The story follows a pair of mallard ducks, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, as they search for the perfect place to raise their ducklings. After trying different spots, they finally settle on a quiet island, where Mrs. Mallard later hatches eight ducklings named Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack. From there, the focus shifts to their careful and sometimes chaotic journey through the city.