If you mention the name of Robert McCloskey to anyone familiar with children's literature, they will probably respond by saying "Blueberries for Sal" or "Make Way for Ducklings." And they may imagine that Mr. McCloskey was able to visit the duck pond at a nearby park a few times and make a few sketches, then go back to work comfortably in his studio. They would be wrong.
This delightful picture book tells, and even better, shows how those mallards took over his life (and his studio) as he tried again and again to capture them accurately in his illustrations. Readers will see poor Robert as he visits science museums, brings live ducklings home to study, uses binoculars to observe ducks in flight, and even brings more ducks home! "All it took was six years, buckets of patience, a good supply of erasers, and a studio full of spirited ducks."
Back matter includes a note from Jane McCloskey about her father, an author's note, information about McCloskey's editor May Massee, some photos of Mr. McCloskey and his sketches, a list of books he wrote and/or illustrated, a timeline of his career, and a bibliography of sources used to create the book.
Perfect for doing an author study, as a companion book to use with Make Way for Ducklings, or when sharing a lesson on the work of authors and illustrators.
Due out for publication on November 1. I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
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