Bibliography
Stead, Philip C. 2009. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. by Stead, Erin E. Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596434028
Plot Summary
In this picture book, author Philip Stead writes about an elderly man that has a gentle soul. Amos McGee visits his animal friends daily at the zoo, where he works. McGee, has a daily routine where he makes time to do special things with each of his friends. He shares an extraordinary relationship with an elephant, rhinoceros, penguin, the tortoise, and an owl. One day Amos McGee gets ill and is unable to come to work to see his friends so his friends rush quickly to comfort and care for him.
Critical Analysis
This charming story is great for the young and old because it introduces compassion towards one another. It teaches everyone how to respect and how to be a loyal friend. This is a timeless and fundamental narrative that has the underline meaning throughout the story, "treat others as you would have them treat you". It's sweet how the animals are doing human-like acts when Amos McGee gets sick. People desire friendships such as the depicted characters in this story.
The illustrations in this book are just as gentle as the character Amos McGee. The illustrator Erin Stead created her images by hand using wood block printing techniques and pencil. The pictures are subtle in color and simple so that you can focus on the characters on an uncluttered background. The wordless pages constructs an intimate connection with each character.
Reviews Excerpts/Awards
Kirkus Review: "Erin E. Stead’s beautifully wrought woodblock prints and pencil work create almost painfully expressive characters...This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships."
School Library Journal Review: “Whether read individually or shared, this gentle story will resonate with youngsters.”
Booklist Review: "Like the story, the quiet pictures, rendered in pencil and woodblock color prints, are both tender and hilarious… 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.”
The New York Times Book Review: "Observant readers will notice tiny surprises hidden in plain sight: a red balloon, a tiny mouse and sparrow popping up here and there in the story. Erin E. Stead, the illustrator, overlays her pencil sketches with gentle tones of pink, peach, blue and green, and bright red spots that belie the deceptive ordinariness of the text."
Connections
-Have the children make a list of what a good friend is and how to be a good friend.
-Research each animal in the story and write about them.
-Have students brainstorm a list of other animals that they would see at the zoo, and have them change the story with one of the new animals.
-Read additional stories about friendships such as Help: A Story of Friendship! by Holly Keller, George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends by James Marshall, or Best Friends: A Special Book of True Friendship by Fran Pickering, Poppy Bloom, and John Blackman.
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