A Sick Day for Amos McGee Board book – Picture Book, January 2, 2018

A Sick Day for Amos McGee thrust its way into my heart in January 2011 when it won the Caldecott Medal. I had run a mock Caldecott unit with my third grade class, and this book wasn’t even on our radar enough to put on our ballots. I had some definite favorites that year, both for the Caldecott Medal and for timeless books I wanted to make sure I bought for my own children (Art & Max; City Dog, Country Frog; Ballet For Martha; Mirror Mirror; It’s a Book; Ubiquitous), and I was initially crushed when some of those favorites weren’t recognized at the ALA awards… Until I went to the bookstore that afternoon, bought A Sick Day for Amos McGee, and realized how amazing it was.

Though Philip Stead had published one book previously, A Sick Day for Amos McGee was his wife Erin’s first illustrated book… and both newbies hit the nail squarely on the head with this charming, timeless book. Amos McGee, zookeeper who will remind adults of Mr. Rogers, is one of the more endearing book characters I can think of. He wakes early each morning, greets even the items around his house and the bus driver, and is extraordinarily devoted to the animals at his zoo. He knows each one intimately, taking care to make them feel comfortable and loved. Until, one day… Amos McGee gets sick. Amos’s tenderness with his animal friends is reflected in the worry they feel about him and the actions they take to ensure that he too feels comfortable and loved. This is the kind of story that makes children and adults alike want to treat their friends and loved ones the same way Amos McGee does.And the illustrations! Erin’s pencil and woodblock prints are done with minimal, reserved color, but are full of details that render each reading of those story new and exciting. I didn’t notice the repeated inclusion of a red balloon, tiny bird, and mouse until the fourth or fifth time that I read the book! Tiny details aside, Erin’s sketches allow the sweet, caring personalities of each character to show through. Readers feel genuinely concerned about the rhino with a runny nose, depicted with constant concern or worry on his face reflecting just how sick he feels, and compassionate toward the shy penguin, drawn with his wings and toes pointed in, as if he’s trying to curl up small enough to go unnoticed.Philip and Erin Stead, thank you for this book. A story of the kindest of friends, timeless illustrations leaving you with more with every reading… It was an instant favorite with my room full of third graders, and it is now a favorite with my own children (2 and 4.5). Publishers recommend this for ages 4-8, but it can definitely be enjoyed younger and likely older too!If you If you loved A Sick Day for Amos McGee, check out Bear Has a Story To Tell, the duo’s second collaboration together. It’s every bit as charming of a friendship story with as many fun details that make it new and interesting to read each time. For that matter, I love every single book that Philip Stead has written and every book Erin Stead has illustrated!

I worked at a library where I first came across this lovely book. Amos travels by bus each day to his work at the zoo, and he makes sure to visit with the beloved animals. He becomes ill and doesn't go to work. The animals are worried. The next thing you know is the animals are on the bus to go visit Amos. It is such a sweet story of the bond and care between people and animals. I'm invited to a baby shower where they request each person bring a book. I immediately decided to buy the picture book of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, and I also purchased the board book. The board book is perfect for when the baby is younger and the picture book for later.

I love this book, I have read it to my High School Students for several years

The book A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip C. Stead and Illustrated by Erin C. Stead is a delightful picture book worth sharing. The details in the illustrations are so sweet and perfect, it is no wonder this book was a Caldecott Medal winner. The story is about a city zookeeper, Amos McGee, who wakes early every morning to make the bus at strictly 6 a.m. to go to work. Because it is inferred that Amos McGee does not have a wife at home, he spends his days at the zoo visiting his "friends", which happen to be all the animals. He consoles, entertains, and play with his friends at the zoo everyday until one day he becomes ill and cannot make it out of bed. That day then actually becomes a very special day for Amos McGee and his friends. As a teacher, I can see myself using this book as an example when doing a lesson on personification. the pictures, along with the actual text, tell a story in which animals are given human-like qualities and they interact with Amos as if they are human friends to him. The relationships are no doubt questionable. The animals at the zoo are his friends which makes this book a wonderful example of a tale of friendship, but the fantasy and personification will entertain students of all ages. I would be able to use this book at any grade, 1st-5th. The illustrations are very calming and would help younger students to follow along with the story. Also, this book could be used to teach younger children different types of animals such as elephants, tortoise, penguins, rhinoceros, and owls. Students could compare the traits of each animal to how they would be in the wild.

Book arrived in perfect shape. A gift for my 5-year old granddaughter, who is a beginning reader. She loved it. The interaction between Amos and his zoo animals just entranced her. Writing is clear and involving, and the illustrations are beautiful and fun. Highly recommended.

Our toddlers took to Amos McGee right away and love the animals in the story too. The faces of Amos and the animals are so expressive and, although they don't completely understand at their ages, the children like that the animals go to visit Amos when he's sick.

My great nephew ( age 4) absolutely loved this book. The story and the pictures were just wonderful.

There is nothing I can add that hasn't already been better said by other reviewers.I bought this for my 2.5 year old (and myself), used, on Amazon. I buy a lot of new and used childrens books to read to my son, going mostly by the reviews I read here on Amazon. I've read many highly rated preschooler books many times.As an animal lover, and, as a person for whom at times the only love I had in this world was the love of animals I had the good fortune of knowing, this is one book I'm sure I'll remember for the rest of my life. If you are an animal lover and/or you have a little animal lover, this is a great story about compassion and what it means to be there for a friend. This is probably my own personal favorite children's book purchase, ever. My son likes it, but he's a little young to grasp the storyline (although I think he understands the message). I hope some day this story will become as special to him as it is to me.

A lovely book about the zookeeper Amos and his friends. It is a reassuring story about the comfort of friendship.The book arrived in good conditions and the pages are very thick so its quite sturdy and perfect for toddlers as well.

Bought for my just turned four year old. She listens to me reading it but misses the point of the story. Think this book is better aimed for older children, maybe 6+. It's quite expensive for a short book too, was expecting better. However it's nicely illustrated and good quality pages.

A beautiful story gloriously illustrated. It tells of love and care for each other in an amusing and imaginative way. Ignore how animals leave the zoo or an elephant entering a small room to visit a sick friend. Simply enjoy the story for what it is - love and concern.

Found this recommended on several blogs and websites, also an award winning book.Sadly it just bored my 4-year old niece and I could understand why.Maybe better suited to 6+.

This was an eagerly awaited book and the content and illustrations did not disappoint. The book arrived as promised and was packaged very carefully to prevent any damage in the post.