Families who loved The Sick Day by Patricia MacLachlan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your little one is feeling under the weather or when they are learning about the reciprocal nature of friendship. This gentle, quiet story follows Amos McGee, a dedicated zoo keeper who spends his days caring for his animal friends with specific acts of kindness. When Amos wakes up with a cold and can't make it to work, his loyal friends take the bus to his house to return the favor. It is a perfect choice for children ages 3 to 7 who may be experiencing their first bouts of illness or who are moving from parallel play to more empathetic social interactions. Through its rhythmic and predictable structure, the story models how we show love by noticing the small needs of others. It provides a comforting roadmap for being a good friend and a brave patient.