Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Written and Illustrated by William Steig

Bibliographic data

Steig, William. 1969. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416902065

Plot Summary

This is a story of a donkey named Sylvester who collects pebbles. On a rainy day he finds a magic pebble that makes wishes come true. On his way home he encounters a lion that frightens him, and Sylvester makes a wish that causes some unexpected events. Because of these events Sylvester is unable to return home, and his family begins to worry. By the end of the story Sylvester learns a very valuable lesson and becomes reunited with his family.

Critical Analysis

This is a very didactic story that teaches the reader the lesson of being careful what you wish for, and to be happy with what you have. Sylvester has to learn the hard way that wishing for something can turn out to be trouble when he turns into a rock.

Steig’s is a great illustrator and the drawings are very realistic and colorful. The way he blends the colors is exceptional. Instead of just a blue sky in the fall scene he chose to use some reds, whites, and different shades of blue.

Personification is very present in this tale. There are no humans, but the animals are portrayed as humans. They live in houses, wear clothes, and have human emotions. There is also a cultural reference present. The cops in the story are pigs. This book was written in the late sixties and most likely Steig intentionally did this.

This book is not as short as most picture books, but it has a great lesson to teach.

Review Excerpts

·       1970 Caldecott Medal Winner

·       “This tale of a donkey who wishes on a magic pebble has charmed a generation of readers and will no doubt go on to attract a new one.” Publisher’s Weekly

Connection

 

·       Have a discussion about what the students would wish for it they found a magic pebble.

·       Talk about cause and effect and how it relates to the situations in the book.

·       Have students make a character map for Sylvester.

·       Have a discussion about if the students collect items and what they are.