Picture Book Review #3 - SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stieg, William. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Windmill Books, 1969.  ISBN 978-0-808-52382-1

2.     PLOT SUMMARY

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a magical tale that tells the story of Sylvester, a young donkey who collects pebbles. One Saturday during his vacation Sylvester stops by a river and finds a magic red pebble that grants his every wish. The problem is, you must touch the pebble to make the wishes come true.  When Sylvester comes across a lion he wishes to be transformed into a rock in a moment of panic. The magic red pebble falls to the ground near the rock. His parents search everywhere for him but cannot find him.  Months pass and Sylvester eventually gives up hope and falls into a deep sleep. His heartbroken parents, in an attempt to cheer themselves up, decide to go on a picnic. The spot they pick is right where Sylvester is trapped in the rock.  When his mother sits on the rock it awakens Sylvester. Sylvester’s father finds the magic red pebble lying on the ground and places it on the rock. When Sylvester wishes to be himself again the magic red pebble grants his wish and he is reunited with his parents.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story was very well written because it had a good lesson or theme for the reader which is to be careful what they wish for.  The illustrations in the story were so well developed and had so many details that the reader could understand the story without having to read the book.  The pictures were somewhat understated in color, but this seemed to add to the overall plot and effect of the story. The reader could understand what was happening through the pictures, and they could feel the emotion of the characters.  I thought some of the language was a little too adult for children with the use of words like ceased, gratified, and fetlock, just to name a few.

This story once again had a good lesson and theme throughout it for the reader. Adults and children alike would enjoy it and appreciate the lessons in it. The adults could read the story and enjoy the theme and overall tone.  Children could like at this book alone because even if they could not read it, they could understand the sequence of events by looking at the illustrations.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Caldecott Medal – 1970

100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association

From Bookpage: “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, published in 1969, won the Caldecott Medal in 1970 and remains a favorite of children and adults.”

5.     CONNECTIONS

Gather other read-a-like books to read such as:

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse, I Wish You More, ISBN: 978-1-452-12699-9

McCloskey, Robert, One Morning in Maine, ISBN: 978-0-670-52627-7

Gather other William Steig books to read such as:

Pete’s a Pizza,  ISBN:  978-0-062-05157-8

Shrek!, ISBN:  978-0-374-36879-1

Give children a chance to make their own “magic pebbles” by painting river rocks with metallic paint and glitter.

Sylvester becomes lost during the course of the story. Use this as an opportunity to talk about basic safety to follow such as always checking with your parents before you go outside, what to do if you become lost, and how your parents will always come and look for you.