Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

A paper-over-board edition of the much adored Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.

Publishers Weekly

Thanks to the rediscovery of the original watercolor artwork, in preparation for an exhibit of William Steig's work (see Children's Bookshelf, Oct. 27), newly restored edition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, complete with Steig's acceptance speech for the Caldecott Medal, makes the book look better than ever. This tale of a donkey who wishes on a magic pebble has charmed a generation of readers and will no doubt go on to attract a new one. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

William Steig's work has received countless honors and awards. Called the "King of Cartoons" by Newsweek, his cartoons in such magazines as the New Yorker and his books of symbolic drawings have inspired a multitude of cartoonists and artists. His books for children are loved by readers young and old. William Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, the Caldecott Honor Award for The Amazing Bone, and the Newbery Honor Award for Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto. His other books include Alpha Beta Chowder (written by Jeanne Steig), Amos & Boris, Brave Irene, CDB!, C D C ?, Dominic, Grown-ups Get To Do All the Driving, Pete's a Pizza, Shrek!, Spinky Sulks, and Zeke Pippin.

William Steig lived in Boston the last twelve years of his life. Before that, he lived with his wife, Jeanne, in rural Kent, Connecticut. Just outside his studio window stood a large rock that looked remarkably like Sylvester. He liked that.