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The World of Robert McCloskey: Make Way for Ducklings / One Morning in Maine / Lentil
Caldecott Medal winner, Children's Literature. Three stories in large format book. 1998, 9 1/2 By 12 1/4"
196 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Robert McCloskey
53 books331 followersJohn Robert McCloskey was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. He both wrote and illustrated eight picture books and won two Caldecott Medals from the American Library Association recognizing the year's best-illustrated picture book. Four of those eight books were set in Maine: Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, Time of Wonder, and Burt Dow, Deep-water Man; the last three all on the coast. He was also the writer for Make Way For Ducklings, as well as the illustrator for The Man Who Lost His Head.
McCloskey was born in Hamilton, Ohio, during 1914 and reached Boston in 1932 with a scholarship to study at Vesper George Art School. After Vesper George he moved to New York City for study at the National Academy of Design.
In 1940, he married Peggy Durand, daughter of the children's writer Ruth Sawyer. They had two daughters, Sally and Jane, and settled in New York State, spending summers on Scott Island, a small island off Little Deer Isle in East Penobscot Bay. McCloskey's wife and eldest daughter Sally are reputed to be the models for little Sal and her mother in Blueberries for Sal (1948), a picture book set on a "Blueberry Hill" in the vicinity. Three others of his picture books are set on the coast and concern the sea.
Peggy died in 1991. Twelve years later on June 30, 2003, McCloskey died at his home in Deer Isle, Maine.
McCloskey was born in Hamilton, Ohio, during 1914 and reached Boston in 1932 with a scholarship to study at Vesper George Art School. After Vesper George he moved to New York City for study at the National Academy of Design.
In 1940, he married Peggy Durand, daughter of the children's writer Ruth Sawyer. They had two daughters, Sally and Jane, and settled in New York State, spending summers on Scott Island, a small island off Little Deer Isle in East Penobscot Bay. McCloskey's wife and eldest daughter Sally are reputed to be the models for little Sal and her mother in Blueberries for Sal (1948), a picture book set on a "Blueberry Hill" in the vicinity. Three others of his picture books are set on the coast and concern the sea.
Peggy died in 1991. Twelve years later on June 30, 2003, McCloskey died at his home in Deer Isle, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2018
These stories have an aura of innocence and nostalgia about them. Kindly policemen go out of their way to make life easier for a family of ducks. A boy and his harmonica save the day. A little girl enjoys the wonders of nature and is treated gently by all.
There's quite a lot of E.B. White here, especially in the first story, Make Way for Ducklings. But there seems to be a dash of Dr. Seuss in the second, Lentil. And in One Morning in Maine, I couldn't help but wonder how the family, friends and animal bystanders have so much tolerance for the little girl Sal who won't stop nattering about her baby tooth which is on the verge of coming out ! The whimsy in these tales leans a little close to the ridiculous, but, when all is said and done, it doesn't seem to matter terribly much.
What really amazed me was the illustrations, which were incredibly detailed and yet fit both the content and the mood of their respective stories.
There's quite a lot of E.B. White here, especially in the first story, Make Way for Ducklings. But there seems to be a dash of Dr. Seuss in the second, Lentil. And in One Morning in Maine, I couldn't help but wonder how the family, friends and animal bystanders have so much tolerance for the little girl Sal who won't stop nattering about her baby tooth which is on the verge of coming out ! The whimsy in these tales leans a little close to the ridiculous, but, when all is said and done, it doesn't seem to matter terribly much.
What really amazed me was the illustrations, which were incredibly detailed and yet fit both the content and the mood of their respective stories.
April 6, 2018
I don't know who enjoyed these more, myself or the kids. The drawings are wonderful. One of my pet peeves about most kids books is the drawings. Kids aren't dumb, they like good art! Each one of these is a pleasure to look at, especially the Morning in Maine.
February 9, 2020
A true classic I read as a child and I read to my daughter. This edition has three great stories in one big green book. Make Way for Ducklings is presented brown text and illustrations on cream color pages which seem to tone down the story and let the reader fill in their own landscape with imagination and color. The Mallard parents search through the city to find the public garden pond. The 8 ducklings, with rhyming names, are born in a quiet place on the river. With help from Officer Clancy, they march in a line behind their mother to the public garden pond to meet up with father and live a happy life. The illustrations are whimsical and show great emotion that matches the text. Great read for grades 2 to 4.
Caldecott medal winner.
Caldecott medal winner.
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May 19, 2022This story of a family of ducks is told skillfully and straightforward. The ducklings are raised by the mother and father ducks in such a way that considers their overall surroundings and utilizes resources that their community provides. Although there is not a lot of variety of colors and excellent pictures are very realistic and make it still very interesting to read. Through this, students could come to realize that any form of family is legitimate and should be respected instead of judged.
February 14, 2019
Amazing detailed pencil drawings of life in the 1940's-1950's.
July 29, 2023
Three really cute picture books from Robert McCloskey.
December 22, 2016
Kids loved it.
One Morning in Maine features the same character as Blueberries for Sal
One Morning in Maine features the same character as Blueberries for Sal
October 7, 2009
Robert McCloskey is one of my favorite children's authors. I loved his books as a child. This book is a keepsake that your children will treasure and be able to share with their own children.
His stories paint a wonderful picture of a simpler time in life. They contain warm characters who suggest that life can be wonderful. They are beautifully written and would make wonderful stories for parents to read to their children. I have warm memories of when my mother did that for me when I was a child.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of the humorous "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
His stories paint a wonderful picture of a simpler time in life. They contain warm characters who suggest that life can be wonderful. They are beautifully written and would make wonderful stories for parents to read to their children. I have warm memories of when my mother did that for me when I was a child.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of the humorous "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
February 13, 2014
Make Way for Ducklings! What's not to love about McCloskey's classic children's books?
May 26, 2013
Classic for the Kindergarten kids! They really loved all these stories. Beautiful books.
October 11, 2013
One of the best children's authors/illustrators. I loved these books as a child. I still treasure them today.
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November 23, 2013This was a bit above Emmas reading level but she read the entire book. The stories and illustrations gave her the motivation.
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November 15, 2013This was a really cute story. Illustrations from older times really peeked Emma's interest. Some of the words were a bit difficult for her. But she didn't let that stop her.
January 28, 2014
The story paints a great picture. I love ducklings. They're adorable! This is a way you can teach kids how to respect animals.
October 13, 2015
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February 7, 2016
Great classic stories for kids. But the best thing about this book is the illustrations. My son and I really loved the detailed sketches that go along with the stories.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews