Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by William Steig is a touching and imaginative children's book that follows the adventure of a young donkey named Sylvester. One day, Sylvester discovers a magic pebble that grants wishes, but when he makes an ill-fated wish to become a rock, he finds himself unable to change back. Stranded and desperate, Sylvester's loving family searches for him, unaware of his predicament. As time passes, Sylvester's yearning to be reunited with his family grows, and he eventually stumbles upon a solution that may bring him back to them. With its enchanting illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" explores themes of love, loss, and the power of hope. The book teaches young readers about the importance of family, the value of patience, and the resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, it delivers a powerful message about the enduring bonds of love and the transformative nature of compassion.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Have students practice their questioning skills as you read the book.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Work with linking verbs
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
- Explore the theme of gratitude and have students brainstorm ways they can help show gratitude.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Doctor De Soto by William Steig
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
- Corduroy by Don Freeman
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
