Make Way for the Ducklings

Long after our children have grown up, some books we read to them remain with us. Make way for Ducklings written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey is one of my favorites. Every time I walk around Boston Common, I’m excited to see these ducklings, dressed in seasonally themed attire. Nancy Schön’s sculpture is a tribute to the book.

First published in 1941, the book tells the story of a pair of mallards who decide to raise their family in Boston Public Garden, a park in Boston Common.

Robert McCloskey had first come to Boston from Ohio after winning a scholarship to study at an art school in the city in 1932. On his way to his classes, he passed by the garden and fed the ducks. The charcoal sketches are what make the book so memorable.

I have a question–Who dresses these Ducklings? As far as I know, the volunteers have remained creative and anonymous. If anyone has the answer to this question, please let me know.