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Amos McGee #1
دوستی دوطرفه
THE BEST SICK DAY EVER and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut.
Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee’s case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it’s time they returned the favor.
Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee’s case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it’s time they returned the favor.
32 pages
First published May 25, 2010
48 people are currently reading
7381 people want to read
About the author
Philip C. Stead
30 books220 followersPhilip C. Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee, also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2010 and a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of 2010, illustrated by his wife, Erin E. Stead. Together with Erin, he also created Bear Has a Story to Tell, an E.B. White Read-Aloud Award honor book. Philip, also an artist, has written and illustrated several of his own books including Hello, My Name is Ruby, Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat, A Home for Bird, and his debut Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast, which was applauded by School Library Journal for “its wry humor and illustrations worthy of a Roald Dahl creation.” Philip lives with Erin and their dog, Wednesday, in a 100-year-old barn in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,894 reviews
January 16, 2019
We all loved this fun little book. Amos McGee works at the zoo and he takes such good care of the animals. They love him and one day he has a sick day and the animals miss him and they come to his house to help him feel better.
It’s a sweet and touching story, simply told for beginners and up and this really warms up your heart. I can say that I don’t want a Rhino in my house, but anyway. I had warm fuzzies all over reading this.
The kids had fun with this story and even the niece gave it 4 stars. The nephew gave this 5 stars saying he wants to play games with elephants. This is a fun story.
It’s a sweet and touching story, simply told for beginners and up and this really warms up your heart. I can say that I don’t want a Rhino in my house, but anyway. I had warm fuzzies all over reading this.
The kids had fun with this story and even the niece gave it 4 stars. The nephew gave this 5 stars saying he wants to play games with elephants. This is a fun story.
March 31, 2016
This may be my favorite picture book for children. This is destined to be a classic. It is a soft, gentle story of friendship between a kindly zookeeper and his animal friends. Beautifully illustrated, every page contains subtleties in it's classically-rendered scenes. There is a softness that translates in every image, a kindness in every creature and this is not lost on my children. We have read this dozens of times and they always point out different things...sometimes funny, sometimes sweet. It feels old-fashioned and timeless. Just stunning! 5 stars every time.
May 29, 2025
یک. زندگی آهسته
برای من این کتاب نماد زندگی آهستهست. چیزی که این روزها شاید بیشتر از همیشه نیاز بهش رو حس میکنم. تکتک صفحهها، متن کتاب و رنگ و تصویرگریها بهم حس آهستگی و زندگی عامدانه میدن. اینکه آموس چطور برای هر دوست وقت میگذاره و ارتباط ویژهای با هر یک داره برای من تداعیکنندهی همین سبک زندگیه.
اما قسمتی از این روایت که توجه من رو بیشتر جلب کرد، این جمله بود
He swung his achy legs out of bed, curled them back again and said, "Ugh. I don't think I'll be going to work today."
اینجا که وقتی آموس متوجه میشه که سرما خورده، خیلی راحت قبول میکنه که امروز قرار نیست سر کار بره. نکتهای که شاید در ظاهر خیلی ساده باشه، اما برای من خیلی مهم بود. چون سالهاست که دارم تلاش میکنم حال بد رو راحتتر بپذیرم، بدون اینکه به خودم برچسب «تنبلی» بزنم. این پذیرش فقط از ذهنی آرام و زندگیای آهسته برمیاد و این معادلهایه که با وجود اینکه گاهی بخش اول رو دارم، هنوز سخت برای رسیدن به بخش دوم در تلاشم.
دو. مهربانی مستمر
در مورد آموس نکتهی دیگری که جلب توجه میکنه شاخصهایه که اسمش رو «مهربانی مستمر» میشه گذاشت. مهربانیای که در تکرار و توجه معنا پیدا میکنه، نه در لحظهای بودن و یکباره بودن. فکر میکنم این درستترین و شیرینترین مدل مهربانیه. رفتاری که بشه در آشوب زندگی به تکراری بودنش تکیه کرد
سه. دوستیهای زیراکس نشده
زیبایی دوستیهای آموس اینه که هرکدوم از اونها منحصر به فرده و به بخشی از شخصیت خودش و طرف مقابل بها میده. هیچکدوم از این دوستیها نسخهی کپیشدهی دیگری نیست. هر دوستی، معنای خاص خودش رو داره
با فیل، دوستیای که بر پایهی ارتباط فکری شکل گرفته،
با پنگوئن، دوستیای که در اون همدم هست ولی همصحبت نه،
با لاکپشت، دوستیای که برای تفریح و خوشگذرونی شکل گرفته،
با جغد، دوستیای بر اساس علاقهی مشترک به یادگیری،
و با کرگدن، دوستیای که بر پایهی نیاز به مراقبت و توجه شکل گرفته
بخشی از رشد فکری در بزرگسالی اینه که متوجه میشیم فقط یک مدل دوستی وجود نداره، و همهی دوستیها با یک نفر هم ممکن نیست. این کتاب به زیبایی این مسئلهی مهم رو نشان میده
در مجموع این کتاب تصویری بسیار دوست داشتنی و عمیق بود و نمونهی خوبی از داستانی ساده با مفاهیم عمیق و مهمه. داستانی که ادعای مهم بودن نداره اما واقعاً هست
کتاب رو میتونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۴/۳/۷
July 12, 2025
هر چیزی دو طرفهش خوبه، حتی دوستی!!!!
