Bibliography
Steig, William. 1969. SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE. New York
Plot Summary
In this magical, sometimes heart wrenching tale, Steig tells the story of Sylvester, a young donkey who collects pebbles. Sylvester lives in a cozy cottage on Acorn Road in Oatsdale, a small country town. One Saturday, Sylvester stops by a lovely river, and finds a magic pebble that grants his every wish. The problem is, you must touch the pebble to make the wishes come true; and when, in a moment of fright, Sylvester wishes to be transformed into a rock to escape a lion he is immediately transformed into a rock. The magic pebble falls to the ground near the rock. His parents search everywhere for him, but to no avail. Meanwhile the seasons pass and Sylvester eventually gives up hope and falls into a deep sleep. His heartbroken parents, in an attempt to alleviate the constant sorrow they feel, decide to go on a picnic. They settle at the exact location where Sylvester is trapped in the rock. When his mother sits on the rock, it awakens Sylvester from his sleep and he cries out to them in his mind, but of course they cannot hear anything. Suddenly, his father unknowingly finds the magic pebble and places it on the rock that is Sylvester. When Sylvester achingly wishes to be himself again the magic pebble grants his wish and he is reunited with his parents.
Critical Analysis
Through heartwarming characters Steig presents a story that is not only sorrowful but also humorous, and joyous. His easy going, uncomplicated writing style evokes each of these sentiments effortlessly. His style is always engaging, never tedious or repetitious. You get a clear sense of the characters thoughts and emotions. It causes the reader to think and feel about the events taking place. The bucolic illustrations enhance the atmosphere of unspoiled, country fields and small towns, creating a feeling of simplicity and happiness. Steig’s illustrations complement the text beautifully. Done in watercolor, they have a soft appearance to them, but dark black lines are used to great effect to sharpen facial features and convey emotions, as well as other details. The colors are bright and vibrant, providing interesting images for the child to look at whether they are reading the story themselves, or having it read aloud to them. Steig’s writing in combination with his illustrations, clearly express the central point of the story, that there is no better place than home with family and loved ones.
Review Excerpts and Awards
Caldecott Medal Winner 1970
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review 2000: “Droll and whimsical, poignant and silly, Steig made quite a splash when this touching story of a donkey, whose wish seems to doom him to be a rock forever.”
BOOKS FOR KEEPS review 2008: “The wrong wish, the lost child, the distraught parents (the drawing of the mother crying, her knitting unheeded in her lap, the flowers dead in the vase, might have been unbearable if she had been human – but she is a donkey), the good old story, but fresh, free, full of colour and wit.”
Connections
· As an activity after a read aloud session of this book, the librarian could ask each child what they would wish for if they found a magic pebble.
· Other books about magic and granting wishes that could be recommended to children include BARNEY BIPPLE'S MAGIC DANDELIONS by Carol Chapman with illustrations by Steven Kellog ISBN 0140545409 and 9 MAGIC WISHES by Shirley Jackson with illustrations by Miles Hyman ISBN 0374355258.
· The central theme of the story, appreciation of home and a loving family, could also be demonstrated to children through watching of THE WIZARD OF OZ.
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