In a moment of fright, Sylvester the donkey asks his magic pebble to turn him into a rock but then cannot hold the pebble to wish himself back to normal again. - (Baker & Taylor)

On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with true magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere. - (Simon and Schuster)

William Steig's work has been widely acclaimed. His cartoons in such magazines as the New Yorker and his books of symbolic drawings have inspired cartoonists and artists everywhere, and his books for children are loved by readers both young and old.

Born in New York City into a family of artists, Mr. Steig now lives in Boston, Massachusetts. - (Simon and Schuster)

Publishers Weekly Reviews

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.