Amos McGee is a zoo worker with a very specific routine. He visits the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl at the zoo each day. When he gets sick one day, the return the favor.
This picture book has been recognized with the Caldecott Award and the New York Times "Best" of Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards. In a November 4, 2010 article about humor in books, the author leads with a mention of this book. This most likely has something to do with the fact that the shy penguin is always wearing socks that are too big for him.
This text values friendship, helping others, and kindness. Children and adults will be enticed by the several pages in the center of the book that 'go silent.' This gives children the opportunity to "read" the pages. The pictures cleverly use color to draw the eye. Amos is always in green and white, but when he is sick his nose has a clever pink tint. The illustrator, Erin Stead, uses woodblock printing techniques and pencil to create the simple but delicate drawings. Children will take note of the mouse, little bird, and red balloon that pop up throughout the book, one being on almost every page.
I enjoyed this picture book because of the lessons it can teach children without sounding like the book is talking down to them. Though I am not an expert on children's literature (yet), the book reminded me of some of Shel Silverstein's poems I read as a child. Like Silverstein's poems, there is a moral that is obvious to adults but requires more thought for children to uncover.
I would use this book frequently in a story time setting. I think that children might enjoy simple reenactments of the plot, each taking a role of the characters, Amos, an elephant, a rhino, a turtle, an owl, and a penguin. I would also ask children to make predictions in a few places in the book, specifically when the animals are waiting at the bus stop. I look forward to more entertaining and beautiful picture books from this duo.
Reference information:
Stead, Phillip. A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Illustrated by Erin Stead. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2010. ISBN 978-1-59643-402-8.
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