A Sick Day for Amos McGee

by Philip C. Stead
illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Roaring Brook Press/A Neal Porter Book | 2010

Amos goes to work each morning at the City Zoo, where all his friends wait for him. He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the turtle, reads with the owl, and more. Then one day, Amos McGee has a cold and takes a sick day. Soon, all his friends have hatched a plan and spend the day with Amos after all.

This absolutely beautiful book, written and illustrated by the Steads, who are husband and wife, won the 2011 Caldecott. It's a quiet story. It's a perfect story. It's one of those classics that will be around when my 2-year-old niece is old and gray and people will still read it to their kids.

Erin's artwork is exquisite. She cuts woodblocks and prints the colored layers of each illustration. Then she draws with pencil on top. I was recently at a conference and got to see her wood blocks--they are so cool!

Pick this one up for all the kids on your holiday shopping list. They'll love it (and you will too)!