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.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Santat, Dan. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. New York: Little Brown and Company, 2014.  ISBN 978-0-316-19998-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of an imaginary friend waiting for a child to imagine him.  After waiting for many nights, he sets out on a journey to find his friend. The real world doesn’t turn out to be quite what he imagined, and after more searching he still can’t find his friend. Sad, alone, and ready to give up, he finally hears her, and they discover that they are perfect friends.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story of perseverance and acceptance, makes Beekle a unique, loveable character from the very beginning. As he travels from his island home into the, often scary, real world, the reader can only hope that this journey will lead him to his real friend. As time passes, without that connection, the reader hopes for him to find a friend but can relate to the sadness of continually being left out and all alone. Finally, readers meet Beekle’s one true friend and delight in the adventures that were impossible alone.   

The colorful illustrations perfectly complement this book. The emotions that Beekle feels, like sadness and fear, are depicted through more monochromatic color schemes, like browns and grays. When he is hopeful or excited, however the picture is filled with vibrant colors. The double-page layout style gives readers the feeling of traveling and moving on the adventure with Beekle. The last three pages remind readers of the joy and excitement of finding a best friend and being able to share everything with that one special person.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2015 CALDECOTT MEDAL

Best Overall Picture Book of 2014 by Huffington Post

ALSC Notable Book for Children

From The Huffington Post: "We should all be grateful that Santat, with his brilliant use of color and humor, was here to bring Beekle to life.”

From School Library Journal: “How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? A terrific addition to any library.”

From LMC: “This story would comfort children looking for new friends and would also encourage children to reach out to someone different.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Other Caldecott Medal books:

•                      Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. ISBN 0064431789

Other Dan Santat illustrated books:

•                      Buckley, Michael. Kel Gilligan’s Daredevil Stunt Show. ISBN 141970379X

•                      Diesen, Deborah. Picture Day Perfection. ISBN 1419708449

•                      Zappa, Ahmet. Because I’m Your Dad. ISBN 142314774X

Use as a guidance lesson on friendship, perseverance, and/or acceptance.

Use with a social studies unit on geography, comparing and contrasting locations.