Taking a field trip into literature - the REAL 'Make Way for Ducklings'

June 14, 8:28 AMInformal Education ExaminerLisa Jo Rudy

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Mother and Father Mallard and 8 adorable ducklings

As a kid, I loved the books of Robert McCloskey.  My 12-year-old, Tom, is crazy about about them.  "Make Way for Ducklings," "Blueberries for Sal," "One Day in Maine" and "Time of Wonder" have always had a special place in his heart.  What's more, he's practically memorized them (memory one of the great strengths that comes with autism!).

Last year, Tom made a special presentation about Robert McCloskey and his works at a homeschool biography fair.

Boston's famous swan boats

This year, the kids and I took a field trip to Boston, driving directly to the Boston Public Gardens to experience the swan boats, the ducks, and the public art sculpture honoring McCloskey's famous story.

The trip couldn't have been more ideal. 

First of all, we got a metered parking space across the street from the Garden(!).  The weather was perfect.  Crossing the bridge over the swan pond, we noticed a pair of real mallards, just like the ones in the book - with exactly 8 babies - just like in the book!

Of course, we road the swan boats - and, just like in the book, the ducks followed us around, begging.  An island in the middle of the pond was home to a big male mallard, and a board led from the water to the island - just like in the book.

After the ride, we fed the ducks - just like in the book.  Then we visited the sculptural ducks and plaque created to honor the author.

The weather was so perfect, we even had a chance to explore the "tadpole" playground (next to the "frog pond"), the kids got a ride on the carousel, and we ate ice cream! Altogether the perfect field trip.

Another perfect Robert McCloskey field trip took place a few years ago, when we visited Camden, Maine.  A small "mountain" rises above the town, from which visitors get a wonderful view of Penobscot Bay.  There, Tom was actually able to spot the islands describe in the poetic picture book "Time of Wonder" - Islesboro, Spectacle Island and more.  With his incredible visual memory, Tom has never forgotten the experience - or the words to the story.

Sara, 9 and Tom, 12, on sculptural ducks commemorating the book