March 8, 2019
Zookeeper Amos is faithfully at the zoo every single day, taking care of the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl.
The story is very sweet. One day he doesn't show up and the animals wonder and wonder where he is, until they decide to take the bus to his house and check on him.
The illustrations are a style that works less well for me. I think the younger eye is trained a little bit more towards brighter colors and contrasts, and this book feels a little pastel, a little faded.
I appreciate it now, but I don’t know about how it will translate. We did read it to a visiting 5 year-old who, coincidentally, was coming down with a cold. I appreciated the mouse that made an appearance on most the pages, ala the Lowly the Worm in Richard Scarry’s books. Cute story and one I might have been tempted to add with a stronger palette.
The story is very sweet. One day he doesn't show up and the animals wonder and wonder where he is, until they decide to take the bus to his house and check on him.
The illustrations are a style that works less well for me. I think the younger eye is trained a little bit more towards brighter colors and contrasts, and this book feels a little pastel, a little faded.
I appreciate it now, but I don’t know about how it will translate. We did read it to a visiting 5 year-old who, coincidentally, was coming down with a cold. I appreciated the mouse that made an appearance on most the pages, ala the Lowly the Worm in Richard Scarry’s books. Cute story and one I might have been tempted to add with a stronger palette.
April 7, 2010
Sometimes children’s book reviewers bandy about the term “classic” like it was a verbal shuttlecock. There’s nothing that raises the savvy readers’ eyebrows faster than to see some wordsmith drooling profusely over “a new classic” or a book merely “destined to become a classic”. Even worse is when they start calling a book “old-fashioned”. Nine times out of then what they’re talking about is the fact that the book parrots some picture book title of the past. That’s the crazy thing about A Sick Day for Amos McGee. It doesn’t parrot anyone, and when you read it you feel like you’ve know the book your whole life. Could have been written last year, ten years ago, or fifty. Doesn’t matter because the word “timeless” may as well be stamped all over each and every doggone page. If you want to give a child a book that will remain with them always (and lead to decades of folks growing up and desperately trying to relocate it with the children’s librarians of the future) this is the one that you want. Marvelous.
Each morning it’s the same. Amos McGee gets out of bed, puts on his uniform, and goes to his job as zookeeper in the City Zoo. Amos takes his job very seriously. He always makes sure to play chess with the elephant, run races with the tortoise, sit quietly with the penguin, blow the rhino’s runny nose, and tell stories to the owl at dusk. Then one day Amos wakes up sick and has to stay in bed. The animals, bereft of his presence, decide something must be done. So they pick themselves up and take the bus to Amos’s house to keep him company for a change. And after everyone helps him out, Amos reads them all a story and each one of them tucks in for the night.
It’s strange to think that author Philip Stead wrote both this and last year’s Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast. Not that the latter was a bad book or anything, mind you, but that was a case where the protagonist had to be a perpetual crankypants. The character of Amos simply couldn’t be more different. He's like a cross between your favorite grandpa and Mr. Rogers. I read through this book several times to get down the cadence of Mr. Stead’s wordplay too. He’s prone to terms like “amble”. He parallels Amos’s activities in the first half with similar activities with the animals are taking care of him in the second. He knows when to leave sections wordless. And at the end, the “goodnight” section sort of makes this an ideal bedtime book for small fry. Practically invokes Goodnight Moon it does.
