Make Way for Ducklings – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Make Way for Ducklings

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1941

81%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Beloved 1941 Caldecott winner about ducks crossing Boston—perfectly sweet, but might put modern kids to sleep before the ducklings reach the pond.

Make Way for Ducklings

book

1941

81%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Beloved 1941 Caldecott winner about ducks crossing Boston—perfectly sweet, but might put modern kids to sleep before the ducklings reach the pond.

4.9

Jump to

Also rated on

4.9

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: Make Way for Ducklings is a certified classic with impeccable credentials and zero objectionable content. It's also from 1941, and it shows.

The illustrations are genuinely beautiful—McCloskey's charcoal drawings of Boston are museum-quality. The story is sweet and models exactly the kind of gentle community care we want kids to see. But it's slow, quiet, and deeply old-fashioned in pacing and sensibility.

This is the book you pull out when you want to slow down, wind down, or introduce your kid to classic literature. It's not the book that will hold their attention after a day of Bluey and Pokémon. The 4.9 Amazon rating reflects parents' nostalgia more than kids' enthusiasm.

If you're building a well-rounded library and appreciate literary history, absolutely include it. If you're just trying to get through bedtime without a fight, there are more engaging options. It's worthy, but let's not pretend most modern 4-year-olds are clamoring for more.

Age Fit

Officially aimed at babies through early elementary, but realistically this works best for 2-5 year olds at bedtime when you need something calm. Older kids will find it boring unless they're already into vintage picture books.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle family story about a duck family navigating Boston together, with kind police officers helping them cross busy streets. Models cooperation, perseverance, and community care without any conflict or negativity. The tone is warm, unhurried, and emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

Robert McCloskey's detailed charcoal illustrations of 1940s Boston are beautifully observed and bring the city to life. The premise of ducks navigating urban streets has whimsy, though the narrative itself is straightforward and observational rather than wildly creative. It invites curiosity about animals and cities but doesn't push boundaries.

Safe

100

Common Sense Media confirms 'nothing of concern' in this story. Zero violence, conflict, or scary content. Just ducks waddling through Boston with helpful humans. As safe as children's literature gets.

Enriching

Teaches kindness, perseverance, and trusting in community goodness. The detailed Boston setting offers geographical and urban learning opportunities. The duck family's journey models problem-solving and parental care. However, it's a simple story without deep layers or complex themes—enriching but not transformative.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely zero concerning content—Common Sense Media confirms this is as gentle as it gets
Beautiful, detailed charcoal illustrations of 1940s Boston that adults will appreciate more than kids
Models community kindness (police stopping traffic for ducks) and family perseverance
Caldecott Medal winner with genuine literary merit and 80+ years of staying power
The rhythmic duck names (Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, Quack) are legitimately fun to read aloud

⚠

What to Watch For

This is slow. Like, 1941 slow. The pacing reflects a pre-TV, pre-iPad world where kids sat still for quiet stories
Modern preschoolers used to flashy picture books may zone out—this works best as a bedtime wind-down
The Boston setting is charming but dated; kids won't relate to the old-timey cars and streetscapes
Best appreciated by adults nostalgic for classic children's lit—your kid might prefer literally anything with dinosaurs

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Mrs. Mallard wanted to find a safe place before her ducklings were born?"
"Have you ever seen ducks in real life? Where were they going?"
"The police officers helped the duck family cross the street. Who helps keep you safe when you're out?"
"If you were a duckling, which name would you want: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, or Quack?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic