Title: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Author/Illustrator: William Steig
Publication Date: 1969 (original)
Publisher: Aladdin

Summary: 
The story is about Sylvester, a donkey that likes to collect rocks and pebbles. One day, he finds a magical pebble that will grant whatever wishes he wants. However on the way back home, Sylvester comes across a lion, and instantly wishes he was a rock, so he could be safe from the lion. Unfortunately, Sylvester is turned into a rock and drops the magic pebble. His mother and father are very concerned and search day and night for their lost son. A year goes by, and one day, Sylvester’s parents happen to be having a picnic…on Sylvester the rock! They see the pebble and put it on their table (Sylvester), noting how much their son would have liked it. At the same time, Sylvester is wishing he could be back with his mother and father again. The magic pebble is again touching Sylvester and he instantly turns back into a donkey. His parents are overjoyed at getting their son back, and the pebble is put in a special place, where no accidental wishes can be made.

Recommendation for Parents:
Although this can be a tough read for parents, as it deals with losing a child, children will enjoy the touching story and beautiful illustrations. The emotions displayed by the characters

Recommendation for Teachers:
Teachers, this is a great story that can help students with emotions. This story can be used to show students how to empathize with the characters, and understand why they are feeling that way. A Caldecott winner, the illustrations will also captivate students as you move through the story.

Personal Note:
This was one of my favorites as a child, and the touching story and vivid imagery are still relevant and meaningful today. I especially like the moral it teaches: be grateful for what you have and appreciate your family

Title: The Name Jar
Author/Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Publication Date: 2001
Publisher: Dell Dragonfly

Summary: 
This story is about a young girl that has just moved with her family to America from Korea. She is embarrassed about her Korean name, Unhei, and does not want her classmates to know her real name. Her classmates create a name jar, where they write down different names and put it in the jar, hoping she’ll pick the name they wrote down. Unhei, with the help of her grandma and a new friend, realizes that her name, although different, is unique and meaningful. She introduces herself as Unhei to her class, to everyone’s acceptance and appreciation.

Recommendation for Parents:
This is a great book to read aloud to young children, as there is quite a bit of text on each page. Children will be able to relate to having different cultures in their own classroom.  This books gives parents the opportunity to talk to their child about their name, culture, and background.

Recommendation for Teachers:
The Name Jar is a great book for emphasizing that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and how important it is to respect others’ cultures. Additionally, pride in one’s own culture can be looked at. For example, students can go around and tell the class what their name means, where it is from, and who named them.

Personal Note:
A great story to teach about acceptance and appreciation, The Name Jar can be used in a variety of contexts. This story also has bright illustrations and elements of Korean culture that make it such an interesting read for children and parents alike.