Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Zookeeper knits gifts for animals in sweet friendship tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A SNOW DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE starts with with zookeeper Amos eagerly awaiting the first snowfall after days of wind and rain. He works to finish knitting and delivering cozy gifts for his animal friends at the zoo: a scarf for the giraffe, monkey, and rhinoceros; a pom-pom hat like his for the elephant; an afghan for the tortoise, "who liked the feeling of being all tucked in"; thick socks for the penguin; a sweater for the owl. The snow doesn't come on the day of his deliveries, but that night it begins to fall while they're all asleep. In the morning "Hooray! The snow is here!" Then Amos and the animals play, sled, ski, and shovel a path in the snow for tomorrow and end the fun day with hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Is It Any Good?
This gentle story of friendship and fun in the snow is perfect for a cozy read aloud, with or without hot chocolate. A Snow Day for Amos McGee continues the warm vibe of Philip C. Stead's first two Amos picture books. And illustrator Erin E. Stead's delicate illustrations against a mostly white and light blue background, spotlight the red knit gifts that provide cheerful pops of color. There's an underlying positive message of kindness, generosity, and looking out for your friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the winter fun shown in A Snow Day for Amos McGee. Have you ever made a snow angel, a snowman, or hot chocolate? Gone sledding? How would you like to do those things with zoo animals? Which ones would you pick to play with you?
The zookeeper takes time to knit gifts for his animal friends, thinking about how those things could make them more comfortable in winter. Why is empathy an important character strength? If you made a present for a friend or family member, what would you make?
What's your favorite picture in the book? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Erin E. Stead
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 30, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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