Book Review: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

One day Sylvester finds a magic pebble that grants wishes. When faced with a challenging situation, he makes a wish that has unforeseen consequences. Sylvester must rely on others to help him overcome his wish gone wrong. The book carries a sense of highs and lows from the excitement felt when Sylvester finds the pebble and begins making wishes to his parent's distress when they can not find him. 

The book's use a colorfully illustrated animal characters make the pages fun and welcoming to read. All characters on the page are involved in the action of the text whether it be their expression or actions. The text intersects the pictures on the page at times but this lends to the different wishes that Sylvester makes.  The expressions of the parents convey their despair as they look for their son and the joy of their sweet reunion. 

"—surely the prize predicament of the year and, in William Steig's pearly colors, one of the prettiest." - Kirkus Review

I know a little girl who cried when she thought Sylvester would be a rock forever. I’m not sure what it says about me, but that made me love the book even more. The best books are a little scary, aren’t they? – Jessalynn Gale, School Library Journal

Book Information:

Steig, W. (1969). SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE. New York: Windmill Books, Inc. IBSN 067166269

Book Activities:

Have students paint a pebble red and write about what they would wish for. The painted pebbles could also be gifted to others with instructions on making their own wish. The pebbles and wishes can be displayed for others to enjoy!