A Sick Day for Amos McGee

I was browsing around the bookstore Monday when I came across a book entitled "A Sick Day for Amos McGee". The illustrations were what first attracted me to the book. I don't usually judge a book by its cover, but in this case I am glad I did.
"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" is about a zoo keeper named Amos McGee. Every day he wakes up, makes his breakfast and rides the bus to work. Once there, he keeps busy all day with his animal friends.  He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise, keeps the shy penguin company, and reads bedtime stories to the owl.
But one morning Amos is too sick to go to work.  His animal friends miss him so much that they take the bus to Amos' house to keep him company. With his good friends' help, Amos  makes it back to the zoo in no time.
This book is written by Philip Stead and illustrated by his wife Erin Stead. Because of her beautiful work, the book won the 2011 Caldecott award for best children's illustrated book. It also won an award for the story. Publisher Weekly listed it as best Children's book of 2010.
The story itself, though simply written with easy to follow sentences, has a charm which keeps little ones entertained. The animals unique personalities give the children an imagery that they will love for many years.
This story is for younger children, from ages three to seven. It is easy to read out loud. Definitely a good book to sit down with for a little quiet time.  The illustrations are accurately done.The book is shaded rather than colored, but the shading seems to fit the entire story somehow.
Don't be surprised if once she reads the book,  your little ones want to challenge the tortoises to a race, or an elephant to chess.  After reading "A Sick day for Amos McGee" you may want to yourself!