Parents' Guide to

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

By Kevin McCaffrey, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Gently addresses children's fear of abandonment.

Book William Steig For Beginning Readers 2000
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

dmoore
dmoore Parent of 3 and 6-year-old
April 14, 2010
age 4+

Be thankful!

I think this is a good book. I helps to show children that they should be thankful for what they have. But, why is Sylvester the only donkey in his family without clothing?

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What's the Story?

Sylvester must have had rocks in his head when he panics at the advance of a lion, and to escape turns himself into--a rock! Unrecognizable to Mom, Dad, and everyone, is he doomed to be a rock forever? Is it luck, or fate, that brings them to picnic on that one particular rock, where everyone obtains what he or she has been wishing for?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Once again, Steig addresses one of childhood's biggest latent fears, abandonment, but his gentle, unerring handling of this issue makes for an endearing story full of pathos and strength. Steig's belief in the magic (mysteries) of life is central to this story, both in creating the anxious situation and relieving it. Steig won the Caldecott Medal for children's-book illustration for this book, and while it's a good choice to recognize within Steig's body of work, with its attention to detail and bright colors, it is no more stunning than many other children's books. It is Steig's deserving style and sensitive attention to faces in all his work that was probably given tribute then.

As a package, this book offers the same classic satisfaction of most of Steig's works. So much feeling and nuance stuffed into the simple story and pictures of this little book will make children appreciate the power of books and convince their parents that books should be collected and read over and over.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the notion of being careful what you wish for. How does Sylvester's wish make things go all wrong? How does he solve his problem, and what does he learn from it?

Book Details

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