The Most Magnificent Thing



Last updated Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Author: Ashley Spires
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 1554537045
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2024

Synopsis: From Booklist:
One day, a young girl who enjoys creating things decides to build something truly special. So, after drawing diagrams, hiring an assistant (aka her best-pal pooch), and collecting materials, she establishes her sidewalk workshop. But, alas, bringing vision to fruition isn't easy. Progressively, excitement and confidence wane, motivation turns to meltdown - then to defeat (I'm no good at this. I QUIT!). Happily, some timely dog walking brings clarity, calm, and an inspiration for an imaginative solution that just might work.

Note to readers:
•  Although there are craft suggestions, this is the perfect opportunity to allow the kids to be creative, and maybe make use of some of the supplies that may be available in excess, or repeat a past craft that they really enjoyed - with a twist!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever built or invented anything?
•  What is something you would like to fix?

Vocabulary
•  Magnificient: Great, impressive, elaborate, or exceptional.
•  Assistant: A helper.
•  Supplies: The items needed to work on a project.
•  Tinkers: Trying to fix or improve something.
•  Fiddles: To make small adjustments.
•  Pummels: To strike repeatedly with your fists.
•  Distractions: Something that takes away your attention.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever had a difficult project? How did you finish it?
•  Who helps you solve problems?
•  What do you do when something isn't going the way you want it to?
•  Do you want to quit when you are frustrated?

Craft ideas:
•  See who can build the tallest tower using tape (maybe some snazzy washi tape), straws (or toothpicks or whatever you can find in the craft supplies)! Ideas and examples at https://lemonlimeadventures.com/building-with-straws-engineering-challenge-for-kids/
•  Build a marble run! This could be a group project. Supplies needed: Cardboard rolls, colored tape, marble/s or small rolling objects, scissors, and a bowl or basket. Examples and instructions at https://tinkerlab.com/toilet-paper-roll-marble-run/
•  Make a cardboard construction kit to take home and build things! This will probably need cardboard that you bring from home from your recycle bin (think Amazon delivery boxes!) See https://happyhooligans.ca/homemade-cardboard-construction-set/
•  Build paper airplanes! See whose airplane can fly the straightes! the furthest! See https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/77853/stem-paper-airplane-challenge/
•  Build a raft! Supplies needed include small sticks of random lengths and string or twine. If volunteers want to do this craft with the kids, you will want to bring your own supplies! https://kidscraftroom.com/stick-raft-building-stem-project/

Special activities:
•  If you *really* want to have a bit of fun, have the kids start a project, then halfway through, have them trade and let another participant finish it!

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!