"Silvester and the Magic Pebble" is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by William Steig. It tells the heartwarming story of a young donkey named Silvester Duncan, who discovers a pebble with magical powers. This pebble has the ability to grant any wish, making it a truly extraordinary find. Silvester is a typical young donkey, living a simple life with his loving family. One day, while exploring the neighborhood, he stumbles upon a bright red pebble. Little does he know that this pebble has the power to grant him any wish he desires.
First published on October 25, 2010 / 8:34 AM
A lot of people cut out the top so that they can scoop out seeds, but if you cut out the bottom, it s easier to ultimately balance the pumpkin and to place it on top of a candle or light. A lot of people cut out the top so that they can scoop out seeds, but if you cut out the bottom, it s easier to ultimately balance the pumpkin and to place it on top of a candle or light.
Little does he know that this pebble has the power to grant him any wish he desires. Excited about his discovery, Silvester decides to test the pebble's magic by making a wish. To his amazement, his wish is instantly granted! As Silvester begins to understand the true potential of the pebble, he starts making more and more wishes.
Pointers on Pumpkin Picking, Carving, Baking!
Lots of us are heading out to the pumpkin patch this week in search of the perfect pumpkin for carving into a jack-o-lantern, and more.
On "The Early Show," Evette Rios, an Online Contributor for Better Homes and Gardens, shared tips on picking, carving and even baking pumpkins.
Picking Pumpkins
You want a pumpkin that isn't going to rot too quickly. So when you're looking at your pumpkin, make sure it's not bruised. If there are little bumps, that's fine, you just need to make sure that there aren't any soft spots. Also, the stem should be very solidly attached. If it's not hanging on, then you don't want that pumpkin.
When you're choosing your pumpkin you shouldn't be afraid of an irregular shape. Those can be a lot of fun, so if you see an irregular shape, think if there's a way to make that work with a carving pattern. For example, a square looking pumpkin can be made into a Frankenstein pumpkin or a bumpy one can be a witch with warts.
Carving Pumpkins
A good tip is to cut out the bottom of the pumpkin and not the top. A lot of people cut out the top so that they can scoop out seeds, but if you cut out the bottom, it's easier to ultimately balance the pumpkin and to place it on top of a candle or light. You want to cut a hole big enough to get your hand in and out of so that you can easily scoop out the seeds. A great trick for getting all the mess out of the pumpkin is to use an ice cream scoop. It makes it much easier to get out all of that goop. And of course, make sure you have a bowl or garbage can nearby depending on whether you're going to toast the seeds or just throw everything away. Carving is a VERY messy thing so just anticipate that and clean up will be easier.
Beat Tools for Carving
You can really use a wide variety of tools. The basic is a kitchen knife, but you can't really carve as precisely with that. The pumpkin carving kits are great because they have those small, serrated knives that make it easy to precisely carve out shapes. If you use one of those, you should really spring for a new one each year since they get worn down quickly. Another option is wood working tools and sculpting tools. Investing in a set of those can be worthwhile since you can use them time and again.
Another fun idea is to use cookie cutters to stencil designs. You can use the cutter to make the imprint and then trace that for carving!
Carving Alternatives?
Painting is a great way to avoid the mess of carving and still end up with a beautiful pumpkin. You can find stencils and make very intricate decorations and paint with bright colors that pop, or go for spookier, Halloween colors.
A really neat alternative is to use power tools! You can use a drill to make holes in the pumpkin.
Baking Pumpkin Pies
You definitely do now want to turn your carving pumpkin into something that you eat. Its old, it's moldy, and you've had candles burning in it. They've also been grown to be sturdy, not to be sweet. The only thing you'll want to eat from your carving pumpkin is the seeds which you can rinse off and toast.
If you want to make pie from actual pumpkins as opposed to the canned stuff, you need to buy the "pie pumpkins" which are much smaller than your typical jack-o-lantern pumpkin.
First published on October 25, 2010 / 8:34 AM
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He dreams of boats, rain showers, and other whimsical things, all of which come true thanks to the magic pebble. However, one day, disaster strikes when Silvester accidentally makes a wish in the presence of a hungry lion. In an instant, Silvester is transformed into a rock. Silvester's disappearance leaves his family devastated. They search tirelessly for him, but to no avail. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, until the distraught family gives up hope. They continue to remember Silvester in their hearts, but life moves on without him. One rainy day, as Silvester sits as a rock amidst a pile of stones, a kind-hearted stranger picks him up and takes him home. This stranger, a deer, collects rocks and believes that they have special significance. While cleaning the stones, the deer comes across Silvester and realizes that he is much more than a simple rock. The deer's touch reverts Silvester back into his original form, and he is finally reunited with his family. Through this enchanting tale, William Steig teaches readers about the transformative power of love, family, and the importance of appreciating the simple joys of life. "Silvester and the Magic Pebble" is a heartwarming story that captivates young minds and reminds us all to cherish the moments and loved ones that mean the most to us..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Silvester and the Magic Pebble"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Silvester and the magic pebble". The plot was very slow and the characters were lacking depth. I found it hard to connect with any of them and their motivations were not well developed. Additionally, the writing style felt very dry and uninspired, making it a struggle to finish the book. Overall, I would not recommend this read.
2. Samantha - 1 star - "Silvester and the magic pebble" was a complete bore. The storyline was predictable and unexciting, with no surprises or twists. The main character was also very unlikable and I couldn't relate to his struggles. The book lacked any real excitement or emotional depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not waste your time on this book.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Silvester and the magic pebble". The story felt cliché and the writing style was very dry. The characters were not memorable and the pacing was off, making the book feel disjointed. I was hoping for a more engaging and unique read, but unfortunately, this did not meet my expectations.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Silvester and the magic pebble" to be quite dull and uninteresting. The plot was slow and lacked excitement, leaving me bored throughout most of the book. The characters were also not well developed, making it hard to care about their journey. The writing style was also quite plain, lacking any real descriptive or imaginative elements. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.