Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Written by William Steig

Narrated by Rex Robbins

Wonderfully brought to life by Jon Lithgow's narration.

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his own donkey self makes a story that is beautifully tender and perfectly joyful.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Release date: Jan 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9780545767873

William Steig

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

Reviews for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

[word.owl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

1970 Caldecott Medal Winner

Ink and watercolor again in this one (I think... not sure).

I remember really loving this book when I was a kid. Sylvester collects pebbles, and one day he finds a magic one that will grant any wish. Unfortunately, when he comes face-to-face with a lion, the first wish he thinks of is to become a rock. Of course a rock has no hands to hold a magic pebble (and ironically neither does a donkey, but we won't think of that), so even though the lion goes on his way, Sylvester is stuck in rock form until his parents accidentally have a picnic on him, put the magic pebble on top of him, and he is able to wish himself back. A great be-careful-what-you-wish-for story that cautions against the thoughtless use of power.

[kaida46_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story about family ties with Steig's delightful artwork.

[ashleytylerjohn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed it and didn't know about the controversy, and have not walked away from the book feeling any less goodwill towards police. From all the talk, you'd think this was hate speech! It's not.

It's a short tale about a young donkey ... if there are lessons to be learned, I guess it's "don't be hasty," although that's a hard one to apply when you're frightened by a lion. Maybe it's "be extra careful when you have a powerful weapon in your hands--in fact, don't carry such a thing around," which I can get behind.

Thought it a bit odd that for the most part it seemed grownups were clothed, and children were naked, although Monday at the park that was coming true for real by the splash pond ... and I liked that the plot wasn't at all what I would have predicted. Good, but I didn't cry.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).

[tammyhil · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Never give up hope!

[yukinatsuo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Picked this up as it was one of the lists to read and has The Caldecott Medal. Felt sad at the part when Duncan turned into a stone but was glad of the ending. A good read to share.

[kittyjay · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sylvester, a young donkey, finds a magic red pebble that grants him any wish he desires while holding it. Elated, he takes it home, but runs into a lion on the way back. After making a wish that he were a rock to avoid the lion, he realizes that he can no longer hold the pebble – and so he cannot make a wish to be back to himself. As his parents go frantic waiting for him to return, they gradually accept that their son is not returning. After a year, they go on a picnic and find the magic pebble right where Sylvester the Rock is sitting in a field. Sylvester’s parents make a wish that their son was back, and Sylvester is returned! They keep the pebble in a safe, but do not use it, because being a family again is all they ever wanted.

The best children’s books are just a little bit scary, and just a little bit sad. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble showcases this admirably: when Sylvester is turned into a rock and unable to wish himself back, his parents are frantic with worry. Unlike some children’s books, where the plot conflict would be resolved immediately, his parents do not immediately get their son back, but instead, wait a year and mourn Sylvester’s disappearance before he is turned back. For a children’s book, it is just the right amount of scary – what if Sylvester never comes back? – but ends with a happy note. Steig’s themes of family being more important than possessions is an important one that makes this a cherished classic.

The illustrations of the animals are simplistic, but the scenery scenes are gorgeously rendered, particularly when Sylvester, as a rock, sees the passing of the seasons. Readers are treated to a nighttime scene with glittering stars and blue mountains, fall leaves painted in scarlets and oranges and golds, a bare winter scene covered in snow, and a cheerful springtime scene with orange and blue trees and purple flowers in a green meadow.

The illustrations are also not afraid to add some humor, even if it was quite controversial at the time it was published. For instance, the police are portrayed as pigs – a joke which may fly over the heads of younger readers, but which will surely make any adults raise an eyebrow. In another scene, when Sylvester makes the rain stop with his wish, two ducks in the pond behind him look to the sky quite confused at the sudden cessation of rain.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble may not seem like much at first glance, but there is a reason why it has endured as a childhood classic: its themes of family being more important than anything one could wish for, the brilliantly rendered and humorous illustrations, and just a touch of scariness that things may not be okay in the end, are all deliciously exciting to children, as well as adults.

[brittburditt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A donkey named Sylvester finds a magic pebble that makes all wishes come true when a person is holding the pebble. Sylvester is on his way home, thinking of everyone who could benefit from the magic pebble, when he comes across a hungry lion. In a panic, Sylvester wishes that he were a rock so that the lion does not eat him. Sylvester's parents become worried when Sylvester does not come home and they send a search party out looking for him. Unknown to them, Sylvester is so close to being home, but he cannot tell anyone that he is a rock. One day Sylvester's parents make a picnic on the rock that Sylvester has turned into. Sylvester's dad finds the magic pebble and sets it on the rock because he reminisces on how Sylvester collected small rocks and pebbles. Having his parents so close, Sylvester wishes he could be with them again, and he transforms back into a donkey to live with his family again. This book has beautiful illustrations that provide more detail for children to see. There is also plenty of figurative language, so this book would be a great way to begin a lesson on figurative language as well as cause and effect purposes.

[jenica_flores-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A donkey named Sylvester comes across a magic pebble that grants anyone what they wish for. When Sylvester runs into a lion he panics and wishes he was a rock. He can't turn himself back into a donkey because he wasn't holding the pebble. Months pass and his parents stop looking for him but come across the same pebble. They place it on Sylvester and he wishes to be himself again. This book uses a lot of descriptivewords and will help if you are introducing figurative language. You can read this book to kids, kinder-3rd Grade.

[carriedann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary
In this Caldecott Award winning story, "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble", Sylvester the donkey, finds a red pebble and learns quickly that he gets whatever he wishes for while holding the pebble. When he runs into a lion though, he doesn't think very clearly and wished himself into a rock. His parents and the townsfolk are searching all over for him, but they could not find him because he was a rock. Missing his family terribly, several seasons have changed and his parents, who are sad about Sylvester missing, have a picnic on the rock (that is Sylvester). His father moves the red pebble onto him and Sylvester is able to wish himself back into the form of a donkey. Sylvester and his parents are reunited and happy once again.

Personal Reaction
This is a very good story about appreciating the thing you have. This story reminds me that wishing for things can't replace friends and family.

Classroom Extension:
1. The students can make a list of things they would wish for.
2. The students can make a list of things that happy about in their lives
2. The students can create/design their own magic pebble.
3. The teacher could use this book for a lesson of weather and the changing of seasons.

[gbill_7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A little scary for awhile, but heartwarming and a reminder of what's important in life - being together.

[ash13276 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We read this book in my literacy class, and i absolutely love it. This book is about a donkey who finds a magic pebble and wishes for many good things when one day he came across a lion i believe who wanted to have Sylvester for dinner so Sylvester instantly asked for the pebble to change him into a rock. the pebble exactly that the only thing was the pebble was not touching the rock therefore the donkey could not change himself back. Anyways the end he gets changed back! Very good book highly recommend in classroom.

[ashbrau · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic. Themes of family, friendship, patience, and keeping hopeful through difficulty.

[lisapier · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hidden in this simple story of a donkey and pebble is a much deeper reflective question. A young donkey finds a special red pebble. He soon discovers that this pebble is magic and grant him his every where as long s it is in his possession. He is startled by a lion and in haste wishes to become a rock. Once this wish is granted, Sylvester no longer can have physical contact with the rock and thus can make no more wishes. He is forced to remain rock for one year. His parents unaware of what happened to their beloved son are sad and grieve his loss. Sylvester is sad and longs for his parents. A year later by happenstance, Sylvester's parents end up dining on their son, the rock. They put him back in contact with the magic pebble. Sylvester wishes himself back to a donkey. He is reunited with his parents and learns a valuable lesson about priorities and responsibilities and the importance of family's love. Colorful illustrations aid in the comprehension of the text. This would be a good read for mid elementary or higher students. It could lead into some good journal writing or a discussion of personal values.

