This was a cute book that we read as an introduction to our virtual tour of the San Diego Zoo. ( )

So cute I squealed. ( )

In A Sick Day for Amos McGee, a very punctual, somewhat rigid, zookeeper always — always — takes the No. 5 bus to work at 6 a.m.

At the City Zoo, he visits his friends: the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros and the owl.

Until one day, Amos McGee wakes up with a terrible cold. He calls in sick, and his animal friends must overcome their fears to help take care of their friend.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee went on to sell nearly 500,000 copies and for a very good reason. It is a wonderfully charming story about friendship complete with amazing old school looking illustrations apparently done by hand by using woodblock printing techniques and pencil. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Preschool - 2nd Grade
Awards: Caldecott Medal (2011)

This is a lovely warm-hearted book. This is Erin E. Steadman's first book as an illustrator, and it won a well-deserved Caldecott Medal. The words and the pictures go together beautifully. ( )