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Robert McCloskey's Illustration for Make Way for Ducklings, a schoolboy quickly rides his bike past two frightened ducks

Robert McCloskey, Illustration for Make Way for Ducklings, Viking Press, The May Massee Collection, Emporia State University Special Collections and Archives, Emporia State University. © 1941, 1969 Robert McCloskey, used by permission of the Estate and Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved

Robert McCloskey's Illustration for Time of Wonder, two girls sail through blue waves as a pod of dolphins jumps past behind them. Is the distance are other sailboats and a green hillside

Robert McCloskey, Illustration for Time of Wonder, Viking Press, The May Massee Collection, Emporia State University Special Collections and Archives, Emporia State University. © 1957, 1985 Robert McCloskey, used by permission of the Estate and Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

Robert McCloskey's Illustration for Make Way for Ducklings, a crossing guard instructs two cars to halt to allow a mother duck and her ducklings to cross the city street

Robert McCloskey, Illustration for Make Way for Ducklings, Viking Press, The May Massee Collection, Emporia State University Special Collections and Archives, Emporia State University. © 1941, 1969 Robert McCloskey, used by permission of the Estate and Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved

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July 20–September 9, 2018 | Schiff Gallery and Balcony (Galleries 234 and 235) 

Become a Member | Press Release

Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McCloskey celebrates the writer and illustrator whose classic children’s books have captivated children of all ages for generations. The recipient of two Caldecott Medals and three Caldecott Honors, McCloskey was a major force in twentieth century children’s literature.

The exhibition consists of over 100 original artworks, ephemera, and rare preliminary book materials. While emphasis centers on his classic, Make Way for Ducklings (1941) the exhibition considers McCloskey’s entire works including Centerburg Tales (1951), which recall his youth in Hamilton, Ohio. In addition, it includes his family-based stories in his adopted home state of Maine such as Blueberries for Sal (1948) and Time of Wonder (1957). A selection of independent work—watercolors and paintings that connect McCloskey to such prominent twentieth century American painters as Thomas Hart Benton and Edward Hopper—are also showcased. Free admission.

Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McCloskey is organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts.