A Sick Day for Amos McGee

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Philip C. 2010. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. By Erin E. Stead. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 978-1-59643-402-8

AWARD(S)

• 2011 Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner

 PLOT SUMMARY

In this subtly humorous story, Amos McGee, a friendly zookeeper, visits his animal friends daily. He spends time playing chess with an elephant, racing a tortoise, sitting quietly with a penguin, lending a handkerchief to a runny-nosed rhinoceros, and reading to an owl. The tables turn when one day Amos wakes up sick and his animal friends make a visit to his home to cheer him up.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Philip Stead develops the story in an easy-to-follow sequential way that young children can understand. Children will be drawn to the book by the animals and their relationship with the main character, Amos McGee. Through the words and illustrations, Amos is depicted as a friendly older gentleman dedicated to his job as a zookeeper. Amos shows compassion for the animals, and in turn, the animals show compassion to him when he’s sick – as friends often do.

Erin E. Stead uses simple yet elegant woodblock printing and pencil designs to add to the overall friendliness of the story. Even on pages without words, she conveys the message that needs to be told. The book starts with hints of understated color until the end of the book where each page is almost completely colored exemplifying the happiness of friendship.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• BOOKLIST, May 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 17) – “The extension of the familiar pet-bonding theme will have great appeal…”
• CHILDREN’S LITERATURE – “The story is told simply but in rich detail and with the sly humor of the imaginative premise.”
• COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER CHOICES, 2011 – “…comforting story of friendship…”
• Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - “Newcomer Erin Stead's elegant woodblock prints, breathtaking in their delicacy, contribute to the story's tranquility and draw subtle elements to viewers' attention.”
• Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS – “This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships."

CONNECTIONS

• Have students retell the story using puppets, self-created costumes, or plastic zoo animals, videotape their story, and play other students.
• With other books by Philip C. Stead, compare and contrast the main characters personalities and how they interact with others.
• JONATHAN AND THE BIG BLUE BOAT – ISBN 978-1596435629
• CREAMED TUNA FISH AND PEAS ON TOAST – ISBN 978-1596434011
• Utilize the video at the http://us.macmillan.com/asickdayforamosmcgeeto share Erin Stead’s woodblock process and then allow students to try their skills using thick cardboard that they’ve cut shapes into.
• Allow students to research woodblock printing history and methods.