My mom has a magical presence. She has this incredible ability to make everything better just by being there. It's like she has a special kind of magic that can heal any wound or solve any problem. Whenever I'm feeling sad or down, my mom always knows exactly what to say or do to make me feel better. She has this way of comforting me and making me feel safe, like nothing bad can ever happen when she's around. Her presence alone is enough to brighten up a room.
And, if you look closely at the very tattered cover of my book (can you tell how long this has been around, and how loved it’s been?), you’ll see a Caldecott Medal! That means that not only is this story terrific, but when it was published, people recognized Steig’s artwork as the best artwork in children’s literature that year. His pen-and-ink illustrations match the humor, tenderness, and intricate details of his words, resulting in a story that is not only entertaining and educational to hear, but also wonderful to look at.
First published in 1969, Steig you may recognize his name from some of his other works, such as Amos and Boris, Doctor De Soto, Brave Irene, and even Shrek. When we began talking about growth mindset as a family last year, we quickly realized we wanted a concrete way to bring the concept of growth and fixed mindsets to life for the girls.
Her presence alone is enough to brighten up a room. She radiates love and warmth, and it's contagious. Whenever she walks into a room, you can immediately feel the positive energy she brings with her.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
While I love reading almost anything with my girls, I get especially excited when they love some of my own favorite books from childhood. Books that I have such fond memories of reading and rereading and sharing with my parents and grandparents. Books that my parents saved for me, so now our own copies are tattered and falling apart and still just as loved. Books that at first glance may seem outdated, but have timeless storylines or messages. I’m guessing many of you share those same feelings about these beloved childhood stories! Today, I’m sharing one of these favorite stories: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, written and illustrated by William Steig.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is an endearing story of learning (the very hard way, I might add) that you’ve already got everything you might want or need. First published in 1969, Steig (you may recognize his name from some of his other works, such as Amos and Boris, Doctor De Soto, Brave Irene, and even Shrek!), introduces us to Sylvester, a happy donkey who lives with his mother and father and loves to collect rocks (that’s my almost-four-year-old’s rock collection surrounding my childhood copy of this)… That is, until one fateful date when he finds a magic pebble and has a close encounter with a lion, all in the same day! I won’t give the whole story away, but you’ll encounter laughter, tears, changing seasons, and alfalfa sandwiches on the way to the resolution. Steig leaves his readers with a very direct and sincere message about realizing that maybe all you really need is what you already have.
And, if you look closely at the very tattered cover of my book (can you tell how long this has been around, and how loved it’s been?), you’ll see a Caldecott Medal! That means that not only is this story terrific, but when it was published, people recognized Steig’s artwork as the best artwork in children’s literature that year. His pen-and-ink illustrations match the humor, tenderness, and intricate details of his words, resulting in a story that is not only entertaining and educational to hear, but also wonderful to look at.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble may initially enchant your children because, obviously, it’s got an element of magic. It’ll draw them in because there’s suspense. Sylvester is sure to make them giggle (my girls get a kick out of the imagery of a rock trying to pick up another rock!) and may even make them tear up just a bit. And it’ll keep them coming back time and time again because of the love, happiness, and pure contentment that Steig somehow seems to personalize for each one of his readers.
What children’s books to your kids enjoy reading or listening to that tug at your own childhood heartstrings?
Some of my other childhood favorites that our girls love include:
- Each Peach Pear Plumby Janet and Allan Ahlberg — You can read my mini review here.
- Lyle, Lyle Crocodileby Berbard Waber
- Ira Sleeps Overby Bernard Waber
- Charlotte’s Webby E. B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
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But it's not just her words or actions that have this magical effect on people. It's something deeper than that. It's the way she genuinely cares about others and always puts their needs before her own. She has this incredible ability to make everyone around her feel seen, heard, and loved. Her magic extends beyond just her immediate family. She has this incredible ability to make friends wherever she goes. People are naturally drawn to her because of her positive energy and genuine kindness. I think what makes my mom's presence even more magical is that she doesn't even realize how special she is. She's the kind of person who doesn't seek attention or praise, but instead focuses on making others happy and comfortable. My mom's magical presence is something that I will always be grateful for. It's a gift that she brings to every situation and it has the power to transform lives. I'm so lucky to have her as my mom and to experience the magic that she brings to my life every day..
Reviews for "The Enigmatic Magic of My Mom's Aura"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "My mom has a magical presence" to be quite underwhelming. The storyline lacked depth and failed to captivate my interest. The characters felt one-dimensional and I found it difficult to relate or connect with them. Additionally, the writing style felt repetitive and lacked creativity. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Emily - 3 stars - While "My mom has a magical presence" had its moments, I felt the execution fell flat. The concept of a magical presence was intriguing, but the plot lacked coherence and seemed disjointed at times. The pacing was also inconsistent, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the book. I appreciate the author's attempt to explore themes of motherhood and magic, but I believe it fell short of its potential.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "My mom has a magical presence" based on the intriguing premise, but I found it to be quite disappointing. The writing style was overly simplistic and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The character development was lacking, and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. The plot also lacked depth and resolution, leaving me unsatisfied. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend this book.