Today is William Steig’s birthday! He was born on this day in 1907. If you bought my read-aloud calendar, you would know from looking at it that I mention his birthday on this day. Let’s celebrate Steig by reading his famous book, Shrek, or my more preferred book of his, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. I love the idea of reading this book in November because it helps me remember how thankful I am to God for my family. In this book, Syvester, a donkey, turns into a pebble and can’t communicate with his family. I know this is just a story, but every time I read it, my heart just breaks for Sylvester. Then at the end, when he is turned back into himself and gets to be with his family, I feel so joyful at their reunion. I get this palpable feeling that all material things, all hurts, and any other world issues have faded away, and all that matters is that the family is back together. It’s just so sweet! It’s not even about real people, just a donkey family, but I almost get teary-eyed every time I read it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! I’m 99.99 percent sure your local public library has this book, because it’s such a beloved classic, after all, it’s a Caldecott medal winner, so if you haven’t read it, go check it out and find out what you are missing out on.

If you want my calendar, go here to get it before the price goes up tomorrow, from $13.95 to $17.95.

Go here to my family read-alouds and traditions website and scroll down to the bottom third of the page, under “November,” if you want lots more recommendations for reading aloud thankful-themed titles for November.