Bibliography:
Stead, Philip C. 2010. A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9871596434028.
Plot Summary:
Amos McGee, a zookeeper, starts his morning routine by getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, then heading to the bus stop. After arriving at the zoo, Amos McGee visits his friends - the elephant, the turtle, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. The book then leads to the conflict. Amos McGee is sick and stays home from work. The zoo animals miss Amos and take a bus to visit him. The animals take care of Amos, they have tea, then all go to bed at Amos' house.
Critical Analysis:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a beautiful children's story. It shows the importance and duties of friendship between two people (or animals in this case). Amos is the caretaker of the animals at the zoo, and the animals in turn come to care for Amos in his time of need. Both the author and the illustrator made a point for each character to have a distinct personality. From the proud tortoise who wins the race every time to the shy penguin with turned in feet, the illustrations capture the essence on each page.
There are four notable pages in the book with no words - When the animals are waiting for the bus and when the animals are on the bus. Another notable piece of the book is the red balloon. Starting in the second half of the book, a red balloon appears on almost every page. On the last page, the penguin (who is usually with the red balloon) watches the balloon by the moonlight as everyone else sleeps. It is the little details like the red balloon or the small mouse throughout the story that make it even more charming.
The illustrations by Erin E. Stead are simply amazing (for lack of a better word). The picture book has minimal coloration with pencil drawings and shadings for the bulk of the book. Each character is very detailed and shows emotion. The animals and Amos are both thoughtfully illustrated.
Awards Won:
The Caldecott Medal - 2011
ALA Youth Media Award - 2011
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - 2011
Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards (The New York Times Book Review) - 2010
ALSC Notable Children's Book - 2011
Review Excerpt from School Library Journal - "According to the bookflap, Erin creates her illustrations by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil.” That’s impressive in and of itself, but I think the use of color is fascinating."
Connections:
--Use the book to teach kindness and caring for others.
--For preschool students, teach about the animals themselves, characteristics of animals.
--For high school art students, use to show the detail and emotion in illustrations.
--See other books by Philip C. Stead: Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast or Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat.
--Career connection - being a zookeeper.
Source:
School Library Journal. "Review of the Day: A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead." Review of A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead. School Library Journal, April 7, 2010, Review of the Day. http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/04/07/review-of-the-day-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee-by-philip-c-stead/
