Follett Titlewave
Early each morning the elderly Amos McGee rises to meet the day and catch the 6 a.m. bus to the city zoo. While at work, the zookeeper spends time with his animal friends– playing chess with the elephant, racing the tortoise, wiping the rhino’s nose, sitting with a penguin, and reading to an owl. One day Amos feels too sick to go to work so the animals take the bus to his home and repay his kindness in return.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee, the Caldecott Medal Book for 2010, is written and illustrated by a husband and wife team. A Sick Day for Amos McGee, the Caldecott Medal Book for 2010, is written and illustrated by a husband and wife team. Erin Stead, the illustrator, uses woodblocks to stamp soft-colored images onto the page and then writes over them with pencil. At first glance, the illustrations convey simplicity and peacefulness–a perfect complement to the text. Yet, as the reader lingers over each picture, delightful details emerge. At first glance, the illustrations convey simplicity and peacefulness-–a perfect complement to the text. Yet, as the reader lingers over each picture, delightful details emerge.
Philip Stead has written an equally charming story about an elderly gentleman, Amos McGee, who despite living alone, greets the day with enthusiasm. He follows the same cheerful routine each morning–swinging out of bed, dressing in crisp clothing, preparing his oatmeal and tea, and catching the morning bus. Rather than lamenting his loneliness, he senses the needs of each animal and delights in doing what makes them happy.
This sweet story exudes respect for the elderly and provides a wonderful example of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Fans of Cynthia Rylant’s Mr. Putter & Tabby series will find room in their hearts for Amos McGee, too.
This book has an immediate appeal that I believe will stand the test of time and be loved by generations of readers. I don’t have any grandchildren yet, but I’m fantasizing about cuddling with one and sharing this sweet story.
Highly recommended for grades preschool-grade 2.
Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner-2011; Notable Books of the Year-2010 (Best Illustrated–Child’s); Notable Children’s Books 2010–Young readers; NYPL Book for Reading and Sharing; Charlotte Zolotow Award/Honor Book; Chicago Public Library Best of the Best.
From the Christian Library Journal (June 2011); used with permission.
By: Lydia Schultz on February 24, 2011 at 10:10 pm
This sounds like a fun book. Thanks for the review! I’m always looking for books that crossover in appeal from Preschool to older kids.
By: csatta on February 25, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Hi Lydia,
Thanks for reading the review and commenting.
I’m looking forward to reading this during library class to see how it resonates with the students (and on what age levels).
Cheers!
By: SW on April 7, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Our entire family LOVES this picture book! It ranks up at the top of my personal favorite picture books ever list next to Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. As soon as I read through a borrowed copy of the book, I immediately knew that it was a “must add” to our home library.
I am a huge fan of the “feel-good” type of stories that teach subtle important life lessons and this one accomplishes that in an unbelievable way. Both of my kids (6 and 7) cuddled right up next to me and thoroughly enjoyed each page of gorgeous illustrations as well as the adorable story. It was fun to ask the kids which animal they liked best and why and talk about how kind Amos was to the animals. It is sure to be read numerous times in the future. A Sick Day for Amos McGee is extremely deserving of the Caldecott gold medal and I believe that all parents should read it to their little ones.
By: csatta on April 11, 2011 at 9:16 am
So glad you enjoyed the book. It’s sure to become a classic!
By: Chris Finger on September 17, 2011 at 11:03 am
I am so glad you introduced this book to me Carol. I felt an immediate connection to the book when I viewed the cover. The emotional tug brought me back to the days of “Mike Mulligan” and “Ferdinand the Bull” from my childhood. I read this book aloud to classes pre-K to 2nd grade. The text is intelligent and not “dumbed down”. I found my voice responding to the words and illustrations. I was reading in a soft, comforting tone and had a rapt audience in every classroom. That is unheard of from 4 and 5 year old groups! In fact, I read this book to 4 classrooms in a row and found myself with goosebumps every time! That doesn’t happen very often.
This book will now become part of my personal library. The illustrations are simple but fascinating. You discover something new on the pages with every reading. The Zookeeper is a warm, dignified gentleman who exudes compassion and respect for his animal friends. This is a quality book destined to become a classic. What a gem!
By: csatta on September 17, 2011 at 11:43 am
Yes, this book is destined to be a classic! Thank you for joining in on the discussion