Author/Illustrator: William Steig
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 1969
Awards: Caldecott Medal, ALA Notable Childrens Books, Emphasis on Reading Book Award (AL)
Genre: Fiction
Audience: GR K-4
Overview: William Steig illustrates and authors a wonderful book about learning to be happy with what you have in life. The illustrations show human like expressions on the animals faces which make the book very appealing to children. The story is of the little donkey Sylvester who finds a magic pebble that grants his wishes….he soon finds out that wishing for things that you do not have can backfire causing a heartbreaking result. There is a happy ending which teaches a lesson.
Activity: Children bring in their own “magic pebble” write a story and draw a picture about what they would wish for.
Reviewer's name: Paula Pavon
