
If you get to Boston, look for the statues in the Boston Public Gardens. If you have little ones, the book would make a fun gift.
My Previous Post: Easy side Dish:
Glazed Carrots with leeks, maple syrup and pomegrantes– sweet and delicious.
