Illustration of dogs searching amongst rocks and trees.
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William Steig, Illustration for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). Collection of Maggie Steig. © 1969 William Steig.

William Steig’s Sylvester and the Magic Pebble: A Golden Anniversary

May 4 - December 1, 2019
Central Gallery

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble has held a special place in readers hearts for 50 years. The Carle is fortunate to have in its permanent collection Steig’s preliminary sketches, story boards, and book dummies related to the seminal publication, thanks to the generosity of Jeanne Steig, who donated over 1,000 artworks by her late husband. The artist’s daughter Maggie Steig loaned the original published illustrations along with her father’s paints, tools, personal family photographs, and his prized Caldecott Medal. 

This exhibition was made possible through the generous support of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

Featured Artists

Photograph of the artist.

William Steig

Known as the “King of Cartoons,” William Steig created over 1,000 illustrations for The New Yorker. He was awarded the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble in 1970, just two years after publishing his first picture book at the age of 61.