There’s definitely a Sebastian Meschenmoser quality to this book (a statement that is going to be understood by approximately three people out there). Meschenmoser is a German illustrator who has written titles like Learning to Fly and Waiting for Winter. Erin Stead’s style is similar partly because there is a common humanity to every animal she draws. It’s not just the anthropomorphic details, like a penguin in socks (an animal Meschenmoser shares an affection for). It’s deeper than that. Look at this cover and then stare deep into that elephant’s eyes. There are layers to that elephant. That elephant has seen things in its day and has come out the wiser for it. It could tell you stories that would curl your hair or make you laugh till it hurt. That’s what I see when I look at a Stead animal. I see a creature that has had a rich full life, and all because of how she has chosen to put pencil/woodblock to paper. Amos McGee himself could not be any better. You love him from the moment he stretches in his pajamas. Everyone here, from the owl to the tortoise is someone you believe in.
Add onto all that the little tiny details as well. How Amos and the penguin sit and stand together, ankles turned inward. The fate of the penguin’s red balloon. Where Mr. McGee’s teddy bear is at any given time. The portrait of the penguin in the home. The rabbit reading a newspaper on the bus. And then there’s the penultimate spread where the animals gather around Amos as he gets ready to go to bed. His left foot rest gently against the rhino’s nose, his left hand on the elephant’s trunk. Very simple, natural, affectionate touches. You notice them, but you don’t. That’s the charm.
So there's the content. Now look at the actual art and design. According to the bookflap, Erin creates her illustrations by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil.” That’s impressive in and of itself, but I think the use of color is fascinating. Ms. Stead is sparing. On the one hand, you’re never able to identify the book’s exact year. On the other, you know in the back of your brain that if the publisher wanted to use all the colors of the rainbow, they could. You could also read the book several times before you noticed the elaborate flower design that ties the horizon in place behind the runny nosed rhino. Little touches, but necessary.
Husband and wife author/illustrator teams emerge once in a while, but they don’t always have the golden touch. That the Steads not only have it but are also willing to use it as a force for good instead of evil is gratifying. It’s also gratifying to think that maybe we’ll see them do more books in the future. I’d like that. I’d like that very much, and I’m wagering that a whole generation of children reading and loving this book are going to like it as well. Here, I’ll make it simple for you: Need to buy a picture book for a kid between the ages of four and eight? Buy this one. There you go. Problem solved.
For ages 4-8.
Each morning it’s the same. Amos McGee gets out of bed, puts on his uniform, and goes to his job as zookeeper in the City Zoo. Amos takes his job very seriously. He always makes sure to play chess with the elephant, run races with the tortoise, sit quietly with the penguin, blow the rhino’s runny nose, and tell stories to the owl at dusk. Then one day Amos wakes up sick and has to stay in bed. The animals, bereft of his presence, decide something must be done. So they pick themselves up and take the bus to Amos’s house to keep him company for a change. And after everyone helps him out, Amos reads them all a story and each one of them tucks in for the night.
It’s strange to think that author Philip Stead wrote both this and last year’s Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast. Not that the latter was a bad book or anything, mind you, but that was a case where the protagonist had to be a perpetual crankypants. The character of Amos simply couldn’t be more different. He's like a cross between your favorite grandpa and Mr. Rogers. I read through this book several times to get down the cadence of Mr. Stead’s wordplay too. He’s prone to terms like “amble”. He parallels Amos’s activities in the first half with similar activities with the animals are taking care of him in the second. He knows when to leave sections wordless. And at the end, the “goodnight” section sort of makes this an ideal bedtime book for small fry. Practically invokes Goodnight Moon it does.
There’s definitely a Sebastian Meschenmoser quality to this book (a statement that is going to be understood by approximately three people out there). Meschenmoser is a German illustrator who has written titles like Learning to Fly and Waiting for Winter. Erin Stead’s style is similar partly because there is a common humanity to every animal she draws. It’s not just the anthropomorphic details, like a penguin in socks (an animal Meschenmoser shares an affection for). It’s deeper than that. Look at this cover and then stare deep into that elephant’s eyes. There are layers to that elephant. That elephant has seen things in its day and has come out the wiser for it. It could tell you stories that would curl your hair or make you laugh till it hurt. That’s what I see when I look at a Stead animal. I see a creature that has had a rich full life, and all because of how she has chosen to put pencil/woodblock to paper. Amos McGee himself could not be any better. You love him from the moment he stretches in his pajamas. Everyone here, from the owl to the tortoise is someone you believe in.
Add onto all that the little tiny details as well. How Amos and the penguin sit and stand together, ankles turned inward. The fate of the penguin’s red balloon. Where Mr. McGee’s teddy bear is at any given time. The portrait of the penguin in the home. The rabbit reading a newspaper on the bus. And then there’s the penultimate spread where the animals gather around Amos as he gets ready to go to bed. His left foot rest gently against the rhino’s nose, his left hand on the elephant’s trunk. Very simple, natural, affectionate touches. You notice them, but you don’t. That’s the charm.
