★ Kirkus, starred review

​★ Publisher's Weekly, starred review

A CCBC Choice, 2024

A Notable Social Studies Book Award Winner, 2024

SCBWI Golden Kite Award Finalist, 2024

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About the Book

A beautiful and fascinating picture book biography that follows the lives of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks grace the Boston Public Garden.

In the beginning, there was a boy named Robert McCloskey, growing up in Ohio, his hands always moving, always creating. Many years later, after attending art school in Boston, he would reflect on his days wandering through Boston Garden and write the classic picture book  Make Way for Ducklings.

In the beginning, there was also a girl named Nancy Schön. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, working in her father’s greenhouse, twisting wire and boughs into wreaths. Many years later, Nancy would look at Robert’s drawings in Make Way for Ducklings and get the seed of an idea. That seed became the beloved bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings that stand in Boston Public Garden today.

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This stunning and clever picture book biography intertwines the lives of two phenomenal artists–who were contemporaries and friends–and reveals the extraordinary impact they've had on generations of children.

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If you'd like to preorder a signed copy of Make Way, you can order from The Vermont Book Shop. Simply leave a signed/personalization request in the comments at checkout. They ship, too!