Book Summary
Sylvester, a young donkey, enjoys collecting rocks. One day he finds a magic pebble that when held in his hoof grants him whatever he wishes. He experiments with it by wishing for rain. A lion comes along and Sylvester is so frightened that he wishes he was a rock! The lion leaves but Sylvester realizes that he cannot wish to be a donkey again because it is impossible to hold the magic pebble as he no longer has hooves. When Sylvester does not return home, his parents search everywhere for him but cannot find him. After much time passes, Sylvester's parents go for a walk and sit down to have a picnic on Sylvester (the rock). Sylvester's father finds the magic pebble and places it on top of the rock while eating. As his parents discuss how much they miss him, Sylvester wishes how much he wants to be himself again and he turns back into a donkey.
APA Reference
Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York, NY: Scholastic Book Services.
Impressions
This is one of those stories with a hidden message - be careful what you wish for. I think early elementary aged children would probably enjoy this book because the characters are animals and it has a magical theme. I'm sure the book probably deserved the Caldecott Medal at the time it was published, but the illustrations seem pretty average by today's standards.
Professional Review
Like many children, Sylvester has a collection of beautiful stones. One day he finds an especially extraordinary pebble and discovers it grants his every wish. He can stop the rain and turn a fierce lion passive. Conflict arises when, without forethought, Sylvester turns himself into a large stone. Without hands, he cannot hold the pebble and make a wish to return himself to normal. There seems no solution to the problem, so month after month he remains a stone. His parents bring resolution when, during an afternoon picnic, they find the pebble and place it on the rock. Sylvester transforms into a donkey and realizes that he has everything he has always wanted. It is so easy to identify with Sylvester. His childlike expression and his faith in the magical stone touch the believer in all of us. His wanting more out of life is a universal issue. The problem is surprising and seemingly insurmountable. Children will get great joy from exploring ways to help Sylvester. This book, originally released in 1969 has been re-issued with the bright, cheerful watercolor illustrations the author originally intended. Awarded the Caldecott Award Medal in 1970, the story will continue to delight a new generation of children. 2005 (orig. 1969), Simon and Schuster, Ages 4 to 8.
Allen, E. (n.d.) [Review of the book Sylvester and the magic pebble by William Steig]. Children's Literature. Retrieved from: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble-william-steig/1101105956.
Library uses
This book would be a nice book for a read-aloud. It presents fun topics for discussion such as:
"Do you have a collection of anything?" or "What would you wish for if you had a magic pebble?"
Another idea would be a lesson on cause and effect using events from the story.
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