So there's the content. Now look at the actual art and design. According to the bookflap, Erin creates her illustrations by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil.” That’s impressive in and of itself, but I think the use of color is fascinating. Ms. Stead is sparing. On the one hand, you’re never able to identify the book’s exact year. On the other, you know in the back of your brain that if the publisher wanted to use all the colors of the rainbow, they could. You could also read the book several times before you noticed the elaborate flower design that ties the horizon in place behind the runny nosed rhino. Little touches, but necessary.
Husband and wife author/illustrator teams emerge once in a while, but they don’t always have the golden touch. That the Steads not only have it but are also willing to use it as a force for good instead of evil is gratifying. It’s also gratifying to think that maybe we’ll see them do more books in the future. I’d like that. I’d like that very much, and I’m wagering that a whole generation of children reading and loving this book are going to like it as well. Here, I’ll make it simple for you: Need to buy a picture book for a kid between the ages of four and eight? Buy this one. There you go. Problem solved.
For ages 4-8.
April 11, 2025
وای عزیزممممم😭
خیلی قشنگ بود😭
کاش وقتی پیر شدم، هنوز هم یه عالمه دوستی دو طرفه داشته باشم. با هم شطرنج بازی کنیم و کتاب بخونیم و قهوه بنوشیم و سودوکو حل کنیم و دلمون به بودن همدیگه گرم باشه تا زندگی همچنان ارزش زیستن داشته باشه.
خیلی قشنگ بود😭
کاش وقتی پیر شدم، هنوز هم یه عالمه دوستی دو طرفه داشته باشم. با هم شطرنج بازی کنیم و کتاب بخونیم و قهوه بنوشیم و سودوکو حل کنیم و دلمون به بودن همدیگه گرم باشه تا زندگی همچنان ارزش زیستن داشته باشه.
May 20, 2023
Husband and wife team Philip C. and Erin E. Stead's A Sick Day for Amos McGee is sweetly and basically a glowing and softly intense tale of friendship (between zookeeper Amos McGee and a diverse group of zoo animals) and that the most simple acts of kindness, of sweetness and understanding are often, are usually the most healing, and sustaining (while confined at home and in bed due to a nasty flu-like cold, Amos McGee almost immediately begins to rally and feel better when his zoo animal friends visit to cheer him up, not with medicines, not with health care advice, but with games of cards and simply being there for him during his hours of need, during his sick day).
And truth be told, I am actually rather pleasantly surprised at how much I have both enjoyed A Sick Day for Amos McGee and appreciated the sweet but delicately, lovingly presented messages of the importance of friendship, of being there for others, of reciprocating care and support by providing your own if/when required, even if this is not specifically being demanded, being asked for (mostly due to the fact that A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a story about a zookeeper and the zoo animals under his care, as more often than not, stories about zoos do tend to rub me the proverbially wrong way). Text and images work marvellously and gracefully together like a beautifully spinning and well oiled machine (both Philip C. Stead's caressingly gentle narrative and Erin E. Stead's simple but minutely expressive accompanying illustrations perform a joyous dance and celebration of friendship and of knowing what friends and acquaintances desire and require to be cheered, to be content, to be helped and sustained). Most highly recommended, and definitely a worthy recipient of the Caldecott Medal it was awarded, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a sweet read for any time, but is due to its themes and contents also a perfect pick-me-up during times of flu and cold like illnesses, during times of affliction, and of course always a glowing paean to friendship in all its diverse forms and manifestations.
And truth be told, I am actually rather pleasantly surprised at how much I have both enjoyed A Sick Day for Amos McGee and appreciated the sweet but delicately, lovingly presented messages of the importance of friendship, of being there for others, of reciprocating care and support by providing your own if/when required, even if this is not specifically being demanded, being asked for (mostly due to the fact that A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a story about a zookeeper and the zoo animals under his care, as more often than not, stories about zoos do tend to rub me the proverbially wrong way). Text and images work marvellously and gracefully together like a beautifully spinning and well oiled machine (both Philip C. Stead's caressingly gentle narrative and Erin E. Stead's simple but minutely expressive accompanying illustrations perform a joyous dance and celebration of friendship and of knowing what friends and acquaintances desire and require to be cheered, to be content, to be helped and sustained). Most highly recommended, and definitely a worthy recipient of the Caldecott Medal it was awarded, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a sweet read for any time, but is due to its themes and contents also a perfect pick-me-up during times of flu and cold like illnesses, during times of affliction, and of course always a glowing paean to friendship in all its diverse forms and manifestations.