[ekelle8 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This picture book tells the story about a donkey named Sylvester who loves to collect pebbles. One day, he finds a magical pebble that will grant him any wish he wants. On his way home to show his parents the pebble, a scary lion approaches him. In panic, Sylvester wishes to become a rock and so he does. Hours later, his parents began searching for him, but with no luck. A year later, his mother and father journey out into the field for a picnic and sit right next to a giant rock (which is Sylvester). They see the magic pebble and wish Sylvester were there to see it and poof! Sylvester turns back into a donkey and they all live happily ever after.
When reading this book I found a lot of things that I really enjoyed. I loved the Illustrations because they were very easy to read and helpful and followed the story well. Also I would recommend this book for children ages 5 to 8 because this book is at their reading level and they would enjoy the story, I believe this is a good thing because this story has a large age range of children being able to read it at different levels. That is what I liked about Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.

[tburfe1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is amazing! The pictures practically glow, and are so detailed and unique. The story is one of adventure and family. Sylvester is an extremely well developed character, and the plot is paced at exactly the right pace. It makes readers think about valuing their families, and uses language that is perfect for the k-2 age group.

[barbarapatt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun book that makes the reader realize what is really important. Sylvester realized all he really wanted was his family and was really grateful to have them back. Sometimes having too many choices can get us into trouble. An activity for children might be to ask "If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be?"

[kghaemmaghami · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Always wanting for more changes our focus from appreciating what we have. Only after losing what is most precious do we see what we had all along. The happy ending in this book is not always the case so this cautionary tale is best understood early. This book is all about focusing on what we have and appreciating it now. This is a good book for teaching children to count their blessings. Someone always has more but many have less. In a classroom this book could be used together with other books with this message to teach children to recognize and appreciate what they have.

[ekettner-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sylvester's story brings home the old phrase "be careful what you wish for." After finding a magic pebble, Sylvester wishes to bring it home so his friends and family can have all that they've ever longed for. Though his desire is unselfish, the magic proves to be a responsibility too great for Sylvester and he unthinkingly makes a very hasty, unwise wish that nearly destroys his family. His story will remind readers to be grateful for what they have and not to want beyond their means.

[scote23 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Caldecott Winner 1970

The pictures are adorable and the story is cute too.

[jessiebarry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig is about a donkey who finds a magic pebble that will grant any wish. Sylvester's wish backfires and he turns into a rock and is unable to turn himself back to a donkey. His parents got worried about him and ended up finding the pebble and wishing Sylvester back to his original form. This story can be used to teach about magic, love, honesty, and staying true to yourself.

[dylrmstd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a great book about Sylvester who finds a magic pebble that brings about unexpected consequences. I like this book because of the illustrations and the message that the book states and would use it in my classroom to show honesty and being true to yourself. This book is suitable for grades 3 and 4.

[michaela.bushey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This Caldecott Award winning book is about a donkey named Sylvester who loves to collect pebbles. One day, he comes across a magic pebble that grants wishes to its holder. An unexpected turn helps Sylvester and his parents learn that there's no need for wishing when you have each other. Steig's beautiful illustration effectively portray the changing of seasons and emotions of Sylvester and his family. This is a wonderful piece of fantasy fiction that can help children appreciate their family more.

In a classroom, this would be a wonderful read-aloud. Children can actively make predictions about what will happen, and they can have discussions about appreciating family. This book might also serve as a way to introduce the genre of fantasy and its characteristics to children.

[rachelleahna · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is about Sylvester who is threatened by a lion. With his magic pebble Sylvester wishes he is a rock in order to escape the lions threat. Sylvester has to stay a rock until one day, by chance is wished back to himself. This book shows how decisions can effect a childs life immensely. The age for this book is 7-9.

[katieflu628 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" is a story that shows to always be careful of what you wish for. This story also contains proof of the loves parents have for their children. When Sylvester went missing, the parents were devastated and had a hard time moving on with their lives. This is fun story for students to read. This is especially fun for those students who enjoy collecting fun pebbles. It takes students into a feeling of imagination and entertainment.

