The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is a picture book that promotes thinkers, self-management, perseverance and knowledgeable.

A girl and her best friend in the whole wide world do all kinds of things together. “They race. They eat. They explore. They relax. She makes things. He unmakes things.” A girl, and her canine assistant glue, adjust, examine, stare, tweak, fasten, fix, straighten and study to create the most magnificent thing. “They are shocked to discover that the thing isn’t magnificent. Or good. It isn’t even kind-of-sort-of-okay. It is all WRONG. The girl tosses it aside and gives it another go.”

Her enthusiasm and confidence subside until she gets mad and quits! She walks her assistant and “bit by bit, the mad gets pushed out of her head” and inspiration hits her. She starts construction of the magnificent thing on the sidewalk where neighbours, climbing over her discarded attempts, discover they can use them for themselves. The girl and her dog finish their design and “climb aboard and take it for a spin. They are not disappointed. It really is THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING.”

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires

Publisher: Kids Can Press (2014)

ISBN: 9781554537044

Take a look inside

Ashely Spires Official Website

The Most Magnificent Thing Resources

These resources relate to the book, author and illustrator. The number of resources varies book to book. Please check they are appropriate for your specific needs before using them with children. If you have any suggestions please get in touch!

Kids Can Press: The Most Magnificent Thing Teaching Guide
The NED Show: Lesson Plans for a Growth Mindset: The Most Magnificent Thing
Reading is Fundamental: Support Materials
Reading is Fundamental: Guide for Educators
Scholastic: Design Thinking: A Lesson That Connects Classmates

The Most Magnificent Thing Videos

Books by Ashley Spires

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