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    Sylvester & The Magic Pebble
    Sylvester & The Magic Pebble
    Sylvester & The Magic Pebble
    Audiobook13 minutes

    Sylvester & The Magic Pebble

    Written by William Steig

    Narrated by John Lithgow

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The Duncan family is beside itself when son Sylvester turns himself into a rock to escape the jaws of a hungry lion. Magic and suspense, along with wonderful music and animation, bring this classics children's story to life.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWeston Woods
    Release dateJan 1, 1993
    ISBN9780545787314
    Sylvester & The Magic Pebble
    Author

    William Steig

    William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

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    Reviews for Sylvester & The Magic Pebble

    4.5/5

    88 ratings74 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This story is about a young donkey named Sylvester who likes to collect pebbles. Sylvester finds a pretty unusual pebble that he decides would be a nice addition to his collection. When he finds this pebble it is raining, and he wishes for the rain to stop. When the rain stops, Sylvester realizes that the pebble is magic. This turns into a problem for Sylvester when he makes the wrong wish!I can relate to this story because I have often wished for something magical to happen to make my day better. This story has a good lesson in it, one that definitely applies to life. You'll just have to read the book to find out what it is!In the classroom I would bring in and have the students bring in pebbles or stones that they have found around their homes and show them to the rest of the class. Another idea would be to allow the children to paint and decorate their own pebbles or stones.
    • 5/5
      Need a good cry? Want to traumatize your little one? The story of Sylvester, who finds a magic pebble that grants wishes only to turn him to stone while his parents search frantically, is sweet and beautiful but sad. (Don't worry, the ending is happy, though somewhat realistic; use the pebble!)
    • 2/5
      Sylvester's story brings home the old phrase "be careful what you wish for." After finding a magic pebble, Sylvester wishes to bring it home so his friends and family can have all that they've ever longed for. Though his desire is unselfish, the magic proves to be a responsibility too great for Sylvester and he unthinkingly makes a very hasty, unwise wish that nearly destroys his family. His story will remind readers to be grateful for what they have and not to want beyond their means.
    • 5/5
      I love this book. I had completely forgotten about this book and I came across it at the library and was so happy to see it again. This was one of my absolute favorites as a child and I really enjoyed reading it again. It's a great story about Sylvester, a young donkey, who wanders off and finds a magic pebble. He realizes that he can wish for anything and the pebble grants his wish. He comes across a lion, panics, and accidentally changes himself into a rock and can't get back to his donkey self. His parents and the townspeople are devastated and look everywhere for him. Just when they think he is gone, they bring a picnic to him and unknowingly set the magic pebble on top of him. Sylvester wishes he were himself again and all of a sudden, he is. It's a great story with fantastic illustrations that I will always enjoy.
    • 4/5
      The moral is that Sylvester learns to be happy with what he has. Children will appreciate the simple message and the sweet illustrations.
    • 5/5
      Always wanting for more changes our focus from appreciating what we have. Only after losing what is most precious do we see what we had all along. The happy ending in this book is not always the case so this cautionary tale is best understood early. This book is all about focusing on what we have and appreciating it now. This is a good book for teaching children to count their blessings. Someone always has more but many have less. In a classroom this book could be used together with other books with this message to teach children to recognize and appreciate what they have.
    • 4/5
      Sylvester is a young donkey who loves to collect rocks and pebbles. One day he finds a beautiful red magic pebble that grants wishes. It made the rain cease then start again as quickly as Sylvester could ask. Then as he was headed home to show his parents the magic pebble, he comes accoss a lion and in his excitement wishes to become a rock in order to hide from the lion. Unfortunately, Sylvester is unable to wish himself back into a donkey because he is no longer holding the pebble. After what seems to be a year of searching for Sylvester, his parents decide to go on a picnic and just so happen to sit by the rock that is Sylvester. His father finds the pebble and places it on the rock thinking how much his son would have loved it. Sensing his parent's presence, Sylvester wishes he was himself again and magically appears. This is a strange little story that I remember loving as a child. It's basic message is 'be careful what you wish for' and to be thankful for what you have.
    • 4/5
      This 1969 picture book tells the story of Sylvester, a donkey, who finds a magic pebble that will fulfill his every wish. Unfortunately, one day, Sylvester sees a lion and becomes so frightened that he wishes he were a rock--at which point he turns into a rock and cannot wish himself back into a donkey. The story then describes Sylvester's forlorn parents as they try desperately to find him and then find accept his absence and mourn his loss. Eventually, (spoiler alert) Sylvester turns back to a donkey and has a tearful reunion with his parents.What's most engaging about this book is the illustrations. The black outlines make them vivid and they are reminiscent of Matisse paintings in their depiction of three dimensions. The clothes the donkeys were are funny and cute (what's better than a donkey in a housecoat?). Also the idea of a magic pebble that could grant wishes is compelling--an ordinary object with extraordinary power.However, the book is very sad. Sylvester is trapped and helpless and the description of the parents' grief takes up 8 pages. Ultimately, the ending is happy, but there are many sad pages. This book is best for readers that like that kind of catharsis. It's written for a kindergarten to 3rd grade level. Another book written during this decade is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
    • 5/5
