Sylvester and the Magical Pebble By William Steig

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Steig, William, 1907-2003. (1969). Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York :Windmill Books. ISBN 9780671661540


PLOT SUMMARY

Sylvester, a donkey, loves collecting pebbles. On a rainy day, he comes upon a red pebble and he discovers it has magic. The pebble can grant Sylvester’s every wish like making a rainy day stop. Excited over his finding he heads home to tell his parents of the lucky treasure he has found. Though, to his luck he sees a lion in the distance. Sylvester panics and wishes he was a rock without thinking. 

Sylvester is trapped as a rock and spends many days wishing someone would come and save him. Sylvester’s parents desperately look for him many days that lead to months. Sylvester’s dad in an attempt to cheer up his wife he takes her to have a picnic on the rock which is actually their son. The story ends with Sylvester turning back into a donkey and sharing a warm embrace with his family.    


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Steig’s picture book is full of color with a delightful lesson that children and parents will love. The illustrations show heartfelt emotions of the animals. One can see how the illustrator paid attention to small details to make this picture book reach the audience emotionally. The characters facial expression change depending on the mood of the story. 

Children yearn for many things and finding a magical pebble that can grant their every wish would be a dream come true just like Sylverster thought. Though through Steig’s picture book children can see that having everything one wishes for is not as great as it may seem. The things that are most important and should be valued are love and having the strength to overcome obstacles like Sylvester learned. Sylverster never gives up hope and neither do his parents of finding him. Children can relate for this book shows the main character expresses his fears and the love for his family.


 REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Caldecott Medal

Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
National Book Award Finalist for Children’s Books
 

KIRKUS REVIEWS. “…is a fable of happy families of all breeds.”


CONNECTIONS

This book gives a “be careful what you wish” lesson to children. It demonstrates that at the time you might wish for something, but it may not be the best choice. This book is also good for all types of family for it shows the importance of having people that care and will never give up on you. Other books with similar message:

Thurber, James. Many Moons. ISBN 0152518738

Brown, Marcia. Once a Mouse. ISBN 0689713436

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