January 30, 2011
I was sure I’d dock at least one star from my rating of this book because a zoo features prominently in the story, and I hate zoos. Huge thumbs down on zoos from me. But this story has enough fantastical elements that I ended up not being concerned with the over the top benign way this zoo, and its animals and zookeeper/zoo worker, were presented.
I love that Amos has a teddy bear, and I particularly love the relationships between Amos and the several of the animals who are in the story.
The illustrations are so sweet, and have an old fashioned feel about them that I enjoyed. I love the art style; I enjoyed all the illustrations.
Although there is a lot of humor, this is a very quiet story. For that reason, and because of the last picture in the book, this might make a perfect bedtime story. I think kids will find it funny but not overly stimulating.
I love that Amos has a teddy bear, and I particularly love the relationships between Amos and the several of the animals who are in the story.
The illustrations are so sweet, and have an old fashioned feel about them that I enjoyed. I love the art style; I enjoyed all the illustrations.
Although there is a lot of humor, this is a very quiet story. For that reason, and because of the last picture in the book, this might make a perfect bedtime story. I think kids will find it funny but not overly stimulating.
Read
April 12, 2025وایییی خیلییی قشنگ بود .
لطیف و زیبا .
تصویرهاش فوق العاده بودن .
راجع به مردیه که توی باغ وحش کار میکنه و با همه ی حیوانات اونجا دوست شده ، باهم کتاب میخونن ، چای میخورن و شطرنج بازی میکنن.
لطیف و زیبا .
تصویرهاش فوق العاده بودن .
راجع به مردیه که توی باغ وحش کار میکنه و با همه ی حیوانات اونجا دوست شده ، باهم کتاب میخونن ، چای میخورن و شطرنج بازی میکنن.
December 30, 2010
This 2010 debut is up for some awards and for good reason. I think it's got a glorious "classic" feel in both the illustrations and the text; it is just so gentle and yet full of humor and imagination and good-heartedness and fun. Amos McGee is the sort of old man that I admire so deeply; one who has taken his old years as a blessing rather than a curse and who shares his time and his wisdom and kind heart with others. In this case, he works at a zoo and spends time with each animal there, getting to know their personalities and interacting with them in ways that they find mutually beneficial. But when Amos is too sick to come to work one day, the animals find a special way to help him feel better.
I read this book while I was sick with a nasty post-Christmas cold and it cheered me no end. Created by a husband and wife team (be sure to check out the sooo cute dedication page) this book is definitely one of my favorites of 2010 and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, gentle, humorous story about friendship.
I read this book while I was sick with a nasty post-Christmas cold and it cheered me no end. Created by a husband and wife team (be sure to check out the sooo cute dedication page) this book is definitely one of my favorites of 2010 and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, gentle, humorous story about friendship.
December 7, 2016
I bought this book as a gift for a youngster. Of course I couldn't gift it unless I liked it so I had to read it. It should be a classic, as the story is timeless. Amos is elderly and works at the zoo, where he is friends with an elephant, a penguin, an owl, a turtle, and a hippo. When he doesn't show up one day for work, the five animals get worried and take the bus to his house. He is so glad to see them. They take care of him and everyone is content! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I hope the youngster likes it as much as this oldster!
December 1, 2018
O poveste minunata , nu am crezut ca o sa imi placa asa de mult! <3 Iti incalzeste inima, <3
October 5, 2017
I really disliked this book when it was published and was so disappointed when it won the Caldecott, but I still occasionally share it with kids, usually with positive results. There’s nothing terribly wrong with the story - I just never thought it was all that original, and on top of that, I’m just generally annoyed by animals who act like people. Re-readings have given me an appreciation for the unique style of the art, and I like the chess-playing elephant, but otherwise, this book is just not my thing.
Read at Baby/Toddler Story Time on 2/1/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read at Pre-K class visit on 4/27/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read at rec. center class visit on 4/17/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read during Pre-K class visit on 4/18/13:
http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read at Baby/Toddler Story Time on 2/1/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read at Pre-K class visit on 4/27/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read at rec. center class visit on 4/17/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
Read during Pre-K class visit on 4/18/13:
http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
April 11, 2025
دوست داشتم فیل رو بغل کنمم، چرا تصویر سازیشون اینقور گوگولیه؟🫠🫠
August 28, 2017
This is the sweetest book, ever. The illustrations are absolutely classic, right down to the red nose on Amos McGee. This is one of those books you just have to hug.
