Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings, written by Emma Bland Smith and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 7 and up

"For the next few months, the ducklings 
lived in Mr. McCloskey's studio. It wasn't 
easy using them as models - they did not 
cooperate! They wouldn't stay still, and 
they clumped together instead of walking 
in a row. 

What's more, they made a terrible mess, 
and they woke everyone with their 
infernal quacking!"

It is so interesting to read about writing process in a book about a much-admired writer. Readers learn that writing a book does not always come easily even for those who are already published. Robert McCloskey, who wrote and illustrated some of our favorite family reads, learned the hard way that research can be quite a chore.

Mr. McCloskey had a story in mind after seeing a family of mallards waddling in perfect procession into the Public Gardens in Boston. They intrigued him in that memorable moment. Years later, a return to Boston reminded him of that particular sighting. Looking for an idea for a new book, he was inspired. The writing took some time; then came a more difficult task. 

"You can't draw ducks 
unless you live with them. 
                  -Robert McCloskey"

His editor was not thrilled with his early sketches. He knew why. Research at the science museum didn't work. 'Okay' wasn't good enough. Why not bring tiny ducklings to his studio? Uncooperative and messy, the ducklings caused endless grief. Still, the sketches did not make him happy. What did he do next? Why, he went and got grown ducks, adding them to the menagerie. He worked hard, while the ducks continued growing and wreaking havoc. 

The time came that the ducks needed to be released to the wild. Back at his studio, a careful look at the finished work brought a huge smile, a very quick visit with his editor - and a book that mattered to the many kids who found (and still find) joy in reading it. 

"All it took was six years, buckets of patience, a good 
supply of erasers, and a studio full of spirited ducks."

Gouache and colored-pencil illustrations give readers a look at serene moments of hard work, and also a clear and often humorous look at the chaos of a life spent in close proximity to live ducks. 

Back matter includes a note from Mr.McCloskey's daughter, one from the author, a note about Mr. McCloskey's editor May Massee, lists of his published works, important dates in his life and a bibliography that shows the research done to create this classic tale.