children's book from the 70's -does anyone remember this?

[LizzieJ]

I hope you can help! back in the mid 70's as a child I read a "puffin" picture book. It was simply drawn, about a horse (or poss a donkey) who goes into the countryside, finds a red pebble or stone, made a wish (i can't remember what the wish was) and turned into a rock!! His parents looked for him, months went past, the parents then sat on the rock, picked up the red pebble, wished for him and he became a horse/donkey again! anyone remember it? I'd like to know what it was called as I have a 7 year old now who would probably enjoy it. Any help you can give would be great.

[Golem]

The title is Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. It's still available and amazon have various editions from a number of publishers.

It was banned by some authorities because the donkey's parents go to ask help from the police, who Steig had portrayed (innocently) as pigs. The sensibilities of some people were offended.

[LizzieJ]

ooo Golem, that's really great!!!! a) that's been buggng me for years and b) I can go down memory lane and buy it! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!;-)))