Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Bibliography

Steig, William. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 1980.  ISBN 06716629694

Plot Summary

In a moment of panic, Sylvester uses his magic rock to escape danger, unwittingly creating a problem which he can’t solve himself.  The story relates how he thinks of his situation and how it eventually is solved.

Critical Analysis

Going into its 30^th year in publication, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble speaks to children about choice and consequences in a linear fashion, the way a child sees what occurs.  Sylvester’s character is mature enough to test the magic of his pebble but not to realize using it in panic mode might not work out well.  Children may feel “scared,” “worried,” “helpless,” and “hopeless” just as Sylvester does when they make a poor choice themselves.  Steig’s portrayal of parental concern is reassuring, but the 10 or so months of suffering might seem a little excessive to a child.  The solution to Sylvester’s dilemma doesn’t seem to be possible, creating the suspense.

Steig is his own illustrator.  The simple, naturally-colored illustrations, which do not contain any magic, help the child to cope with the seemingly irreversible situation.  The drawings mirror the text, and the rock is visible in most of the pictures.  Time passage is indicated in both text and picture.

Review Excerpt(s)

Caldecott Medal 1970

School Library Journal named it #55 of Top 100 Picture Books 2012

“A remarkable atmosphere of childlike innocence pervades the book….” – Horn Book

“strange little story of magic, loss, and recovery….” – School Library Journal

Sources

Elizabeth Bird. "Top 100 Picture Books #55: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig." School Library Journal (blog). May 25, 2012 (4:05 p.m.). Accessed September 7, 2014. http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/05/25/top-100-picture-books-55-sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble-by-william-steig/.

"Horn Book Reviews of Caldecott Medal Winners, 1970-1979." The Horn Book Magazine. Reviewed August 13, 2013. Accessed September 7, 2014. http://www.hbook.com/2013/08/choosing-books/horn-book-magazine/horn-book-reviews-of-caldecott-medal-winners-1970-1979/.

Connections

·        Play a game of “Can’t touch but try to pass to another person,” using a balloon or a ball.

·        Read the story of “Aladdin’s Lamp,” noting the idea of wishes and their consequences.

·        Have a show and tell with the children’s personal collections.

·        Use the story as a spring board to critical thinking skills.  Examine the good and bad consequences of an action, the pros and cons of an issue, and the advantages and disadvantages of situations.

·        Read other books by William Steig concerning magic and choices:

Which Would You Rather Be?  ISBN 9780064437929

The Amazing Bone  ISBN 9780312564216

Gorky Rises  ISBN 9780374427849