The Most Magnificent Idea - Ashley Spires - ★★★★.½

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AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: Ashley Spires
SERIES: Most Magnificent Thing, #2
GENRE: Children's Picture Book.
PUBLICATION DATE: September 6, 2022.
RATING: 4.5 stars.


In a Nutshell: The second picture book of the ‘Most Magnificent’ series and just as adorable. Great idea, great characters, great life lesson. Much recommended. Can be read as a standalone.


Plot Preview:
The unnamed little girl and her pet-dog-cum-creative-assistant are back. She still loves tinkering and has a new idea every day for a new project. But one day, she hits that dreaded wall that so many creative people fear: her mind draws a blank. No idea! What will she do? What can she make? With her beloved assistant in tow, she tries her best to think of a new idea, but nothing seems to work. Is this the end of her tinkering days?


Yet again a simple concept but a relatable one. Even the most creative people have days when no idea comes to mind or comes to fruition. This might lead to sadness, annoyance, or frustration. The picture book subtly indicates what you can do when your mind refuses to generate new ideas at will.

Our little tinkerer and her dog yet again make a great pair. Their bond goes much beyond the typical, and I adore how her canine friend is always supportive of her pursuits.

The story is written in simple prose, but not in simple words. It has many wonderful adjectives and verbs that are bound to enhance the vocabulary of little readers. The text is also nicely spaced without making the pages feel cluttered. Again, there are some words that are written in CAPS, adding to the impact of the expressed emotions.

The illustrations, sketched by the author herself, are adorable. The expressions of the characters are awesome, as are the little creative objects made by our tinkerer.

Overall, a definite yes even for this picture book. It would make a wonderful read for all little “idea machines” who have hit a creative slump. A great option for readers aged 4-8 years. The book is a standalone and the entire series can be read in any order.

4.5 stars. (This rating is also endorsed by my younger one, a creative artist who empathises with the problem of having idea blocks.)

My thanks to Kids Can Press for providing the DRC of “The Most Magnificent Idea” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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