[kk903148 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary:
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, tells of a story about a young donkey that finds a magic pebble on the ground one day. He realized it was magic because it was storming very bad. He had the pebble in his hoofs and wished for the rain to stop and it did! He then could only think about how he and everyone he knew would have everything that they could ever want. However, when he was on his way home to show his parents the magic pebble a lion started stalking him. Sylvester panicked and wished that he were a rock so that the lion could not eat him. When he did this he realized that he was unable to change back into a donkey because he was no longer holding the pebble. He stayed as a rock from months and months while his family and friends searched for him. One day Sylvester's father thought it would be a good idea to take a picnic with his mother to try and be happy again. Little did they know, they were eating lunch on Sylvester! His father saw the pebble on the ground next to him and put it on the rock because he thought that Sylvester would have loved it. Sylvester kept thinking to himself how much he wished that he could go back to normal and he did!

Personal Reaction:
I thought that this would be a great book to read to a group of second graders. The book teaches a lesson on how it is not always good to get what you wish for. I absolutely love this book.

Extension Ideas:
1. Have write down what they would have wished for if they were to find a magic pebble.
2. Create a poster of "Be careful of what you wish for" and have the children add reasons as to way this is a good saying.

[lvalido-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story makes me think of the phrase, "be careful of what you wish for." Finding a magic pebble that grants wishes would seem like a dream come true, but it could cause good or bad events to happen. Animals with human characteristics add an extra dose to the magical atmosphere. There are many things in this world that may seem valuable, but nothing can compare to having your loved ones with you. The illustrations do a wonderful job of transferring the emotions to the storyline.

[a9stone5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This story is about wishful thinking and the consequences of certain actions. Sylvester faces danger and wishes he were a rock to blend into the surroundings so he won't get eaten. He doesn't realize the pebble he is holding is magical, and gets turned into a rock! The story proceeds to explain what Sylvester and his family goes through to get him back. Story suitable for children in 4th grade and up.

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Sylvester finds a beautiful red pebble one day, the rock-collecting donkey is delighted. When that pebble turns out to be a magical stone that grants wishes, he is even more overjoyed, and rushes home to share the largess with his loving parents. Unfortunately, a chance encounter with a lion on his way, and a hastily made wish, see him transformed into an inanimate stone, with little prospect of ever being released from his self-inflicted enchantment. As Sylvester's parents begin their long search for him, he sits quietly in the meadow, unable to move. Will he ever become a donkey again, or be reunited with his parents...?

Apparently this charming picture-book - first published in 1969, and awarded a Caldecott Medal in 1970 - has been challenged in at least eleven states! Why you ask? Because its tale of a donkey who accidentally wishes himself into a stone, thereby causing grief to his loving parents, and to himself, is too disturbing for youngsters? No! Because it contains magic in the first place, and that might give impressionable young readers the 'wrong' idea? Again, no! This one was challenged because the police officers in the story - the helpful police officers who comfort Sylvester's parents, and try to help them find their son - are depicted as pigs! Of course, there's also a housewife depicted as a pig, but housewives aren't quite as organized as the police, who began challenging Sylvester and the Magic Pebble in 1977, in Indiana. That sound you hear is me rolling my eyes...

In any case, I'm glad I finally had a chance to read this classic of the picture-book genre, as I think it really is delightful, with an engrossing tale that treats childhood with the respect it deserves - no, children aren't all sweetness and light, and yes, they experience dark realities - and expressive artwork that captures both the humor and terror of Sylvester's predicament.

[kellylpickett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sylvester is a young donkey who loves to collect rocks and pebbles. One day he finds a beautiful red magic pebble that grants wishes. It made the rain cease then start again as quickly as Sylvester could ask. Then as he was headed home to show his parents the magic pebble, he comes accoss a lion and in his excitement wishes to become a rock in order to hide from the lion. Unfortunately, Sylvester is unable to wish himself back into a donkey because he is no longer holding the pebble. After what seems to be a year of searching for Sylvester, his parents decide to go on a picnic and just so happen to sit by the rock that is Sylvester. His father finds the pebble and places it on the rock thinking how much his son would have loved it. Sensing his parent's presence, Sylvester wishes he was himself again and magically appears.
This is a strange little story that I remember loving as a child. It's basic message is 'be careful what you wish for' and to be thankful for what you have.

[benuathanasia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I adore Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. This is a great book for kids with wonderful illustrations, a good plot, good voice, and good moral. My favorite part is the reason it's most often banned: the use of pigs as police!