Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a popular children's book written and illustrated by William Steig. The story revolves around a young donkey named Sylvester, who discovers a magic pebble that has the power to grant wishes. One day, while exploring the meadow, Sylvester comes across a shiny red pebble with magical powers. Excited by his find, he quickly tests its powers by wishing himself into a rock. However, Sylvester soon realizes that he is unable to transform back into his original form. In a twist of fate, Sylvester's parents, unable to find their son, stumble upon the rock and express their sadness.
And, if you look closely at the very tattered cover of my book (can you tell how long this has been around, and how loved it’s been?), you’ll see a Caldecott Medal! That means that not only is this story terrific, but when it was published, people recognized Steig’s artwork as the best artwork in children’s literature that year. His pen-and-ink illustrations match the humor, tenderness, and intricate details of his words, resulting in a story that is not only entertaining and educational to hear, but also wonderful to look at.
First published in 1969, Steig you may recognize his name from some of his other works, such as Amos and Boris, Doctor De Soto, Brave Irene, and even Shrek. When we began talking about growth mindset as a family last year, we quickly realized we wanted a concrete way to bring the concept of growth and fixed mindsets to life for the girls.
In a twist of fate, Sylvester's parents, unable to find their son, stumble upon the rock and express their sadness. A group of hungry lions also find Sylvester and decide to use the rock as a pillow, unknowingly having the power to turn Sylvester back into a donkey. Weeks pass by, and Sylvester remains trapped as a rock until one day he hears a voice.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
While I love reading almost anything with my girls, I get especially excited when they love some of my own favorite books from childhood. Books that I have such fond memories of reading and rereading and sharing with my parents and grandparents. Books that my parents saved for me, so now our own copies are tattered and falling apart and still just as loved. Books that at first glance may seem outdated, but have timeless storylines or messages. I’m guessing many of you share those same feelings about these beloved childhood stories! Today, I’m sharing one of these favorite stories: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, written and illustrated by William Steig.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is an endearing story of learning (the very hard way, I might add) that you’ve already got everything you might want or need. First published in 1969, Steig (you may recognize his name from some of his other works, such as Amos and Boris, Doctor De Soto, Brave Irene, and even Shrek!), introduces us to Sylvester, a happy donkey who lives with his mother and father and loves to collect rocks (that’s my almost-four-year-old’s rock collection surrounding my childhood copy of this)… That is, until one fateful date when he finds a magic pebble and has a close encounter with a lion, all in the same day! I won’t give the whole story away, but you’ll encounter laughter, tears, changing seasons, and alfalfa sandwiches on the way to the resolution. Steig leaves his readers with a very direct and sincere message about realizing that maybe all you really need is what you already have.
And, if you look closely at the very tattered cover of my book (can you tell how long this has been around, and how loved it’s been?), you’ll see a Caldecott Medal! That means that not only is this story terrific, but when it was published, people recognized Steig’s artwork as the best artwork in children’s literature that year. His pen-and-ink illustrations match the humor, tenderness, and intricate details of his words, resulting in a story that is not only entertaining and educational to hear, but also wonderful to look at.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble may initially enchant your children because, obviously, it’s got an element of magic. It’ll draw them in because there’s suspense. Sylvester is sure to make them giggle (my girls get a kick out of the imagery of a rock trying to pick up another rock!) and may even make them tear up just a bit. And it’ll keep them coming back time and time again because of the love, happiness, and pure contentment that Steig somehow seems to personalize for each one of his readers.
What children’s books to your kids enjoy reading or listening to that tug at your own childhood heartstrings?
Some of my other childhood favorites that our girls love include:
- Each Peach Pear Plumby Janet and Allan Ahlberg — You can read my mini review here.
- Lyle, Lyle Crocodileby Berbard Waber
- Ira Sleeps Overby Bernard Waber
- Charlotte’s Webby E. B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
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It turns out to be his parents, who are grieving for their lost son and are visiting the exact spot where Sylvester discovered the magic pebble. Realizing that Sylvester has been turned into a rock, his parents cover him with a blanket and take him home, where they create a memorial in his honor. Meanwhile, the police and other animals commence a search for Sylvester, but to no avail. Eventually, the news of their missing son reaches the town's mayor, who organizes a special celebration to honor Sylvester's memory. At the celebration, Sylvester's parents bring the blanket-covered rock, which begins to tremble and shake. Suddenly, Sylvester emerges from under the blanket, turned back into a donkey. The crowd rejoices, and his parents are overjoyed to have their son back. The moral of the story is about the importance of family and the love that exists between parents and children. It teaches children valuable lessons about gratitude, patience, and the consequences of making impulsive decisions. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a heartwarming tale that captures the imagination and leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for the bonds within a family..
Reviews for "Exploring the Themes of Fate and Destiny in Sylvester and the Magic Pebble"
Review 1:
Name: Jane
Rating: 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble". The story was just so predictable and not at all engaging. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth. The illustrations were also lackluster and didn't add anything to the story. Overall, I found the book to be quite boring and wouldn't recommend it to others.
Review 2:
Name: Mark
Rating: 1 star
I couldn't stand "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble". The storyline was confusing and didn't make much sense. The writing style was also incredibly dull and didn't keep me interested in the story. The illustrations were poorly done and didn't enhance the reading experience at all. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Review 3:
Name: Emily
Rating: 2 stars
I was really underwhelmed by "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble". The plot was slow and didn't have any exciting moments. The characters were forgettable and didn't leave a lasting impression. The illustrations didn't capture my attention and felt flat. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't read it again.
Review 4:
Name: John
Rating: 1 star
I found "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The story dragged on and didn't hold my attention. The characters were unrelatable and didn't evoke any emotions. The illustrations were lackluster and didn't add anything to the overall experience. I was really disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
Review 5:
Name: Sarah
Rating: 2 stars
"Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" was a letdown for me. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. The characters were forgettable and didn't leave a lasting impression. The illustrations didn't captivate me and felt uninspired. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.