A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Philip, 2010, A Sick Day for Amos McGee , Roaring Book Press, New York, New York, ISBN# 9781596434028

PLOT SUMMARY

Amos McGee is not the average zookeeper.  He demonstrates his love for the animals by playing chest with his elephant friend, holding races with tortoise, caring for Rhino’s allergies and comforting owl who is afraid of the dark.  When Amos misses work one day because he is sick, the animals decide to visit him instead.    

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, is a tender story about friendship.  Stead’s use of a zoo setting, which is exciting and captivating for children, is the perfect backdrop for a story about friendship and compassion.  Stead’s underlying and subtle theme regarding personal differences, as portrayed by the zoo animals, is brilliant;  A sweet illustration of how people of all shapes, sizes, intelligences and talents can be friends and have something to offer one another.   

Erin Stead’s woodblock printed illustrations are superb.  The woodblock and pencil technique with gouache make this tender story even more beautiful.  This touching story about caring for one another is so sweetly depicted and magnificently illustrated you will want to keep it on your bookshelf for generations to come.  I true Caldecott winner!

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal Committee:   “Endearing, expressive characterization in spare illustrations rendered in muted tones distinguish this timeless picture book. It’s a great day for Amos McGee!”

School Library Journal:  “Whether read individually or shared, this gentle story will resonate with youngsters.”

Publisher’s Weekly, STARRED review:  “Newcomer Erin Stead's elegant woodblock prints, breathtaking in their delicacy, contribute to the story's tranquility and draw subtle elements to viewers' attention.”

AWARDS:  ALSC Notable Children's Book; Caldecott Medal Winner; Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year; NYPL Book for Reading and Sharing; Charlotte Zolotow Award / Honor Book; Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens; CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best; Wisconsin Educational Media Association Golden Archer Award Master List

CONNECTIONS

A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a wonderful book for integrated curriculum.  Here are a few ideas for utilizing this story in the classroom:

Language Arts

Make a list of good friend characteristics. Write "Glad to have a friend like you" letters. Listen to and sing along with Marlo Thomas's "Glad to Have a Friend Like You"

Reader’s Theater:  Script parts so students can read and perform book in front of their classmates.

Social Studies
Discuss what it means to be a friend.  Compare a friend with a good citizen
Use this as an introduction to Good citizenship unit.

 Art

Have students design and make their own zoo animal print using potato prints.  Older students could make their own wood block prints using balsa wood.

Technology

All the connections listed can be technology integrated by showing U-Tube woodblock video demonstrating Erin Stead’s illustration process. Also, the students could go on a virtual field trip to the zoo.

Other recommended books:
Arthur’s Friendship Treasury, by Marc Brown
Bear Feels Scared, by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Peanut, by Linas Alsenas
Horace and Morris But Mostly Dolores, by James Howe, illustrated by Amy Walrod
How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their
Friends? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague