For its second year, the annual Mother’s Day parade typically held in Boston’s Public Garden will be happening online. The 2021 Virtual Duckling Day, hosted by the Friends of the Public Garden will feature an enhanced interactive program, celebrity readers, and online activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

Inspired by the tenacity of Mrs. Mallard from the famous Make Way For Ducklings, the official children’s book of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, everyone is invited to join the Friends for its signature virtual reading beginning at 12 pm, broadcast on the nonprofit’s Facebook page. Friends has assembled an all-star cast to share this timeless story, including:

-        First Lady Lauren Baker

-        Senator Elizabeth Warren

-        Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

-        WCVB’s Rhondella Richardson

-        Human helpers sharing the story with furry and feathered friends at the Franklin Park Zoo and the New England Aquarium 

Following the reading, the program will continue with engaging and delightful entertainment for the entire family. Karen K and the Jitterbugs will perform a new song called “Do The Duck”, and Bonaparte the Magician will perform some duckling magic. More videos and activities, including a parks-themed coloring book, are available at  https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/2021/04/13/may-09-2021-virtual-duckling-day/.