Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Steig, William. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1969.  ISBN 067166154X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of Sylvester, a young donkey who finds joy in collecting pebbles. One day he finds a shiny, red pebble that grants wishes when he holds it. Sadly, he encounters a lion and wishes to be a rock. No longer holding the pebble, Sylvester cannot undo the wish and must stay a rock even as his parents frantically search for him. One day, while on a picnic, his parents find the pebble, set it on the rock, and Sylvester is finally able to reverse the wish.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the beginning, this seem like a heartwarming story of love and family, but quickly becomes a lesson in snap decisions and being grateful for what one has. Sylvester can’t wait to share this magic pebble with his family, but one moment of panic changes all of their lives in an instant. As time passes, the sadness and even depression that Sylvester feels, forces the reader to continue with little hope of a positive resolution. Finally, the sound of his mother’s voice awakens him and after having the pebble placed on his back, he is able to make that last wish to reverse his situation. Readers get the “happily ever after” resolution and see a family that is reunited and grateful for simply being together again.

The book is illustrated with both single and double page layouts colored with soft blended shades. The emotions of all characters, from sadness and despair to happiness, are explicitly shown through their facial expressions. The illustrations show the passage of time through fall, winter, and spring without requiring the author to use additional unnecessary words. It is also interesting to note that the sun only shines at the beginning and end of the story when Sylvester is a donkey. The last page leaves readers with the sense of joy, contentment and belonging that comes from the love and acceptance of those who care the most about you.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1970 CALDECOTT MEDAL

Top 100 Picture Books by School Library Journal

From the publisher: “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.”

From School Library Journal: “That strange little story of magic, loss, and recovery strikes a deep chord in the hearts and minds of children and parents everywhere.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Gather other Caldecott Medal books to read such as:

•                      Lobel, Arnold. Fables. ISBN 0064430464

Gather other William Steig books to read such as:

•                     Abel’s Island. ISBN 9780374300104

•                     Doctor DeSoto. ISBN 0312611897

•                     Brave Irene. ISBN 9780312564223

•                     The Amazing Bone. ISBN 031256421X

Gather other books with a similar theme:

•                     Bush, John. The Fish Who Could Wish. ISBN 0192727133

•                     Morpurgo, Michael. The Rainbow Bear. ISBN 0552546402

Use as a guidance lesson on being grateful or compassionate towards others.

Use with a primary science unit as an introduction to seasons.