      William Steig does a fantastic job of allowing the illustrations and text to combine together and give a magical story. The cover illustrations show the reader before they open the book that the animals are magical because they are dressed in clothes. The illustrations use a variety of simple colors, not to bold nor to simple. The facial expressions of the animals show so much more detail and concern. The shapes of the objects and characters flow throughout the whole story.
    • 5/5
      A donkey named Sylvester finds a magic pebble that makes all wishes come true when a person is holding the pebble. Sylvester is on his way home, thinking of everyone who could benefit from the magic pebble, when he comes across a hungry lion. In a panic, Sylvester wishes that he were a rock so that the lion does not eat him. Sylvester's parents become worried when Sylvester does not come home and they send a search party out looking for him. Unknown to them, Sylvester is so close to being home, but he cannot tell anyone that he is a rock. One day Sylvester's parents make a picnic on the rock that Sylvester has turned into. Sylvester's dad finds the magic pebble and sets it on the rock because he reminisces on how Sylvester collected small rocks and pebbles. Having his parents so close, Sylvester wishes he could be with them again, and he transforms back into a donkey to live with his family again. This book has beautiful illustrations that provide more detail for children to see. There is also plenty of figurative language, so this book would be a great way to begin a lesson on figurative language as well as cause and effect purposes.
    • 4/5
      Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig is yet another winner of the Caldecott medal. It tells the story of a donkey named Sylvester who stumbles across a magic pebble. The illustrations in this book are classic examples of cartoon art. The paintings are not realistic and they are outlined in dark, black lines making them pop out of the page. The illustrations have no real lines and seem to stop wherever Steig wanted them to. The colors in the book are very bright, colorful, and extremely cartoon-like. Steig conveys movement in his scenes though squiggly lines and the textures in the book are flat. The characters can only be pulled away from the background because they are outlined in black, with the lines often stopping short.
    • 4/5
      Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig is about a donkey who finds a magic pebble that will grant any wish. Sylvester's wish backfires and he turns into a rock and is unable to turn himself back to a donkey. His parents got worried about him and ended up finding the pebble and wishing Sylvester back to his original form. This story can be used to teach about magic, love, honesty, and staying true to yourself.
    • 4/5
      Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was part of my 1st graders "Virtual Academy" curriculum. It helped us explore how a character's facial expression can tell us how they are feeling. The illustrations also helped to reinforce how the pictures can clue the reader into what is happening on the pages. Our favorite part was trying to guess the season by looking for clues in the pictures on each page. This is really a wonderful book with an excellent lesson, but my 1st grader is very empathetic and when Sylvester turned himself into a rock she was on the verge of tears. Thankfully repeat readings were enjoyable because she knows she can expect a happy ending.
    • 5/5
      Picked this up as it was one of the lists to read and has The Caldecott Medal. Felt sad at the part when Duncan turned into a stone but was glad of the ending. A good read to share.
    • 4/5
      A little scary for awhile, but heartwarming and a reminder of what's important in life - being together.
    • 5/5
      Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is William Steig’s poignant parable of the primacy of love and family. Steig’s drawings compellingly emote Sylvester’s curiosity about the magic pebble, his panic when seeing the lion, and his parents’ frantic sorrow upon the disappearance of their son. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a captivating fantasy exploiting the time honored motif of wishes granted that go wrong, with the uplifting moral and conclusion that the love and companionship of your family is worth more than anything that can be wished for.
    • 5/5
      This was another of my favorite books as a child. This book really appealed to me because it was imaginative and I also loved the message - you don't need a magic pebble if you have a family that loves you. I recently read this book to my two-year-old niece and she loved it too, so this book appeals to readers of all ages. This book was challenged because it depicts the police officers as pigs - it is my opinion that any child reading this book would not make that connection, although I'm sure many adults reading it to children would. The fact that all the characters are animals makes this a pretty harmless portrayal in my opinion.
    • 4/5
      This is a good example of fantasy because the main characters are a donkey family. Also, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that he can command to follow whatever he says. This turns out to be negative when he turns into a rock and his parents cannot find him for a very long time.
    • 4/5
      Summary: This book is about a young donkey who loves rocks. One day he finds a magic pebble and is so excited. The magic pebble grants wishes, so Sylvester discovers he can make it do anything he wants it to. He is on his way home when he sees a lion. Sylvester gets scared and wishes himself into a rock. He then realizes he can't turn himself back into a donkey. His parents are worried for months and months. They finally go out on a picnic where the rock is and have a conversation about wishing Sylvester was home. Sylvester turns back into himself and his parents are glad to have found him.Personal Reaction: It's a great book for children. It lets them get an idea of fantasy and how they can imagine anything in the world. It also shows how parents get when they can't find their children which I don't think children realize how scary that is for a parent.Classroom Extensions:1. I would have my students make a magic pebble and write down a wish that they would want to come true.2. I would use this book to teach students how important it is to always let an adult know where they are. The book shows how worried Sylvester's parents get when they can't find him.
    • 3/5
      I can't believe I never read this book. I loved the story. What would you do with a magic pebble? Could be a fun book to inspire imaginative writing.
    • 4/5
      Caldecott Winner 1970

