Parents' Guide to

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

2011 Caldecott winner celebrates caring for one another.

Book Philip C. Stead Picture Book 2010
A Sick Day for Amos McGee Poster Image

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What's the Story?

When a kindly zoo keeper wakes up feeling sick, he must stay home. So, the animals he faithfully looks after decide to come to his house to take care of him -- and cheer him up.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

This is a beautiful book about kindness told through simple text and illustrations. Readers will certainly feel Amos's joy when his animal friends appear at his house, a penguin carrying a bright red balloon ("Hooray! My friends are here!").

Woodblock illustrations with mostly soft colors -- and a bright red balloon -- draw readers into this gentle tale. As families reread this book, kids will have fun noticing small details, such as the turtle caring a tea tray on its shell, or the elephant curled up with a teddy bear on the last page. And they'll have no trouble picking up on the book's sweet message about the importance of taking care of others.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the animals take care of their zookeeper in A Sick Day for Amos McGee. What are some things that you like when you are sick -- playing games, having tea, snuggling? What are some things you can do for other family members when they're not feeling well?

  • Why do you think the animals decided to pay Amos a visit at his house? Were they just lonely -- or was it something else?

  • Why is it important to take care of others in need?

Book Details

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