Bøker av William Steig

Here, in the great tradition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and Caleb and Kate, is another tale of magical transformation from William Steig, the creator of Shrek. Its hero, young Solomon, is an ordinary rabbit--well, ordinary in every respect but one. Whenever he scratches his nose and wiggles his toes at exactly the same time, he turns into a rusty nail. To turn back into a rabbit, all he has to do is think: "I'm no nail, I'm a rabbit!"This unusual talent enables Solomon to play some gratifying practical jokes, but it also leads to serious trouble when he's waylaid by a one-eyed cat who plans to turn him into Hasenpfeffer. Solomon promptly becomes a rusty nail and steadfastly refuses to change back, even after Ambrose, the cat, and his wife, Clorinda, lock him up in a cage in their guest room. Sooner or later, they figure, they'll be dining no bunny stew. How can Solomon possibly find a way out of this dilemma? Praise for Solomon the Rusty Nail:"Steig combines a tale of uncanny transformation with his distinctively animated illustrations...Children will love this bizarre tale with its humorous drawings and lively sense of fun." -Pointer, Kirkus Reviews"Beautifully written and illustrated by paintings reflecting the sunny colors of spring...A classic by a peerless artist." -Publishers Weekly

To figure out William Steig's word puzzles you need merely read the letters, numbers, and symbols aloud. If at first the messages aren't clear, there are clever pictures accompanying each one to give you hints. Some are easy, some are hard, but all are a hilarious treat when the phrases are decoded. Originally published in 1984 with black-and-white drawings, C D C ? is given fresh life in this full-color edition painted by Mr. Steig. Also included is an answer key at the end.

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn't feeling so well and can't possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she's made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that's brewing-- quite an errand for a little girl.But where there's a will, there's a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year. Adapted into a short film in 1989 from director Daniel Ivanick.

The Amazing Bone is 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, incomparable master of the contemporary picture book, has never been better than in The Amazing Bone.It's a bright and beautiful spring day, and Pearl, a pig, is dawdling on her way home from school. Most unexpectedly, she strikes up an acquaintance with a small bone. "You talk?" says Pearl. "In any language," says the bone. "And I can imitate any sound there is." (Its former owner was a witch.) Pearl and the bone immediately take a liking to each other, and before you know it she is on her way home with the bone in her purse, left open so they can continue their conversation. Won't her parents be surprised when she introduces her talking bone!But before that happy moment comes, the resourceful bone must deal with a band of highway robbers in Halloween masks and, worse, a fox who decides that Pearl will be his main course at dinner that night. And deal it does, with gambits droll and thrilling. Made into a short animated film voiced by John Lithgow, available on streaming and home video.

Bitterly disappointed when his family falls asleep as he plays his newfound harmonica, a spirited young pig runs away'only to undergo harrowing adventures before he, with the aid of his magical sleep-inducing harmonica, can be reunited with his loving family.

One fresh and fair summer day, as soon as his parents go out, Gorky sets up his laboratory by the kitchen sink to have another try at concocting a magic potion. This time he strikes upon the missing ingredient--half a bottle of his mother's attar of roses--and he knows it's success at last.While he is waiting for the bubbly, glinting liquid to show what it can do, he heads over to Elephant Rock, "his best spot for doing nothing." But on the way he stops to bask in the sun, soon falls asleep--and wakes to find himself floating in the immensely blue sky, clutching his bottle of magic.There follows the most astonishing, bewildering, and bedazzling adventure a young frog could possibly have. Orbiting the globe has its ups and downs, however, and Gorky soon begins to wonder if he'll ever get back to earth. He does manage to outwit the magic; but the potion saves a last surprise until Gorky reaches Elephant Rock, just on day later than he had planned. Gorky Rises is a 1980 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Notable Children's Book of the Year, and Outstanding Book of the Year.

A playful story of poor, misunderstood Spinky, lying in his hammock with a dreadful case of the sulks.

Is Gawain's goose really cooked?

Dominic is off to see the world!

Pete is in a bad mood. It's raining and he can't play out. But never fear, Pete's dad has just the idea to cheer Pete up - turn him into a pizza! He kneads the dough, adds oil and tomatoes, and with some tickles and giggles along the way, before long the sun comes out...A picture book classic from the creator of Shrek; a laugh-out-loud celebration of parents everywhere.