This indefatigable little girl won't let frustration get in the way of creating her magnificent contraption. Spires's buddy tale of overcoming obstacles and learning to manage expectations will likely find an appreciative audience, especially in a classroom setting.- Quill & Quire Spires' understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle characterization for maximum delight.- Kirkus Reviews - Starred Review It's a useful description of the creative process, an affirmation of making rather than buying, and a model for girl engineers.- Publishers Weekly

The girl doesn't just “make” her magnificent thing - she “tinkers and hammers and measures,” she “smoothes and wrenches and fiddles,” she “twists and tweaks and fastens.” These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes.

But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.įor the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog.

The most marvelous thing