      The pictures are adorable and the story is cute too.
    • 3/5
      Hidden in this simple story of a donkey and pebble is a much deeper reflective question. A young donkey finds a special red pebble. He soon discovers that this pebble is magic and grant him his every where as long s it is in his possession. He is startled by a lion and in haste wishes to become a rock. Once this wish is granted, Sylvester no longer can have physical contact with the rock and thus can make no more wishes. He is forced to remain rock for one year. His parents unaware of what happened to their beloved son are sad and grieve his loss. Sylvester is sad and longs for his parents. A year later by happenstance, Sylvester's parents end up dining on their son, the rock. They put him back in contact with the magic pebble. Sylvester wishes himself back to a donkey. He is reunited with his parents and learns a valuable lesson about priorities and responsibilities and the importance of family's love. Colorful illustrations aid in the comprehension of the text. This would be a good read for mid elementary or higher students. It could lead into some good journal writing or a discussion of personal values.
    • 4/5
      Sylvester the donkey collects rocks, and when he finds a special one, he adds it to his collection. While holding it , he wishes for the rain to stop, and it does. Finding that the pebble is magic, Sylvester hurries on his way to tell his parents. However, on the way home, he is confronted by a lion hungry for donkey for lunch. Remembering the magic pebble, Sylvester wishes to be a rock. Bad decision! With no way of holding the rock, Sylvester cannot change himself back to a donkey after the threat is gone. Will he be a rock forever?This book keeps kids guessing. It always teaches the kids a simple lesson-becareful what you wish for.
    • 4/5
      I adore Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. This is a great book for kids with wonderful illustrations, a good plot, good voice, and good moral. My favorite part is the reason it's most often banned: the use of pigs as police!
    • 3/5
      Sylvester the donkey collects pebbles and marbles. One day he finds an extraordinary, bright red pebble. He learns that the pebble grants wishes. When he encounters a scary lion he is overtaken with fear and forgets to wish the lion away. He turns himself into a rock instead, and the pebble rolls away—out of reach. Months later, his parents are picnicking and use Sylvester, now a rock, as a table. Sylvester finds the red pebble and places it on top of the Sylvester. All of a sudden, Sylvester returns and his family rejoices at the reunion.I think this is another story that needs to be read strictly for pleasure.
    • 4/5
      "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" is a story that shows to always be careful of what you wish for. This story also contains proof of the loves parents have for their children. When Sylvester went missing, the parents were devastated and had a hard time moving on with their lives. This is fun story for students to read. This is especially fun for those students who enjoy collecting fun pebbles. It takes students into a feeling of imagination and entertainment.
    • 4/5
      This is a book about Sylvester finding a magic pebble that turns all of his wishes true. The unfortuante thing is that Sylvester happens to turn himself into a pebble and is stuck as a pebble until his parents find themselves sitting by the rock wishing for Sylvester to return back. It is a cute book to read to children, and makes them think twice about wishing for crazy things to happen.
    • 5/5
      Sylvester is a donkey, that collects pebbles. He collects a magic pebble and learns all his wishes can come true. Sylvester has the pebble turn him into a rock when a lion is after him. Now not able to change back is stuck for a while as the rock. His parents come for a picnic on his rock and find the pebble. They placed it on the rock and Sylvester wishes he was a donkey again and it was so.This had very nice illustrations. They were very colorful. The plot of the story being sometimes you are better off without magic. The setting was in the woods.The charater made it seem like this story could happen, but i know it can not.I liked this book it made for interesting reading. I liked the way it progressed the storyline. The curiosity was up to read more when I started reading the book. I think this is a good book for the younger grades to enjoy.In the classroom a teacher could have the children to write what they would wish for if they had the pebble. The children could do a reflection on the story.The child could tell you how they would end the story if they could change the ending.
    • 5/5
      Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, teaches children to be careful what they wish for. Sylvester finds a magic pebble, and wished he could disappear from a lion, he is then turned into a rock, and goes a year without seeing his parents until one day his parents come across sylvester the rock, and wish he would never have disappeared sylvester and his parents are then reunited. I thought this story was very cute, and would read it to middle age elementary students
    • 5/5
      A classic. Themes of family, friendship, patience, and keeping hopeful through difficulty.