Read
September 6, 2025لطيفة وطيبة للغاية. كعادتها، تأتي قصص الأطفال المصورة لتذيب الجليد عن قلبي، وتعيدُ إليّ بعضًا من ضيائي.
February 5, 2011
My daughter read A Sick Day for Amos McGee aloud to me before she went to sleep and it was a treat for both of us.
I love stories for children where older characters retain a child-like quality of bonhomie and easy camaraderie. Amos has both which makes him irresistible to me. The structure of this book is really comforting too, a there and back again plot where the protagonist goes on a journey wherein the reader is introduced to everyone worth knowing and then they are separated but not for long because as one person can bring joy to others throughout their day, so too can a group of friends unite to bring one special person comfort and pleasure together! This is that sort of book.
See above for an interior view of the book from publisher, Roaring Broook's site.
The way award winning illustrator Erin Stead makes her pictures is the icing on the cake: a labor intensive process of block printing the backdrops & major features before completing detailed illustrations on top of them. She describes and illustrates her process really wonderfully in her blog.
I still think The Today Show is SICK breaking with tradition and having Snooki on instead of this year's Caldecott and Newbery award winners. But I must confess I have never watched that show, so eventually I should get over it (after a few more healthy rants). If it had been an important show, like say Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, or a Columbo Rerun, or maybe The Beekman Boys I might have more to bitch about? But the principle of the scheduling choice is still kind of irritating!
But, what the Steads have made in their book A Sick Day for Amos McGee is enough to make anyone feel better about a lot of things!
I love stories for children where older characters retain a child-like quality of bonhomie and easy camaraderie. Amos has both which makes him irresistible to me. The structure of this book is really comforting too, a there and back again plot where the protagonist goes on a journey wherein the reader is introduced to everyone worth knowing and then they are separated but not for long because as one person can bring joy to others throughout their day, so too can a group of friends unite to bring one special person comfort and pleasure together! This is that sort of book.
See above for an interior view of the book from publisher, Roaring Broook's site.
The way award winning illustrator Erin Stead makes her pictures is the icing on the cake: a labor intensive process of block printing the backdrops & major features before completing detailed illustrations on top of them. She describes and illustrates her process really wonderfully in her blog.
I still think The Today Show is SICK breaking with tradition and having Snooki on instead of this year's Caldecott and Newbery award winners. But I must confess I have never watched that show, so eventually I should get over it (after a few more healthy rants). If it had been an important show, like say Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, or a Columbo Rerun, or maybe The Beekman Boys I might have more to bitch about? But the principle of the scheduling choice is still kind of irritating!
But, what the Steads have made in their book A Sick Day for Amos McGee is enough to make anyone feel better about a lot of things!
May 7, 2010
I was utterly charmed by this book. It has a gentle humor, a sweetness and an inherent loveliness that really makes it special.
Amos McGee got up early every morning, changed into his uniform, and headed to work at the City Zoo. Even though he had a busy work schedule, he always had time to visit his friends. He played chess with the elephant, ran races with the tortoise, sat quietly with the shy penguin, wiped the rhino’s runny nose, and read books to the owl who was afraid of the dark. But one morning, Amos woke up and didn’t feel well enough to go to the zoo. His friends waited for him, but when Amos didn’t come they set out to visit him instead. The elephant played chess with him. The turtle played hide and seek instead of running races. The penguin kept Amos’ feet warm. The rhino always had a handkerchief ready when Amos sneezed. And at bedtime, the owl read them all a book.
The husband and wife team who created this book really worked well together. Philip’s tone of writing has a gentle feel that matches his wife’s art perfectly. Philip’s writing is very readable and works well aloud. The small touches of detail make the world more convincing, including the elephant taking a lot of time to make his move in chess and the spoonfuls of sugar Amos uses at breakfast. It is these little facts that really invite one to linger longer in the book.
Erin’s art is delightfully realistic for such a fantastical story. The animals are very true to life except for their hobbies. I especially enjoyed Erin’s two-page wordless spreads as the animals head to Amos’ home. Again with her art, the small touches add so much: the elephant lining up his chess pieces while waiting for Amos and the socks on the feet of the penguin. Small details but very important to the tone and feel of the book.
Highly recommended, this book will be embraced by all who read it. Share it for units on zoos or colds. Now all I need to find is a shy penguin to keep my feet warm…
Appropriate for ages 3-6.
