Perfect Picture Books: A Sick Day For Amos McGee
Last week I said I'd try to read all of the wonderful posts on Susanna's site sometime before the following Monday. Well, I'm here to report that, well, that just didn't happen. For those of you who said you were trying to do the same, I hope you fared better than I.
That said, I did manage to pass along the Lucky 7 MEME to 7 other writers. And, I did manage to type up a couple of my A to Z in April posts, although there are many to go, and I need to re-do A because I like my first idea better. Did I mention I was trying to plan ahead???
Anyway, on to Perfect Picture Books! This week's title is A Sick Day for Amos McGee. The story is an endearing one of friendship and the illustrations are amazing with so much detail it's incredible. Enjoy!
Title: A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Written by: Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by: Erin E. Stead
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2010
Suitable for:
Themes/Topics: Sickness, Friendship
Opening: From the first page: Amos McGee was an early riser. Every morning when the alarm clock clanged, he swung his legs out of bed and swapped his pajamas for a fresh pressed uniform.
Brief Synopsis: Amos McGee is a zookeeper. Every day he tends to the animals in the zoo and plays individual games with each of them. One day, when Amos is too sick to go to work, his friends, the zoo animals, come to see him.
Links to resources/Activities: I would ask children what they would do to help Amos (or anyone) feel better if they were sick. I bet the answers could be pretty funny.
Why I chose this book: This book was recommended to me from our town children's librarian. The story is warm and the friendship is so heartfelt that it just pours through the pages. The illustrations are amazing and so detailed, especially the elephant. I love the way the animals give back to Amos and help him feel better.
That said, I did manage to pass along the Lucky 7 MEME to 7 other writers. And, I did manage to type up a couple of my A to Z in April posts, although there are many to go, and I need to re-do A because I like my first idea better. Did I mention I was trying to plan ahead???
Anyway, on to Perfect Picture Books! This week's title is A Sick Day for Amos McGee. The story is an endearing one of friendship and the illustrations are amazing with so much detail it's incredible. Enjoy!
Title: A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Written by: Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by: Erin E. Stead
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2010
Suitable for:
Themes/Topics: Sickness, Friendship
Opening: From the first page: Amos McGee was an early riser. Every morning when the alarm clock clanged, he swung his legs out of bed and swapped his pajamas for a fresh pressed uniform.
Brief Synopsis: Amos McGee is a zookeeper. Every day he tends to the animals in the zoo and plays individual games with each of them. One day, when Amos is too sick to go to work, his friends, the zoo animals, come to see him.
Links to resources/Activities: I would ask children what they would do to help Amos (or anyone) feel better if they were sick. I bet the answers could be pretty funny.
Why I chose this book: This book was recommended to me from our town children's librarian. The story is warm and the friendship is so heartfelt that it just pours through the pages. The illustrations are amazing and so detailed, especially the elephant. I love the way the animals give back to Amos and help him feel better.
The illustrations in this book are awesome. I love that the animals come tovisit him :)
ReplyDeleteI know! It's such a great example of friendship and giving back.
DeleteWe have this book, and it is brilliant. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteA friendship book is just what we need at this house. We adore books like this. What a fantastic cover too. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's just beautiful and I loved reading it and talking about all the little things that the animals do for Amos.
DeleteI love a story where the character that gives his all is shown friendship when he needs it, how lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt sets such a great example for kids. Do unto others.
DeleteI absolutely love this book! I was able to hear Erin and Philip speak at a seminar this fall. The wood block illustrations are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat must have been amazing to see them speak. I want to check out their other book- the title (which of course escapes me) sounded very funny.
DeleteFirst, thanks for the tag in lucky 7 Meme. But I don't think I've written anything longer than 1,500 words. Hmmmmm. As for Amos McGee, this is such a lovely story, but I don't think I've shared it with my kids yet. I'll have to get it for them.
ReplyDeleteKirsten, that's ok. I chose page 7 rather than 77, but if your work is shorter, I'd pick line 77 or whatever fits. Can't wait to read your post!
DeleteSaw this book in B & N yesterday and bought it for my granddaughter. It is such a good book. All kids can identify.
ReplyDeleteI am just so in love with this beautiful book! I love the spread with the animals riding the bus. Each year at the end of the school-year, my kids gift a book to their classroom. Last year, my daughter picked this one to leave behind for the next year's first-graders. She was in love with it too! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat image spread is awesome. I don't think there are even any words on the page, and truthfully, none are needed. I love when they're all piled on Amos' bed at the end to keep him company. They don't leave his side. So great!
DeleteI have heard so much about this book, will have to go read it now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe adore this book. Erin Stead's artwork is so beautiful-picture book eye candy!
ReplyDeletePicture book eye candy- love it!
DeleteI think this story (and the cover). I've been sick all week, so I haven't been productive on many front. Good luck this week. While toddler refuses to sleep, I'm trying to make it through the list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this in a while but I did really like it. I'll have to read it again. I'm glad it's on the list.
ReplyDeleteJust look at that elephant. I have to get that book!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
You are right, Tracy. This book certainly has wonderful illustrations. The cover speaks for itself. This book reminds me of Ralph Helfer's Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived. It's quite a read, but I do recommend that you check it out. It has a similar touch on friendship, except the novel is based on a real elephant. In any case, it's always nice to read about stories that warms the heart. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete