A Snow Day for Amos McGee

Amos McGee #3

by Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead (illustrator)

A cozy, inviting, and heartwarming wintry tale about friendship and playing in the snow, from Caldecott Medal-winning and NYT bestselling duo Philip and Erin Stead, perfect for fans of The Snowy Nap and The Mitten.

Amos McGee, the friendly zookeeper, loves spending time with his good friends no matter the season. When snow in the forecast never arrives, he decides to head home and hope it comes another day. But when overnight a surprise snowfall blankets the town in fluffy white, what shall his lovable squad of animals do? Visit Amos and play in the snow, of course!

Amos and his familiar companions are back for this delightful tale of winter hope and joy—the latest follow-up to the Caldecott Medal winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime, Juvenile, Cozy

48 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Philip C. Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee, also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2010 and a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of 2010, illustrated by his wife, Erin E. Stead. Together with Erin, he also created Bear Has a Story to Tell, an E.B. White Read-Aloud Award honor book. Philip, also an artist, has written and illustrated several of his own books including Hello, My Name is Ruby, Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat, A Home for Bird, and his debut Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast, which was applauded by School Library Journal for “its wry humor and illustrations worthy of a Roald Dahl creation.” Philip lives with Erin and their dog, Wednesday, in a 100-year-old barn in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Reviews

[Carolyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stead’s have outdone themselves yet again!

Erin’s illustrations are breathtaking!
Philip’s writing is wonderful!
And the story as a whole was perfection!

Accompanying Amos and his animal friends on their different adventures is such a tremendous joy!

Now I want Amos to knit ME something for the snowy winter ahead!

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. I love these characters with my whole heart. ❤️

[Cristina Di Matteo · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMOS PERBACCO ASPETTA LA NEVE di Philip C. Stead e Erin E. Stead. Un meraviglioso albo illustrato che profuma d’inverno, di attesa e di dolcezza, una storia che pagina dopo pagina, si rivela piena di poesia e di vita. Da 4 anni <3 https://ilmondodichri.com/amos-perbac...


#amosperbaccpoaspettalaneve #babalibri

[Donna Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this third Amos McGee book, he and his animal friends from the zoo anticipate the first big snow of the year. The illustrations are delicately penciled, the colors sparing and soft, for an exceedingly gentle look. A fun and transportive story, so delicate and close to reality -- aside from all the animals doing human things -- it's easy to get swept up in the comfort of Amos McGee's world.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first snow of the season is on its way and Amos the zookeeper and his animal friends are eagerly waiting while Amos has knitted cozy gifts for them. A great choice for kids waiting for winter and wanting to see animals play in the snow. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I were so happy to see another light-hearted adventure for Amos McGee and his zoo resident friends. The build up to the snow storm was subtle and beautiful. So much love for the Steads over here!

[Leonard Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am particularly taken with the blue trees.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 a cute follow up

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to get back into the cozy world of Amos McGee. Enjoyed the details in the illustrations and being reacquainted with Amos’ zoo friends.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stead's illustrations are always exquisite, even when paired with predictably sequal-ish text.

[Tracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute and cozy story about a charming zookeeper who prepares himself (and his animal friends) for a the year's first snowfall.

Despite the cute, cozy, charming vibes, I didn't feel that this narrative knitted together as well as the first Amos McGee book (A Sick Day for Amos McGee). The rhinoceros senses a "case of the sniffles coming on," but this isn't addressed in subsequent spreads (when the snow comes, the rhinoceros "helped fill birdfeeders"). The book starts with Amos pouring "himself another cup of tea" and ends with him making cocoa "[a]nd before anyone even had to ask.../ Amos added an extra marshmallow to every mug." While I liked the snuggly warmth of this ending, I also felt a bit puzzled by it because no one had complained about a lack of marshmallows in the story itself, and the only mention of them was when "The elephant sorted mugs and counted marshmallows" at the zoo.

Perhaps I missed something? Perhaps this is a theme in previous Amos McGee books, and I just don't remember it?

Nevertheless, I still found this to be a fun winter-y read because of the cute, cozy and charming vibes and stellar illustrations. I just wanted a bit more from the narrative.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead is one of my all time favorite picture books. 5 star just so quaint and amazing, that when I saw this I immediately requested it. Now it's hard to fully judge because I was only able to request the audiobook version and part of what I loved was the accompaning artwork. However, based on the cover art I'm assuming that the artwork is of similar style and quality and I hope that is true.
Ok onto what I could assess, the story. It was just as well done and charming as the original book. I love the main character's personality and the addition of all the animals and what they bring to the story, I highly recommend this for all young readers. It would be great for a winter/snow unit study or just for a fun read aloud.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for a free ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Although this is a simple story it is also a good one. I really do love the Amos books because it is rare to have elderly people be the protagonists of children's books and I think that is a great thing! This story is also full of wonder and joy. It is on the longer side for a picture book story, but I think that this would work for a child in the later parts of infancy (5-6)
The audiobook is excellent! The background music only adds to the whimsy of the book and the narrator is perfect. His voice at first seemed too deep for the story, but when he got going, I understood that it has that Bing Crosby feel that rounds out the story!

[Jared White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the coziest books I've ever had the pleasure of reading! Almost every illustration is like a soft, warm hug. I absolutely love the story (as a snow lover myself) and the illustrations. I love the gifts that Amos has knitted for each of his friends, and the activities he does with each animal; the illustrations and text match perfectly (I suppose that's one advantage of a husband and wife team!).

It's kind of interesting that the illustration on the cover doesn't match any of those on the interior. Also, the tortoise is wearing a scarf, which is what Amos gave to the rhino... maybe it's on the second snow day that they share together. :)

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a hard winter -- so much snow, wind, and COLD -- and we're not even halfway through yet. Then comes along the latest installment in the Amos McGee picture book series, A Snow Day for Amos McGee with the eager anticipation of the first snowflake, the generous warm knitted gifts, and the fun that can be had in the snow with friends, followed by the cozy companionship and hot chocolate inside. And I am gently reminded of the joy that also comes with winter. A deeply satisfying and delightful addition to the series and the season.

Book Pairings:
Jamie A. Swenson's We Want Snow!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this eARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Mother of 2 here - and we love Amos McGee! We are big fans of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, so we were excited to see there are other books. My children love to have books read to them so the audiobook version was perfect, although they did say they missed the pictures. We love the incorporation of the animals in these stories, and laughed at the thought of the tortoise trying on skis. We loved this story and would, ofcourse, recommend to a family with elementary-aged children.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until reading this Amos titles I have always thought it is the story I am drawn to, but it really is the illustrations. Perhaps it is because I have always enjoyed wood block illustration and in this title they are exquisitely rendered and enhanced with pencil. I especially like the wrinkles, yes the wrinkles around the elephant’s eye as well as the aged face of Amos. While not really enjoying the winter months, I found within the text some inspiration to look forward to it and enjoy its time in other words, be in the moment.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Amos liked to imagine that his radio was a crackling fireplace. He warmed himself each day with the possibility of good news."

What a wonderful sentiment! The good news Amos so eagerly awaits is a forecast for the first snow. He and his animal friends prepare themselves for the first flake. And when the snow arrives, they have a wonderful time.

Have hot chocolate on hand for this one. With extra marshmallows.
As always, the Steads have created a masterpiece. Erin's illustrations are sublime!

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady]

Early Literacy Playbook December 2025
Gift Guide:
A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead – Zookeeper Amos is back, with all of his zoo animal friends, for some winter fun in the snow.

Why I Love It: The kindness-oriented story and gentle illustrations make this a super-cozy read, perfect for snuggling up together under a blanket (maybe after a day of enjoying snow-day activities). Amos is kind and thoughtful, and all the friends clearly enjoy doing things together. It’s just a lovely, lovely story.

[CONSTANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest book in this series is as heartwarming as the earlier ones and I immediately fell in love with it.
Amos is looking forward to the snow finally beginning and when it does, he takes the bus to his job at the zoo, presents the animals with very specific cozy gifts he’s knitted and they all take off to enjoy the weather.
The soft illustrations and tender story will make it, along with the prior two, a family favorite.

[Zan Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amos McGee, the friendly zookeeper, loves spending time with his good friends no matter the season. When snow in the forecast never arrives, he decides to head home and hope it comes another day. But when overnight a surprise snowfall blankets the town in fluffy white, what shall his lovable squad of animals do? Visit Amos and play in the snow, of course!"--

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amos, the zoo-keeper, is excited for the first big snow. He has knitted items for his zoo friends. Then they wait for the snow together, but it doesn't come. Owl spots the first snowflake that night. Then when the animals wake to snow they shovel their way to Amos's house and they celebrate the day together. Amos takes time with each animal friend and they end the day with some hot coco.

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amos has knitted hats, scarves, socks, and blankets for his friends at the zoo in anticipation of the first show of the season. When the snow arrives after Amos leaves the zoo, the animals shovel a path to his home where they go sledding, make snow angels, and enjoy some hot chocolate. The soft color palette compliments the cozy feeling of affection and friendship Amos has for his friends.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Amos McGee is anticipating the coming snowfalls of winter, even knitting all sorts of lovely new accessories for his animal friends at the zoo - but when the snow falls during the night, the animals decide to bring their playful plans to his very doorstep! Stead and Stead provide a pleasant frolic for little readers through this delightfully seasonal tale, calming and kindhearted.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first entry into Amos McGee and now I know why it is so popular! I mean snow and animals are my two favorite things, it was such a fun read! I loved how he knitted different items for different creatures and shared his love of the snowday with his zoo friends :)

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @mackidsbooks for this early ARC book to read.

👧🏻reviews: Amos should be voted for his out of this world friendship with his friends. This is a heart warming story and perfect during winter time to read under the blanket with a cup of chocolate milk. I love this book 👍👍

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Snow Day for Amos McGee (Hardcover)
by Philip C. Stead
The audio book has a kind voice that adds to the story. The love of the season shows with the first snow of the year. the zoo keeper prepares each animal with a gift. and they celebrate together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Phillip and Erin Stead and their magical Amos McGee could make winter seem cozy, serene, and magical. These books are true classics, with their gentle, sweet, and beautiful illustrations, and a cast of characters who are kind, compassionate, and marvel at the ordinary miracles.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zookeeper Amos McGee anticipates the first snow.

This is a gentle story about the joy of the first snowfall of winter, friendship, and caring.

The illustrations were done with woodblock printing and pencil.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw, Amos McGhee. I love you! I love your crickety pencil self. I love your yellow strips. I love your knitting needles. And your animal friends. And I love your city bus ride and giraffe. I just love you.