Here is a concise summary of the story "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by William Steig:
**Story Summary:**
Sylvester, a donkey, finds a magical red pebble that grants wishes when held. Excited, he wishes for various things, but when confronted by a lion, he panics and wishes to become a rock. Transformed into a rock, Sylvester is stuck, unable to pick up the pebble to reverse the wish. His parents, frantic with worry, search for him but eventually lose hope. Months pass until Sylvester's parents, on a picnic, unknowingly sit near him on Strawberry Hill. When they express their wish to have Sylvester back, the magic pebble, now in contact with Sylvester (the rock), grants their heartfelt wish, transforming him back into a donkey, reuniting the family.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, excluding opinions, with each fact numbered and in short sentences:
**Character & Setting Facts**
1. The story's protagonist is named Sylvester Duncan.
2. Sylvester lives with his mother and father at Acorn Road in Oatsdale.
3. The narrator of the Storyline Online video is Reid Scott.
**Story Event Facts**
4. Sylvester finds a remarkable, flaming red, shiny, and round pebble on a rainy Saturday.
5. The pebble has magical powers that grant wishes when held.
6. Sylvester wishes for the rain to stop, and it immediately ceases.
7. Sylvester wishes to be a rock to escape a hungry lion and transforms into one.
8. As a rock, Sylvester is unable to pick up the magic pebble, which lies beside him.
9. Sylvester's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, search for him everywhere but can't find him.
10. After a month, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan lose hope of finding Sylvester.
11. Sylvester remains a rock on Strawberry Hill for an extended period, including through winter.
12. In May, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have a picnic on Strawberry Hill, sitting on the rock (Sylvester).
13. Mr. Duncan finds the magic pebble and places it on the rock (Sylvester).
14. Mrs. Duncan wishes for Sylvester to be with them, which breaks the spell, turning Sylvester back into himself.
**Resolution & Aftermath Facts**
15. Sylvester is reunited with his overjoyed parents.
16. Mr. Duncan stores the magic pebble in an iron safe after the reunion.