Book Review: A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE

1.   BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Philip. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York, NY:  Roaring Brook Press, 2010.  ISBN 9781596434028

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this heartwarming story, zookeeper Amos McGee lovingly and faithfully cares for each of his “friends” at the zoo each day. As part of his daily routine, he meets the needs of the specific personalities of the various animals. Amos is so kind and faithful that when gets ill, his animal friends travel together to Amos’ home where they show the same gentle care to him that he regularly gives to them.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This delightful story embodies a universal principle of friendship, that self-sacrifice and kindness promote loyal friendships. Though the story is set primarily in city village and a city zoo with animals, the story transcends the urban setting. The author employs anthropomorphism, to the delight of the reader, displayed as the elephant, turtle, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl each display distinct human traits including compassion for and loyalty to Amos. With rarely more than a couple of sentences per page, this story moves quickly while engaging the reader completely for each of the thirty-two pages.

Like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly winter day, Erin E. Stead’s illustrations warm the heart of the reader. Stead’s simple but graceful drawings include gentle touches of color that enhance, rather than overwhelm, the effect. The illustrator includes delightful little details such as Amos’ bunny slippers and teddy bear. On some pages, the pencil drawings are juxtaposed with what appears to be touches of watercolor that emphasize objects the author does not want to go unnoticed. Finally, the illustrator’s somewhat old-fashioned style complements the simple, yet heartwarming tale.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal Winner,  2011

BOOKLIST, May, 2010:   “The extension of the familiar pet-bonding theme will have great appeal, especially in the final images of the wild creatures snuggled up with Amos in his cozy home.”

HORN BOOK starred, Fall, 2010:   “. . . illustrations reveal character and enhance the cozy mood of the gentle text.”

KIRKUS REVIEW starred review, April, 2010:  “This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Brainstorm characteristics of a true friend and make a class concept map of it on chart paper

* Read aloud other books about friendships and add to class concept map

* Other books for children about friendship:

Bloom, Suzanne. A SPLENDID FRIEND, INDEED. ISBN 9781590784884

Charles, Faustin. THE SELFISH CROCODILE. ISBN 9780747541936

Woodson, Jacqueline. THE OTHER SIDE. ISBN 9780399231162