This is a charming story about an elderly gentleman named Amos McGee whose visits with his animal friends at the zoo are a big part of his daily routine.  He plays chess with the elephant, races with the tortoise, visits the penguin, cares for the rhinoceros, and reads to the owl. The story takes a turn when one morning Amos is unable to visit his friends due to a cold.  When his friends begin to wonder where Amos is, they decide to take matters into their own hands.  The result is an entertaining story that demonstrates the meaning of friendship and compassion.  The skillfully sketched illustrations provided by Erin Stead only add to the beautiful storyline.  The drawings are large, simple and yet very attractive. This heart-warming story will be a welcomed and popular addition to any children’s collection.  Highly recommended.