sylvester and the magic pebble by william steig

sylvester collects pebbles. one day he finds a wonderful red pebble. sylvester discovers the pebble has the power to grant wishes. on his way home, sylvester is accidentaly turned into a rock. his parents search for him and are very sad by his absence. after a long time, sylvester's parents go on a picnic and end up at the rock that is their son. his parents unwittingly free their son and they are reunited!

the story is touching! it is a good book to explore collecting, picnics, wishing, and family. william steig's pictures are filled with emotions.