Grade K–2Friendship & Kindness

Amos McGee Misses the Bus

Written by Philip C. Stead

Illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Amos McGee, the kind zookeeper who always makes time for his animal friends, misses his bus one morning. What follows is a warm, gentle adventure about friendship, patience, and the unexpected ways a day can unfold when you slow down.

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From the Library Director

Philip and Erin Stead are a picture book treasure, and this companion to the Caldecott-winning 'A Sick Day for Amos McGee' is just as tender and beautifully illustrated. It's a perfect read-aloud for the first weeks of school when you want to set a tone of kindness and community.

Big Idea

True friendship means showing up for the people — and animals — who matter to you, even when it takes a little extra effort.

Discussion Questions

1
Why does Amos McGee always make time for his animal friends at the zoo? What does that tell us about him?
2
How did Amos feel when he missed the bus? Have you ever been late or missed something important? What happened?
3
How did Amos's animal friends react when he didn't arrive? What does their reaction show about their friendship?
4
What are some of the ways Amos shows kindness throughout the story? Can you think of a small act of kindness you could do today?
5
Why is patience an important part of friendship? Can you think of a time you had to be patient for a friend?
6
How do the illustrations help tell the story? What details did you notice that weren't in the words?
7
What makes Amos a good friend? What qualities do you look for in a good friend?
8
If you were one of Amos's animal friends, how would you have helped him get to the zoo?

Activity: My Friendship Map

Students create a 'Friendship Map' showing the people and animals in their lives and the specific ways they show kindness to each other — inspired by Amos's daily routines with his zoo friends.

1
Draw yourself in the center of a large circle. Around you, draw or write the names of three to five friends, family members, or pets who matter to you.
2
Draw a line from yourself to each person or animal. On the line, write one specific thing you do to show that friend you care.
3
Now add one NEW act of kindness you could do for each person this week. Write it in a different color.
4
Share your map with a partner. Tell them about your favorite friendship and why that person or animal is special to you.

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 — With prompting, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 — Use illustrations and details to describe characters, setting, or events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.4 — Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.1 — Use drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces.
Social-Emotional Learning — Develop empathy, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Visual Literacy — Analyze how an illustrator's choices contribute to mood, character, and meaning.