The Most Magnificent Thing

Ashley Spires has written and illustrated an adorable, simple book with big impact and a message that matters. 

Who doesn't experience feelings of failure, frustration and insurmountable obstacles? 

The author knows this is a universal feeling and she does something amazing by not naming her main character but instead introduces her as "a regular girl". She could be any of us. We can all relate. This simple detail makes us root for her and (in rooting for her) we root for ourselves and subtly learn a life lesson in innovation. 

The main character just wants to build the most Magnificent thing. She makes plans. Her dog assists. However, when her plans go awry she has a decision to make. Will she quit her goal or succeed against all  odds? 

This is an excellent book for children and sets an exceptional example especially for young girls. 

Take a minute to watch the book trailer:

---

Aren't the characters just precious? I love her spunk. I have classified this book under both character and life skills categories because I believe it teaches the importance of perseverance, a crucial character trait that is very valuable in life. Perseverance and flexibility are life skills worth teaching at a young age and The Most Magnificent Thing is a sweet way of doing it. 

Order your copy on Amazon ($4.49 Kindle/ $15.18 Hardcover) and then be sure to check out the free Teaching Guide that uses the book to teach students (grades 1-12) how to identify and organize their goals, observe social barriers and push through, apply perseverance strategies, think creatively and operate like engineers. Assignments are created at different age levels and vary in difficulty. It's a very good resource for expanding the learning opportunity of this book.

The author also encourages children to create something of their own and invites them to use #makesomething to show off their creations.  

Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Most Magnificent Thing from Kids Can Press via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
​
I give this book five stars