The Amazing Bone [Paperback]

Can Pearl, a pig, and her new friend, a small talking bone, outwit a band of robbersanda hungry fox?

The Amazing Boneis a 1976 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1977 Caldecott Honor Book, and a 1977 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books.

William Steig(1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, includingShrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based; the Caldecott Medal-winnerSylvester and the Magic Pebble; The Caldecott Honor bookThe Amazing Bone; and the Newbury Honor BooksAbel's IslandandDoctor De Soto. Stieg also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, includingThe Lonely Ones,Male/Female, andOur Miserable Life.

Pearl (a piglet) discovers a talking bone, which had fallen out of a witch's basket. . . . This is a tight mesh of witty storytelling and art, bound to please any audience. Booklist, Starred Review

Steig's inspired language is a miraculous match for his pictures, lovely as well as funny. Publishers Weekly

Another Steig tour de force. School Library Journal

When I Grow Up
On her way home from school, Pearl observes the grownups in town and thinks about her life as an adult. Ask students to consider their possible future jobs, and to write and illustrate a story describing the reasons for their choices. A career day can also be held in the classroom to introduce students to new possibilities.

Friends Forever
Discuss the unusual friendship between Pearl and the bone. Ask students to list traits possessed by the bone that are conducive to forming a friendship with Pearl. Students may suggest ideas such as loyalty, kindness, cleverness, sense of humor, and sharing a love of music. Then have students write about their own best friend, describing the bl“!