Amos McGee got up early every morning, changed into his uniform, and headed to work at the City Zoo. Even though he had a busy work schedule, he always had time to visit his friends. He played chess with the elephant, ran races with the tortoise, sat quietly with the shy penguin, wiped the rhino’s runny nose, and read books to the owl who was afraid of the dark. But one morning, Amos woke up and didn’t feel well enough to go to the zoo. His friends waited for him, but when Amos didn’t come they set out to visit him instead. The elephant played chess with him. The turtle played hide and seek instead of running races. The penguin kept Amos’ feet warm. The rhino always had a handkerchief ready when Amos sneezed. And at bedtime, the owl read them all a book.
The husband and wife team who created this book really worked well together. Philip’s tone of writing has a gentle feel that matches his wife’s art perfectly. Philip’s writing is very readable and works well aloud. The small touches of detail make the world more convincing, including the elephant taking a lot of time to make his move in chess and the spoonfuls of sugar Amos uses at breakfast. It is these little facts that really invite one to linger longer in the book.
Erin’s art is delightfully realistic for such a fantastical story. The animals are very true to life except for their hobbies. I especially enjoyed Erin’s two-page wordless spreads as the animals head to Amos’ home. Again with her art, the small touches add so much: the elephant lining up his chess pieces while waiting for Amos and the socks on the feet of the penguin. Small details but very important to the tone and feel of the book.
Highly recommended, this book will be embraced by all who read it. Share it for units on zoos or colds. Now all I need to find is a shy penguin to keep my feet warm…
Appropriate for ages 3-6.
November 14, 2016
Caldecott
I love the friendship between Amos and his animals. He gives all of himself to them every day, being exactly what they need. "He always made time to visit his good friends." He was exactly what each needed, nurturing for the rhinoceros, a friend to the shy penguin, mental stimulation for the elephant, and physical activity for the tortoise. It's a bit odd that he reads a bedtime story to the owl who is afraid of the dark. Even my Kindergartners know that owls are nocturnal and wake up to do all of their hunting at night. This might lead to an unnecessary explanation of how animals in captivity adapt to non-natural habits and alternative lifestyles (See, "It Takes Two To Tango").
The intentionally left blank pages allow for extra pauses and for inferring and synthesizing of the story so far. The colors are light and the drawings aren't overly detailed so they add to the story without taking anything away from the words.
The moral of the story is to be the kind of friend you would want to have. Or maybe it's to take care of your friends when you can and they'll take care of you when you need them. Whatever, it is, I like it.
I love the friendship between Amos and his animals. He gives all of himself to them every day, being exactly what they need. "He always made time to visit his good friends." He was exactly what each needed, nurturing for the rhinoceros, a friend to the shy penguin, mental stimulation for the elephant, and physical activity for the tortoise. It's a bit odd that he reads a bedtime story to the owl who is afraid of the dark. Even my Kindergartners know that owls are nocturnal and wake up to do all of their hunting at night. This might lead to an unnecessary explanation of how animals in captivity adapt to non-natural habits and alternative lifestyles (See, "It Takes Two To Tango").
The intentionally left blank pages allow for extra pauses and for inferring and synthesizing of the story so far. The colors are light and the drawings aren't overly detailed so they add to the story without taking anything away from the words.
The moral of the story is to be the kind of friend you would want to have. Or maybe it's to take care of your friends when you can and they'll take care of you when you need them. Whatever, it is, I like it.
May 24, 2011
This book came to me highly recommended, and lived up to it all (not an easy thing to do!).
This is an incredibly sweet, fantastical story about a zookeeper who spends his time with his good friends at the zoo (and those friends are the animals, of course!).
He does all sorts of fun things (like playing chess with the elephant) or thoughtful things (like sitting with the penguin who is shy) and truly seems to have a bond and friendship with them.
So, when Amos McGee doesn't come into work one day, the animals all get together and do something nice for Amos in return.
It's a wonderful story, and just fantastical enough to be funny and still touching and charming. And the illustrations are so beautiful and wonderful and fun (I highly suggest looking at them carefully for all the cute additions - like the song bird wearing a tie!!!).
This has such a classic and timeless feel, I'm sure it will delight readers and listeners of all ages!!
Highly, HIGHLY recommended!!!
This is an incredibly sweet, fantastical story about a zookeeper who spends his time with his good friends at the zoo (and those friends are the animals, of course!).
He does all sorts of fun things (like playing chess with the elephant) or thoughtful things (like sitting with the penguin who is shy) and truly seems to have a bond and friendship with them.
So, when Amos McGee doesn't come into work one day, the animals all get together and do something nice for Amos in return.
