Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

Plot Summary:

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig is a picture book about a donkey that finds a magic pebble to add to his rock collection. Sylvester is a curious donkey who one day finds a magic pebble. Suddenly, it begins to rain and Sylvester wishes the rain away. Sylvester discovers that the pebble is magic. Just then a hungry lion come by and instantaneously Sylvester wishes himself to be a rock to escape the lion. Sylvester is turned into a rock. When Sylvester got turned into a rock he let go of the rock leaving Sylvester as a rock forever. His parents search and search for Sylvester but do not find him. A year passes and still, no Sylvester. His parents are very sad and one day they decide to go on a picnic. While the mother sets the picnic on the rock that is Sylvester the father sees the magic pebble. He picks it up the magic pebble and puts the pebble on the rock that is Sylvester. His wife says Sylvester would love that pebble. He then begins to cry. Suddenly, Sylvester wishes to be normal and Sylvester turns into Sylvester, “Poof!” Sylvester turns back to normal. Sylvester and his family are reunited and put the magic pebble in a safe.

Impression about the book: The pebble creates an unexpected dilemma for Sylvester and his family. I loved the way the year progresses though the scenes of the seasons.

Reviews / Reviews Excerpts:

The soft illustration s depict the story so well.

Suggestions for library use:

This is a good read aloud.