A Sick Day for Amos McGee Review:

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stead, Philip C.. 2010. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. by Erin Stead. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN: 1596434023

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In A Sick Day for Amos McGee, the titular character always has time for his animal friends at the zoo. He helps them with their daily activities—running races with the tortoise, reading with the bookish owl, and more—and is the type of person who would never miss a day. That is, until he gets too sick to come to the zoo, in which case his animal friends decide to throw him the mother of all sick days, and bring their unique brand of lively activity straight to his house!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
At its heart, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is about the strength of friendships, and the unspoken bond between people (and animals) who enjoy each other’s company. The Steads, Philip and Erin, seem to understand this better than anyone, and share a vision where both the illustrations and the text are filled with the warmth that only forms between two very close friends. It conveys its message, that friends are there for and care for one another, very well, and in a way that children will have no trouble understanding or enjoying.

The lightly-colored, soft visuals in A Sick Day for Amos McGee draw the viewer in without overpowering their senses. Each illustration is silky smooth, and loaded with expressive detail, which only aids the solid storytelling. The message is well-meaning without being heavy-handed, and a welcome one at that in an age where friendships are becoming increasingly digital, and most would feel they’ve done their part by simply expressing sympathy over Facebook as opposed to visiting a sick friend in person, bringing good cheer.

The book features loads of fun interaction between Amos and his animals, often in fun and humorous ways. The positive message of being loyal to one’s friends is handled with care, and a valuable lesson. A fun, engaging book that teaches consideration and kindness, while promoting strong friendships.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner—Caldecott Medal (2010)
LIBRARY VOICE review: " The effect is a sense of being enveloped, or better yet, being hugged."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "It doesn’t parrot anyone, and when you read it you feel like you’ve know the book your whole life."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Can be related to sharing activities about friendship and loyalty
*Is an excellent companion piece to lessons about empathy/understanding between humans and animals
*Other books about zoo life come to life:
Van Allsburg, Chris. JUMANJI. ISBN 0395304482
Aliki. MY VISIT TO THE ZOO. ISBN 006446217X