It's a wonderful story, and just fantastical enough to be funny and still touching and charming. And the illustrations are so beautiful and wonderful and fun (I highly suggest looking at them carefully for all the cute additions - like the song bird wearing a tie!!!).
This has such a classic and timeless feel, I'm sure it will delight readers and listeners of all ages!!
Highly, HIGHLY recommended!!!
April 18, 2014
I really liked reading this book because it was short and the pictures went along with the story. I think this picture book falls under one of the levels of illustration which is symmetry. The reader can find themselves enjoying reading this book. I think this would be appropriate for 1st and 2nd graders because it’s easy to understand for them. The story begins with Amos, an elderly, who works at the zoo. Throughout the day Amos went through a routine; from waking up,to taking the bus to work, and making a quick stop to see his friends. His friends are the elephant, the turtle, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. Amos spent quality time with them either by playing a game or providing his company. One day Amos woke up feeling sick. That they his friends notice his absence in the zoo. So they decide to go visit him at his home. They then share quality time with him and make him feel better.
July 7, 2017
Los dibujos en esta historia son los que se llevan la corona, me encantan los pequeños detalles que hacen a la ternura de la historia.
El Sr. McGee y sus amigos son muy lindos, obviamente, esto lo dice una amante de lo animales, jaja.
Es divertido ver cómo todo el amor que Amos le da a sus amigos en el zoológico luego es retribuido cuando él se encuentra enfermo.
Ciertas escenas me hicieron acordar a algunas cosas de los personajes de Madagascar, pero en este caso los animalitos son más tranquis. Muy recomendable.
El Sr. McGee y sus amigos son muy lindos, obviamente, esto lo dice una amante de lo animales, jaja.
Es divertido ver cómo todo el amor que Amos le da a sus amigos en el zoológico luego es retribuido cuando él se encuentra enfermo.
Ciertas escenas me hicieron acordar a algunas cosas de los personajes de Madagascar, pero en este caso los animalitos son más tranquis. Muy recomendable.
July 17, 2021
2011 Caldecott
A beautiful story with heartwarming pictures. Amos is well loved by the animals at the zoo where he works. When Amos takes a sick day, it is totally believable that the animals worry enough to catch the bus to go visit Amos and do the things they all love to do individually with their friend.
Kids will surely ad-lib to this story, as the pictures have such a friendly atmosphere.
A beautiful story with heartwarming pictures. Amos is well loved by the animals at the zoo where he works. When Amos takes a sick day, it is totally believable that the animals worry enough to catch the bus to go visit Amos and do the things they all love to do individually with their friend.
Kids will surely ad-lib to this story, as the pictures have such a friendly atmosphere.
May 29, 2025
On “what friendship is and why it matters”…
March 14, 2020
Kindhearted Amos McGee was as regular as clockwork, going to his job at the City Zoo every day, and visiting with all his good friends. Every day he played his game of chess with the elephant, ran his race with the tortoise, sat quietly with the penguin, helped the rhinoceros blow his nose, and read stories to the owl. But when Amos wakes up with a terrible cold one day, and can't make it into work, the animals decide that it's time for them to do something for him, for a change...
I really enjoyed the vintage-style illustrations here, which is not that surprising, since Erin E. Stead used wood-block printing for her drawings - a technique that tends to produces a stylized look that I find immensely appealing. I don't know that I would have selected them for the Caldecott Medal myself, but I don't know that I found them undeserving either. Still, they're definitely what made A Sick Day for Amos McGee worth seeking out, for me, as the story, although very sweet, didn't really stand out.
I really enjoyed the vintage-style illustrations here, which is not that surprising, since Erin E. Stead used wood-block printing for her drawings - a technique that tends to produces a stylized look that I find immensely appealing. I don't know that I would have selected them for the Caldecott Medal myself, but I don't know that I found them undeserving either. Still, they're definitely what made A Sick Day for Amos McGee worth seeking out, for me, as the story, although very sweet, didn't really stand out.
July 28, 2011
A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a beautiful picture book. In a day where it seems bright colors, and crazy art rule picture books, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is beautiful in its unflashiness. This great tale of friendship and love will become a long time favorite in both my classroom and home.
January 10, 2012
Lovely and sweet. I really enjoyed the simple story and loved the drawings. My son loved the animals and named them over and over on each page. (He especially loved the owl and the balloon.)
August 23, 2016
I read this to my daughter several times a day. She LOVES the rhinoceros with the runny nose!
October 19, 2021
This was so adorable and heartfelt. I love feel good stories like this for my daughter.
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