Quack, Quack, Quack

Make Way for the Ducklings is a wonderful story about family and belonging. First published in 1941, it won the Caldecott Medal in 1942 and has been a favourite of teachers and librarians ever since.

Mr and Mrs Mallard circle Boston looking for just the right place to make their home sweet home. After a misadventure or two they finally find the perfect place to raise their family. And before we know it, the Mallards are joined by Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack!

The ducklings are taught how to stay in line and follow carefully until they are ready to make the big trek across to the Public Gardens with policeman Michael's help.

The illustrations are delightful with each duckling given individual characteristics.

At preschool I always read this book in conjunction with Alexander's Outing by Pamela Allen.

Published in 1994 it introduces us to Alexander and his brothers & sisters who have also been taught how to walk and swim in line and follow the leader. But Alexander does not stay close or take care!

As Alexander and his family take a walk through the Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park in Sydney, Alexander gets lost!

What follows is a lovely problem solving adventure.

Angus and the Ducks by Marjorie Flack follows the adventures of a very curious Scottish Terrier. First published in 1930 to such success that Flack followed up with other Angus stories.

Angus is an Indoor dog, but Someone leaves the door open and Angus takes the opportunity to go exploring!

His curiosity gets the better of him when he encounters two bossy Ducks in the garden Next Door.

Flack based Angus on her own dog which helps to explain why he is drawn so lovingly.

Although modern preschoolers sometimes struggle with the old-fashioned illustrations, the stories still charm them and their teachers alike!