Independent Reading Level: Level 2
Awards: Best Children's Book of the Year, Caldecott Medal ( )

Phillip and Erin Stead tell a sweet little story about Amos McGee and the animals at the zoo that he cares for. One of our favorites to read to our children, the illustrations evoke such a kindness and rapport between Amos and his friends that you cannot help but feel like you want to be a part of their friendship. The faces Stead draws have a Charlie Brown quality to them, a bit melancholy but still genuine, honest, and caring. The way Amos individually makes time for each animal is reflected in their concern for him when his becomes sick. What you give comes back to you in many ways. Winner of the Caldecott award, it rightfully earns the praise it deserves.

sweet, quiet book, with really marvellous illustrations. ( )

After hearing so much about this award-winning book, it was a delight to finally read it for myself.

So many cute details: a shy penguin in socks while background penguins read and wear floaties for swimming; a balloon that appears on multiple pages; a peacock on the zoo gate whose feathers match the pattern on Amos's bed. There are some light shades of Carl from Up in Amos McGee: an older man in a small house surrounded by big houses, who likes things just so ("6 a.m., right on time!"), and of course that background balloon.

Not my favorite these days, but maybe I would have liked it more if I'd read it when I was younger.

I only read the book--I didn't listen to the CD. ( )

This book is so sweet. It's a quiet, old-fashioned picture book. The illustrations are lovely. I thought it would be too mature for my toddler but he asks for "muss mcgee" all the time and he loves the end when we say goodnight to all of the animals. LOVE. ( )