Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander - OPTIONAL

Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: the making of Make Way for Ducklings by Emma Bland Smith and Becca Stadtlander. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2022. $19. 9781635923926

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Robert had an idea for a book, but his artwork is not up to snuff. How can he learn to draw realistic ducks. Maybe adopt some and live with them?

While a good learning opportunity for students to hear the hard work that goes into a picture book and the work of an artist, the lackluster illustrations are a distraction. It would have been better if Stadtlander had tried to mimic McCloskey’s art style – isn’t that the point of the book – McCloskey learning how to draw ducks?

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS