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Most Magnificent Thing #4
The Most Magnificent Team
New for fans of the runaway bestseller The Most Magnificent Thing, a story about the ups and downs of working with others.
A girl and her dog are ready to make something. She gathers her supplies, and they head to her favorite workspace – only to discover that her neighbor, along with her cat, got there first! Hmm, well, maybe they could make something together? Magnificent idea! So the girl starts cutting, hammering and gluing, while her neighbor considers, measures and calculates. Her neighbor believes in always measuring twice and cutting once, but the girl thinks that takes way too long. Tensions start to rise as it becomes clear they have very different styles of working. And even different ideas about exactly what they’re making! Can they ever work things out as a team?
Blending humor with empathy to strike just the right note, Ashley Spires perfectly captures the emotional ups and downs of working with others in this celebration of collaboration in the creative process. As the girl perseveres through technical and emotional challenges, she learns that mistakes don’t mean failure and setbacks are just part of the route to success. This amusing and inspiring picture book is part of the Most Magnificent franchise that includes books, a TV series and an award-winning short film. The series is a favorite among educators because of its growth mindset focus, and this title highlights another important theme in the classroom: teamwork.
A girl and her dog are ready to make something. She gathers her supplies, and they head to her favorite workspace – only to discover that her neighbor, along with her cat, got there first! Hmm, well, maybe they could make something together? Magnificent idea! So the girl starts cutting, hammering and gluing, while her neighbor considers, measures and calculates. Her neighbor believes in always measuring twice and cutting once, but the girl thinks that takes way too long. Tensions start to rise as it becomes clear they have very different styles of working. And even different ideas about exactly what they’re making! Can they ever work things out as a team?
Blending humor with empathy to strike just the right note, Ashley Spires perfectly captures the emotional ups and downs of working with others in this celebration of collaboration in the creative process. As the girl perseveres through technical and emotional challenges, she learns that mistakes don’t mean failure and setbacks are just part of the route to success. This amusing and inspiring picture book is part of the Most Magnificent franchise that includes books, a TV series and an award-winning short film. The series is a favorite among educators because of its growth mindset focus, and this title highlights another important theme in the classroom: teamwork.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Spires
51 books218 followersAshley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 22, 2025
In a Nutshell: The fourth picture book of the ‘Most Magnificent’ series, and possibly the most helpful one for today’s kids. The focus is on team work, and the resultant content is funny as well as practical. Much recommended!
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Plot Preview:
The first three books of this series have been quite helpful in getting kids to use their imagination and handle creative disappointments, but when working alone. (Or perhaps I should say, when working as the sole human on a project with the only assistant being your pet dog.) However, for most kids today, school projects are group projects. Working as part of a team (with humans, not dogs) requires a whole different skillset, and many children struggle to be as effective when they are in a group. As such, this story is possibly the most useful for today’s kids.
Our usual tinkerer is still unnamed; an idea I have come to appreciate as it helps us see the character in a generic mould without any preconceived name bias. It is fun to see a new human character finally added to this series, and this creative companion is also unnamed, referred to just as ‘neighbor’. The grey cat finally gets a proper role in this series, as the neighbour’s pet. So it is not just our tinkerer who has to learn to work together with a new friend, but her assistant pug also has to share assistant credentials with a cat!
The text is marvellous as always. Written in ordinary prose, the content encompasses several action words and emotive words. This book also follows the series pattern of writing some words in CAPS for greater stress. One more thing I noticed is how the girl constantly thinks in terms of ‘MAGNIFICENT’, thereby justifying the name of the series.
The illustrations are again stunning. I am amazed at the creativity of the author, who is also the illustrator of this entire series. Every single graphic has so much detailing! I especially enjoyed the expressions of the two animal characters.
On an aside, I am really enjoying the dedications in these books. They are always apt for the story!
Overall, this has been one heck of a series. I’d strongly recommend all the books to imaginative little inventors and artists aged 4-8 years. The book is a standalone and the entire series can be read in any order. If there are any more Most Magnificent books in future, I’ll be sure to grab them.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Kids Can Press for providing the DRC of “The Most Magnificent Team” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
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Plot Preview:
Our little tinkerer, still unnamed after four books, and her pug are as amazing as ever at working together and creating stuff. One day, when the girl goes to her usual place to work on her latest brainwave, she sees that there’s someone already there: a new neighbour with her pet cat. This neighbour also seems to love inventing, so the girl offers her a chance to work together on her new project. But when two strong-minded imaginative thinkers get together, can the going be easy?
The first three books of this series have been quite helpful in getting kids to use their imagination and handle creative disappointments, but when working alone. (Or perhaps I should say, when working as the sole human on a project with the only assistant being your pet dog.) However, for most kids today, school projects are group projects. Working as part of a team (with humans, not dogs) requires a whole different skillset, and many children struggle to be as effective when they are in a group. As such, this story is possibly the most useful for today’s kids.
Our usual tinkerer is still unnamed; an idea I have come to appreciate as it helps us see the character in a generic mould without any preconceived name bias. It is fun to see a new human character finally added to this series, and this creative companion is also unnamed, referred to just as ‘neighbor’. The grey cat finally gets a proper role in this series, as the neighbour’s pet. So it is not just our tinkerer who has to learn to work together with a new friend, but her assistant pug also has to share assistant credentials with a cat!
The text is marvellous as always. Written in ordinary prose, the content encompasses several action words and emotive words. This book also follows the series pattern of writing some words in CAPS for greater stress. One more thing I noticed is how the girl constantly thinks in terms of ‘MAGNIFICENT’, thereby justifying the name of the series.
The illustrations are again stunning. I am amazed at the creativity of the author, who is also the illustrator of this entire series. Every single graphic has so much detailing! I especially enjoyed the expressions of the two animal characters.
On an aside, I am really enjoying the dedications in these books. They are always apt for the story!
Overall, this has been one heck of a series. I’d strongly recommend all the books to imaginative little inventors and artists aged 4-8 years. The book is a standalone and the entire series can be read in any order. If there are any more Most Magnificent books in future, I’ll be sure to grab them.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Kids Can Press for providing the DRC of “The Most Magnificent Team” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 29, 2025
4.5 Stars
Aww… hehe!
Do you like working in teams? It’s not always fun when someone tells you how to do something you are good at, right? Our little girl in red and her doggy assistant face the same problem here. She is first happy to have a fellow builder join hands, but soon they realize how different their working processes are. But then, you can still create something magnificent if you know how to support each other, when to compromise, and when to hold your ground.
This fourth book in the series should work as a standalone. The little girl in red meets her neighbor (possibly the granddaughter of the gray cat’s hooman). The neighbor is equally adorable with those super large specs and her curly Black hair.
The book shows the excitement of making new friends, the disagreements that inevitably happen, and how kids can put their differences aside to work as a team and learn from each other. The writing is simple and aligned with the illustrations.
The pets also have matching expressions and body language. The illustrations really nail their emotions. I love it! The background is minimalistic, and the characters and their creations pop up.
To summarize, The Most Magnificent Team is a lovely book that kids can resonate with and learn from. It would also encourage them to be creative and work with friends.
Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Kids Can Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Aww… hehe!
Do you like working in teams? It’s not always fun when someone tells you how to do something you are good at, right? Our little girl in red and her doggy assistant face the same problem here. She is first happy to have a fellow builder join hands, but soon they realize how different their working processes are. But then, you can still create something magnificent if you know how to support each other, when to compromise, and when to hold your ground.
This fourth book in the series should work as a standalone. The little girl in red meets her neighbor (possibly the granddaughter of the gray cat’s hooman). The neighbor is equally adorable with those super large specs and her curly Black hair.
The book shows the excitement of making new friends, the disagreements that inevitably happen, and how kids can put their differences aside to work as a team and learn from each other. The writing is simple and aligned with the illustrations.
The pets also have matching expressions and body language. The illustrations really nail their emotions. I love it! The background is minimalistic, and the characters and their creations pop up.
To summarize, The Most Magnificent Team is a lovely book that kids can resonate with and learn from. It would also encourage them to be creative and work with friends.
Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Kids Can Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
May 5, 2025
This review was first published on https://miramichireader.ca April 11th
The beloved characters from The Most Magnificent Thing are back—but this time, they’re not the only makers on the block!
The Most Magnificent Team is the fourth book in the Magnificent series by British Columbia’s author and illustrator, Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press, it features our favourite makers, a girl and her dog. They are all ready to make something and know exactly what they want to build. But when they get to their favourite workspace they discover that their neighbour and her cat are already there. Maybe they can all make something together? But it turns out that working as a team is really hard. Her neighbour is more of a planner, while she is more of a doer. With different ideas and processes, will they succeed in making something together?
This book fits perfectly under the title “The Most Magnificent”! Along with the words, the detailed illustrations in this book beautifully convey the emotions and challenges of working with someone else, from the anger and frustration to the excitement and the rewards of a successful job well done. The Most Magnificent Team would be a positive addition to any school, personal library or creative group setting, with its many discussion points on each and every page.
This book is dedicated to “everyone who has ever had to figure out how to work with others, even when you don’t see eye to eye.” It would be the perfect inspirational gift to any and all of my fellow members on my current planning committee.
The beloved characters from The Most Magnificent Thing are back—but this time, they’re not the only makers on the block!
The Most Magnificent Team is the fourth book in the Magnificent series by British Columbia’s author and illustrator, Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press, it features our favourite makers, a girl and her dog. They are all ready to make something and know exactly what they want to build. But when they get to their favourite workspace they discover that their neighbour and her cat are already there. Maybe they can all make something together? But it turns out that working as a team is really hard. Her neighbour is more of a planner, while she is more of a doer. With different ideas and processes, will they succeed in making something together?
This book fits perfectly under the title “The Most Magnificent”! Along with the words, the detailed illustrations in this book beautifully convey the emotions and challenges of working with someone else, from the anger and frustration to the excitement and the rewards of a successful job well done. The Most Magnificent Team would be a positive addition to any school, personal library or creative group setting, with its many discussion points on each and every page.
This book is dedicated to “everyone who has ever had to figure out how to work with others, even when you don’t see eye to eye.” It would be the perfect inspirational gift to any and all of my fellow members on my current planning committee.
July 29, 2025
4.5 STARS
I loved reading The Most Magnificent Thing to my Grade 2 students, so when I saw this new addition to the series, I was excited to read and review it.
In The Most Magnificent Team, a girl and her dog head outside to create something magnificent—but when they arrive at their favourite spot, they discover her neighbour and her cat are already there. At first, they decide to work together on one big project, but as their ideas clash and frustrations rise, things don’t go quite as planned. What follows is a relatable and heartwarming exploration of teamwork, compromise, and emotional regulation.
This latest instalment beautifully explores the highs and lows of teamwork, highlighting what it means to collaborate through challenges, differing opinions, and unique approaches. It’s a thoughtful and accessible introduction to social-emotional learning, especially around cooperation and problem-solving. I especially appreciated how the book models strategies like taking deep breaths, asking for help, and regrouping when things don’t go as planned—skills that are so important for young learners.
One note of feedback: the font choice may be a bit challenging for early readers, especially those with reading difficulties. A more accessible typeface would help ensure all children can enjoy the story independently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved reading The Most Magnificent Thing to my Grade 2 students, so when I saw this new addition to the series, I was excited to read and review it.
In The Most Magnificent Team, a girl and her dog head outside to create something magnificent—but when they arrive at their favourite spot, they discover her neighbour and her cat are already there. At first, they decide to work together on one big project, but as their ideas clash and frustrations rise, things don’t go quite as planned. What follows is a relatable and heartwarming exploration of teamwork, compromise, and emotional regulation.
This latest instalment beautifully explores the highs and lows of teamwork, highlighting what it means to collaborate through challenges, differing opinions, and unique approaches. It’s a thoughtful and accessible introduction to social-emotional learning, especially around cooperation and problem-solving. I especially appreciated how the book models strategies like taking deep breaths, asking for help, and regrouping when things don’t go as planned—skills that are so important for young learners.
One note of feedback: the font choice may be a bit challenging for early readers, especially those with reading difficulties. A more accessible typeface would help ensure all children can enjoy the story independently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 7, 2025
In the fourth installment of The Most Magnificent Series, Ashley Spires explores the challenges and rewards of collaboration in The Most Magnificent Team. This relatable book is a wonderful addition to any collection for children aged 3 and above, at a time when they are moving beyond parallel play and starting to engage more meaningfully with peers.
📌 KidsCanpress and Netgalley graciously provided me with a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. My opinions are honest, as always, and entirely my own.
The story follows a girl and her adorable furry assistant as they set up for a creative project—only to find that their favorite workspot is already in use by a neighbor girl and her spunky feline companion. Initially, both pairs approach the situation with curiosity and mild trepidation. Yet, despite their excitement about collaborating, minor differences in opinion soon lead to mounting frustration and emotional strain—a familiar scenario for anyone who has watched young children interact.
Spire skillfully contrasts the two working styles: one character loves to tinker and adjust on the fly while the other values careful planning, believing in the adage of measuring twice and cutting once. As mismatches in ideas and expectations cause their collaboration to falter, both learn that mistakes aren’t signs of failure but essential milestones on the road to success. The charming illustrations, with just the right touch of whimsy, help young readers see themselves in the narrative.
With its focus on the growth mindset and teamwork, this book serves as an excellent tool for showing children that every individual on a team brings unique value. As a parent of two spirited 4‑year‑olds with very distinct working styles, I found it delightful to share this story with them—and I look forward to revisiting it.
📌 KidsCanpress and Netgalley graciously provided me with a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. My opinions are honest, as always, and entirely my own.
The story follows a girl and her adorable furry assistant as they set up for a creative project—only to find that their favorite workspot is already in use by a neighbor girl and her spunky feline companion. Initially, both pairs approach the situation with curiosity and mild trepidation. Yet, despite their excitement about collaborating, minor differences in opinion soon lead to mounting frustration and emotional strain—a familiar scenario for anyone who has watched young children interact.
Spire skillfully contrasts the two working styles: one character loves to tinker and adjust on the fly while the other values careful planning, believing in the adage of measuring twice and cutting once. As mismatches in ideas and expectations cause their collaboration to falter, both learn that mistakes aren’t signs of failure but essential milestones on the road to success. The charming illustrations, with just the right touch of whimsy, help young readers see themselves in the narrative.
With its focus on the growth mindset and teamwork, this book serves as an excellent tool for showing children that every individual on a team brings unique value. As a parent of two spirited 4‑year‑olds with very distinct working styles, I found it delightful to share this story with them—and I look forward to revisiting it.
February 12, 2025
4.25 Stars
A follow-up to the beloved book, THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING, but adding another lovable duo!
I loved that THE MOST MAGNIFICENT TEAM illustrates (literally), not just the design and redesign process, but doing so with feedback and other opinions. An important topic for adults and children, alike.
The pet assistants are once again a delight and the chaos of the girl’s creative process is a joyful inspiration.
I do wish the word team was repeated more throughout the story to reinforce the concept. Perhaps even demonstrate a brainstorming process with various words like “co-creator”, “collaborator”, and “teammate”.
But all-in-all, an enjoyable read and wonderful depiction of the beauty of teamwork!
I was honored to enjoy an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Thank you to author/illustrator, Ashley Spires, and Kids Can Press.
A follow-up to the beloved book, THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING, but adding another lovable duo!
I loved that THE MOST MAGNIFICENT TEAM illustrates (literally), not just the design and redesign process, but doing so with feedback and other opinions. An important topic for adults and children, alike.
The pet assistants are once again a delight and the chaos of the girl’s creative process is a joyful inspiration.
I do wish the word team was repeated more throughout the story to reinforce the concept. Perhaps even demonstrate a brainstorming process with various words like “co-creator”, “collaborator”, and “teammate”.
But all-in-all, an enjoyable read and wonderful depiction of the beauty of teamwork!
I was honored to enjoy an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Thank you to author/illustrator, Ashley Spires, and Kids Can Press.
April 2, 2026
Teamwork. We all talk about it. We tell our children about it. But how often is it properly demonstrated? The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires is a lovely children's book with a timely message for children and adults: the importance of working together. This picture book is part of the Most Magnificent franchise that includes books, a TV series and an award-winning short film. In this story has two girls who meet one day. They realize they are both creative with so many ideas to build things. Yet they have different styles with different visions. They don't know how to work together. They argue. They hold resentments. Through time they understand the power of co-operation and listening to one another's ideas. Ms. Spires is also the illustrator for this book. She deserves great credit for her illustrations. In these contentious times, maybe as many adults as children should read this book as a reminder to what co-operation is all about. This book is highly recommended. The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires is available to readers who are blind and partially-sighted at the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) in Canada.
March 28, 2025
I love these books and the newest book in the series is another example of why. The girls in the neighborhood each like to do things but like to do them in different ways. And at first, they don’t get along and it’s only by talking things out and working together that they realize they can be better as a team. These are written in such a way that it’s understandable. You can feel each character’s, frustration, and their hope when they realize that they’re not as different as they think they are. I love these books and I think they are an essential set for any Library to have.
June 15, 2025
I love Ashley Spires’ books, and this one did not disappoint! Working with partners is hard, and I think a lot of students will relate to this story. I like how it didn’t gloss over the fact that these girls are definitely going to disagree again. You can get past it and make something good together. I love these books for our library and makerspace- we’ll definitely be adding it to our collection! Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for sending me this ARC for review.
May 7, 2025
Sweet Story About Finding Common Ground & Working Together.
Overall: 4 ⭐
Plot/Lesson*: 4📍
Illustrations: 5 🎨
Laughter: 3 😅
“Mom's” Review:
As this is a children's book, and my older daughter, A°., is a new reader, we read this one together. Overall, a really cute story, roughly 40 pages. It's nice to not give names to the characters, instead being ‘the girl” and ”the neighbor.” It ends up giving them some small level of “any girl” and “any neighbor” which was nice!
The lesson of learning to play well with someone whose process is totally different than yours is quite well translated. Kiddo picked up on that right away. Both act poorly and both need to step back a moment to reevaluate. However, the story did seemed to favor one character’s process over another - enough so A. seemed to think the story initially was trying to make that point.
I loved the illustrations! With the background settings either black and white or monotone, the focus remained on the beautifully drawn, adorable characters and their pet “assistants” (who each had delightful personalities, too!)
This was our first time reading Ashley Spires and A. already requested to find the other books. So cute!
A’s^ Review:
“My favorite part is when the two friends take a breath - b/c when they got mad, they took a deep breathe to calm down & then they started working together. That's what we're supposed to do and I try to remember that even if it's hard sometimes.
I also really liked the pictures! The neighbor had mismatched sock, just like me, which was so cool. And my fave picture was when the dog was kissing the cat. That was so funny!”
Thank you to Ashley Spires, Net Galley, & Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review and early copy this book!
All opinions are our own.
* I count Plot/Lesson as how well the intended message or storyline translates to the target age group.
° A. is my daughter, currently at a ”Ready To Read” Level 3, who read the book to/with me.
^ A. had the smallest bit of trouble with a few of new-to-her words, but nothing major.
Overall: 4 ⭐
Plot/Lesson*: 4📍
Illustrations: 5 🎨
Laughter: 3 😅
“Mom's” Review:
As this is a children's book, and my older daughter, A°., is a new reader, we read this one together. Overall, a really cute story, roughly 40 pages. It's nice to not give names to the characters, instead being ‘the girl” and ”the neighbor.” It ends up giving them some small level of “any girl” and “any neighbor” which was nice!
The lesson of learning to play well with someone whose process is totally different than yours is quite well translated. Kiddo picked up on that right away. Both act poorly and both need to step back a moment to reevaluate. However, the story did seemed to favor one character’s process over another - enough so A. seemed to think the story initially was trying to make that point.
I loved the illustrations! With the background settings either black and white or monotone, the focus remained on the beautifully drawn, adorable characters and their pet “assistants” (who each had delightful personalities, too!)
This was our first time reading Ashley Spires and A. already requested to find the other books. So cute!
A’s^ Review:
“My favorite part is when the two friends take a breath - b/c when they got mad, they took a deep breathe to calm down & then they started working together. That's what we're supposed to do and I try to remember that even if it's hard sometimes.
I also really liked the pictures! The neighbor had mismatched sock, just like me, which was so cool. And my fave picture was when the dog was kissing the cat. That was so funny!”
Thank you to Ashley Spires, Net Galley, & Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review and early copy this book!
All opinions are our own.
* I count Plot/Lesson as how well the intended message or storyline translates to the target age group.
° A. is my daughter, currently at a ”Ready To Read” Level 3, who read the book to/with me.
^ A. had the smallest bit of trouble with a few of new-to-her words, but nothing major.
February 13, 2025
The Most Magnificent Team is a delightful children's picture book written and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Whimsical vivid illustrations paint the picture of two young girls who live near each other in a delightful city with adults who actually care about the opinions and interests of the children in their neighborhood. These two young girls adore inventing, creating, and building things. Neither of them is limited by stereotypical roles-- if they need to read and utilize a blueprint to develop their inventions, then that is exactly what they will do. However, the encounter a conundrum when they realize that their visions are not initially aligned and neither of them wants to be a mere assistant to the other. After working separately to complete their own projects, they quickly discover that working alone simply is not working out for them. Reluctantly, they decide to form a team and use their own strengths and special talents to create an invention that is absolutely wonderful. After all, success is truly reached when working together as a team!
This will surely become a staple in children's libraries due to its ability to teach a valuable social lesson in forming friendships and working in unison with peers.
This will surely become a staple in children's libraries due to its ability to teach a valuable social lesson in forming friendships and working in unison with peers.
April 25, 2025
- I received this book from NetGalley -
The Most Magnificent Team is the 4th book in the Most Magnificent series by Ashley Spires, and this one is a great addition!
Having to work with someone who has different ideas, or ways of doing things is so frustrating, especially when you don't know how to deal with it (like most kids do, it's a skill you need to learn!) But the fact that this is displayed in the book, and that it is ok to get mad, is so refreshing to see because a lot of times emotions are kept out of books.
I like the part where it says to take some time, and then come back to the problem. A pause to calm down or rethink about the situation is so important, and having it added in the book as something good is a great addition.
The colored characters and items with very simple black and white sketched backgrounds is something that helps highlight where the child should look in this book, and I really like the visual differences this adds to help make this style stand out.
A perfect addition to the series, or just a great stand alone book for children, both my 5 and 8 year old enjoyed it!
The Most Magnificent Team is the 4th book in the Most Magnificent series by Ashley Spires, and this one is a great addition!
Having to work with someone who has different ideas, or ways of doing things is so frustrating, especially when you don't know how to deal with it (like most kids do, it's a skill you need to learn!) But the fact that this is displayed in the book, and that it is ok to get mad, is so refreshing to see because a lot of times emotions are kept out of books.
I like the part where it says to take some time, and then come back to the problem. A pause to calm down or rethink about the situation is so important, and having it added in the book as something good is a great addition.
The colored characters and items with very simple black and white sketched backgrounds is something that helps highlight where the child should look in this book, and I really like the visual differences this adds to help make this style stand out.
A perfect addition to the series, or just a great stand alone book for children, both my 5 and 8 year old enjoyed it!
April 2, 2025
Thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
Ashley Spires is back at it again with her beloved "Girl" from the Most Magnificent series. Spires always has a knack for illustrating the maker process in a relatable and humorous way and The Most Magnificent Team is no different. Teamwork is hard for kids (and adults). This book craftily showcases the struggles of wanting to collaborate, but also wanting to hold onto one's own ideas. I particularly liked the arc the characters go through as they attempt to team up and create a most magnificent thing together. Naturally adding in cool down steps ("breathe" and "seek support from assistants") was a huge bonus.
I thought it was an interesting choice to name the new character "The Neighbor"---who just happens to be THE cutest drawn character maybe ever---but I suppose that is on par with the main character being named "The Girl".
Ashley Spires is onto something great with this series and they should find a way into every classroom and every maker space.
Ashley Spires is back at it again with her beloved "Girl" from the Most Magnificent series. Spires always has a knack for illustrating the maker process in a relatable and humorous way and The Most Magnificent Team is no different. Teamwork is hard for kids (and adults). This book craftily showcases the struggles of wanting to collaborate, but also wanting to hold onto one's own ideas. I particularly liked the arc the characters go through as they attempt to team up and create a most magnificent thing together. Naturally adding in cool down steps ("breathe" and "seek support from assistants") was a huge bonus.
I thought it was an interesting choice to name the new character "The Neighbor"---who just happens to be THE cutest drawn character maybe ever---but I suppose that is on par with the main character being named "The Girl".
Ashley Spires is onto something great with this series and they should find a way into every classroom and every maker space.
June 23, 2025
The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires is a delightful picture book that beautifully blends vibrant illustrations with an important message about collaboration. The artwork is fantastic ~ each page visually captures the emotions and creativity of the story, perfectly complementing the narrative.
The story follows two girls as they team up to tackle a tricky building project. Their journey highlights the ups and downs of working together, offering young readers a relatable and engaging look at teamwork, patience, and problem-solving. It's a fun and thoughtful story that encourages meaningful conversations with students and children alike.
This book is not only enjoyable to read aloud but also offers valuable lessons that make it a great resource for classrooms or bedtime reading. A strong 4.5 stars for its creativity, message, and beautifully matched illustrations! I will be adding this to my library for read alouds and also for my students to check out.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC.
The story follows two girls as they team up to tackle a tricky building project. Their journey highlights the ups and downs of working together, offering young readers a relatable and engaging look at teamwork, patience, and problem-solving. It's a fun and thoughtful story that encourages meaningful conversations with students and children alike.
This book is not only enjoyable to read aloud but also offers valuable lessons that make it a great resource for classrooms or bedtime reading. A strong 4.5 stars for its creativity, message, and beautifully matched illustrations! I will be adding this to my library for read alouds and also for my students to check out.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC.
February 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an advanced read copy of this sweet children’s book.
The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires is about two neighborhood girls that learn to share and work together to complete a project for their pets. The book teaches the importance of working through differences when others may have a different perspective than our own. It shows how coping skills such as taking a break and some breaths can help us when we feel angry. The story reminds young readers that when we cooperate we can solve problems together and grow stronger relationships.
The illustrations in the book were wonderful too and I loved the little girls adorable pets that worked alongside them as they forged a new friendship.
This book would make a wonderful addition to an early elementary aged classroom or school library and is a great educational resource for school counselors and social skills building.
The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires is about two neighborhood girls that learn to share and work together to complete a project for their pets. The book teaches the importance of working through differences when others may have a different perspective than our own. It shows how coping skills such as taking a break and some breaths can help us when we feel angry. The story reminds young readers that when we cooperate we can solve problems together and grow stronger relationships.
The illustrations in the book were wonderful too and I loved the little girls adorable pets that worked alongside them as they forged a new friendship.
This book would make a wonderful addition to an early elementary aged classroom or school library and is a great educational resource for school counselors and social skills building.
February 12, 2025
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
We own the first book, The Most Magnificent Thing, and adore it! I need to keep tabs on Picture books because I didn't know this was a series now. I saw this on Netgalley and had to request it!
I love that this is about learning how to navigate teamwork. It's hard, even as an adult, to do things as a team. They both had their strengths and weaknesses. They were able to learn how they could work together and create something amazing. My son really caught on to their emotions with the illustrations, which was a bonus! Speaking of the illustrations, I adore them.
Overall, we loved this one and I will be adding it to our library!! I think all kids need to read about how teamwork can be difficult, but you can work through it!
Many thanks to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
We own the first book, The Most Magnificent Thing, and adore it! I need to keep tabs on Picture books because I didn't know this was a series now. I saw this on Netgalley and had to request it!
I love that this is about learning how to navigate teamwork. It's hard, even as an adult, to do things as a team. They both had their strengths and weaknesses. They were able to learn how they could work together and create something amazing. My son really caught on to their emotions with the illustrations, which was a bonus! Speaking of the illustrations, I adore them.
Overall, we loved this one and I will be adding it to our library!! I think all kids need to read about how teamwork can be difficult, but you can work through it!
Many thanks to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
March 22, 2025
This is an awesome book for young readers to learn how to work effectively with others, even when they disagree with their teammates. I genuinely think that this book has the potential to be a highly important book in schools and at home. Spires gets to the point quickly, but also allows the story's plot to fully develop and play out. This definitely helped the message have a better impact on readers because it made more sense and maintained the attention of this book's audience. Another great thing about this book was that the author seamlessly included various skills that anyone can use in order to be a good team player (i.e. taking a break to breathe, kindly adding on to others' ideas). Lastly, the creative tone of the book showed not only in the writing but also in the illustrations. I loved seeing the progression of the kids' inventions, and it's clear that the illustrator had vivid ideas going into this project, which were executed flawlessly. Bravo!
April 28, 2025
This was an adorable book about two girls who learn how to work together despite having very different personalities and ways of going about tasks. The pets were adorable and the illustrations were super fun. The story itself was very relatable, even as an adult. I can definitely remember having this same argument with my best friend as a child countless times. However, the way the story was broken up on a few pages, with words both on top and on bottom of a really large illustration in the middle, made me miss some of the words sometimes. My eye didn't naturally go to that top part, only seeing the large illustration and the sentence (or partial sentence) beneath it. I also would've preferred the children had names instead of just "the girl" and "the neighbor" as it was sort of difficult to keep up in some places and took me out of the story for sure. Also I feel like 'neighbor' is too difficult of a word for early readers to have to read over and over again.
May 6, 2025
Ashley Spires' latest installment to the Most Magnificent series would be a welcome addition to any children’s library collection. In this story, the girl meets her neighbour outside when she arrives with her assistant to build her newest creation. They decide to work together and run into some challenges along the way, discovering that collaborating with others can be difficult. Despite the ups and downs, and a few meltdowns, the partners learn that by communicating and compromising they can create something even more magnificent. For teachers, this book would be an excellent way to explore some of the behaviours and emotions that can arise during group activities, and would be a good introduction to the communicative and collaborative competencies needed for successfully working with others. Thank you to Kids Can Press for providing this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
What a fantastic children’s book about the challenges AND joys of working together! This is a message my children, ages 6 and 8, definitely need to hear (as do many adults, including myself!). I love when a book appears to be for children, but is really meant for everyone ;).
From the beginning there is tension building, someone is in “the girl’s” spot. Then they decide to work together, but it’s so hard to accept another POV on how to do things, and even harder to have humility about our own ideas and work! The natural process leads them away from each other and then back together again without any formal or adult input or direction.
The illustrations accurately portray emotions and thought-processes, plus they’re very attractive! Definitely a need-to-purchase book and will be reading and rereading it for many years to come.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the beginning there is tension building, someone is in “the girl’s” spot. Then they decide to work together, but it’s so hard to accept another POV on how to do things, and even harder to have humility about our own ideas and work! The natural process leads them away from each other and then back together again without any formal or adult input or direction.
The illustrations accurately portray emotions and thought-processes, plus they’re very attractive! Definitely a need-to-purchase book and will be reading and rereading it for many years to come.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2025
A very decent look at young scientists not getting along. This is the fourth in a series of books to feature the star maker of the neighbourhood – but lo and behold there's a second one, and they could collaborate, couldn't they? Well they could, if they could agree on all the important parts, and design, and process, and that bit with the rope… Books showing kids falling out and making up are quite common, but this, with the focus on STEM thinking and construction, is distinctive. The whole look is wonderful, too, with the backgrounds in wireframe and the characters much more like full-figured, full-coloured creations, so they really pop. I like the way the text and illustrations alike get to have so many mentions of the intended product, but we're never privy to what it is until as late as possible. There's probably more work put into this than was strictly necessary for it to be a success, and I'm all for that – so four and a half stars.
January 23, 2025
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Ashley Spires (The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do is a storytime favorite), so I requested this one as soon as I saw it was available.
Super cute story about teamwork, with Spires’ signature style and artwork. The little girl from The Most Magnificent Thing returns, but this time she has a new neighbor. While she’s first excited to meet a fellow maker, the neighbor does things differently and their styles don’t mesh AT ALL (I also love the detail that neighbor has a cat while the original girl has a dog). Neighbor is more methodical, while the girl just wants to plow through and DO STUFF. In the end, each one realizes the other’s way has some merit, but what’s actually best is working through things together!
Super cute story about teamwork, with Spires’ signature style and artwork. The little girl from The Most Magnificent Thing returns, but this time she has a new neighbor. While she’s first excited to meet a fellow maker, the neighbor does things differently and their styles don’t mesh AT ALL (I also love the detail that neighbor has a cat while the original girl has a dog). Neighbor is more methodical, while the girl just wants to plow through and DO STUFF. In the end, each one realizes the other’s way has some merit, but what’s actually best is working through things together!
June 17, 2025
For everyone who has ever had to figure out how to work with others, even when you don't see eye to eye.
That applies to most all of us, doesn't it? Whether it be cooking dinner, a school project, or just sharing space on your block; we have all had to learn about teamwork.
This latest Most Magnificent features our favorite duo plus the gray kitten and her owner. Can these neighbors not only share maker space, but even work together?
It isn't easy, but the results speak for themselves. Come along on their journey from individuals to team members -- including those indispensable pet helpers.
Charming and engaging and inspiring. You might find yourself wanting to go out and create after reading this one. Invite a friend to join in and make it MAGNIFICENT!
P.S. Thanks again, Rosh. If I miss the release of Book 5, I trust I will see it on your page.🥂
That applies to most all of us, doesn't it? Whether it be cooking dinner, a school project, or just sharing space on your block; we have all had to learn about teamwork.
This latest Most Magnificent features our favorite duo plus the gray kitten and her owner. Can these neighbors not only share maker space, but even work together?
It isn't easy, but the results speak for themselves. Come along on their journey from individuals to team members -- including those indispensable pet helpers.
Charming and engaging and inspiring. You might find yourself wanting to go out and create after reading this one. Invite a friend to join in and make it MAGNIFICENT!
P.S. Thanks again, Rosh. If I miss the release of Book 5, I trust I will see it on your page.🥂
February 7, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley.
Spires brings us a fourth book in this series. This time the girl discovers someone else in her creating space. She isn't sure but decides to work with the other inventor to create her design. However, she discovers that the other young girl has her own opinions and ideas. Readers may agree that it is difficult to work together until everyone learns to compromise and listen. By the end, the two have created an incredible invention that is already being used. They agree to meet again to invent more. I love the character expression on both the two inventors and their assistants. We can clearly tell what all of them are feeling as the story unfolds. Looking forward to sharing this with our students.
Spires brings us a fourth book in this series. This time the girl discovers someone else in her creating space. She isn't sure but decides to work with the other inventor to create her design. However, she discovers that the other young girl has her own opinions and ideas. Readers may agree that it is difficult to work together until everyone learns to compromise and listen. By the end, the two have created an incredible invention that is already being used. They agree to meet again to invent more. I love the character expression on both the two inventors and their assistants. We can clearly tell what all of them are feeling as the story unfolds. Looking forward to sharing this with our students.
April 28, 2025
The Most Magnificent Team is the fourth installment in this series. The illustrations continue to be bright and colourful and children will enjoy them. I enjoyed the two FMCs that are designing and building a project. Through their design and building process they teach the reader how to work together and manage when things do not go their way. This is a great message for young readers.
For teachers and parents the book offers a great opportunity to discuss new vocabulary, the author's message and social skills.
Thank you Net Galley, Ashley Spires and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
The Most Magnificent Team is expected to be released May 6, 2025.
For teachers and parents the book offers a great opportunity to discuss new vocabulary, the author's message and social skills.
Thank you Net Galley, Ashley Spires and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
The Most Magnificent Team is expected to be released May 6, 2025.
May 30, 2025
This fun adventure is all about working with others and working as a team. When a young girl and her
dog want to go to their favorite workspace to create something things don't go as planned. There they find their neighbor with her cat. They decide to create together but soon discover they have their own idea and ways of doing things.
A great story sharing with our little ones the importance of team work and learning to work together. They see how important it is and learning to compromise can help with many problems they may face. The story
is humorous but at the same time sends a great message about letting others be themselves be creative all while getting along with each other.
Great to share with your little ones or in a classroom. Enjoy this adventure together.
dog want to go to their favorite workspace to create something things don't go as planned. There they find their neighbor with her cat. They decide to create together but soon discover they have their own idea and ways of doing things.
A great story sharing with our little ones the importance of team work and learning to work together. They see how important it is and learning to compromise can help with many problems they may face. The story
is humorous but at the same time sends a great message about letting others be themselves be creative all while getting along with each other.
Great to share with your little ones or in a classroom. Enjoy this adventure together.
July 3, 2025
This is a great way to teach students about teamwork. It’s really hard to help kids understand how to work in groups, especially when so often one person ends up doing all the work. This book shows how different working styles can clash, but also how teams can grow stronger when everyone learns to listen and compromise. The story is fun and relatable, with just enough tension to feel real but not overwhelming. It opens the door for great conversations about fairness, communication, and sharing responsibility. This would be perfect to use before starting group projects in both elementary and middle school. It helps set expectations and gives students the language to talk about teamwork in a more meaningful way.
February 6, 2025
For the past three years, my 4th graders have worked together to make a cardboard gingerbread house every December. This book is the perfect intro to how to work together and disagree but also come together to make something work!
Our old favorite character from The Most Magnificent Thing has her own ideas but when she runs into the neighbor, they try to work together. It is not going well and they decide to do the plans their own way but both end up frustrated and end up coming together and learned how to handle the disagreement to create something amazing! A book of perseverance with such cute illustrations!
Our old favorite character from The Most Magnificent Thing has her own ideas but when she runs into the neighbor, they try to work together. It is not going well and they decide to do the plans their own way but both end up frustrated and end up coming together and learned how to handle the disagreement to create something amazing! A book of perseverance with such cute illustrations!
January 4, 2026
Ashley Spires is a wonder! With the same engaging and detailed illustrations where the characters show emotions perfectly (as do their pets), this book follows the work of two creators. They both have plans. They both have skills. They do not both proceed in the same way or with the same process. When they cannot agree they build separately and then realize that was a mistake. Taking readers through the process of working as a team, accepting differences of opinions, allowing time for healing hurt feelings, and resolving them in the interest of the project outcome this book is needed in every library serving children! STEM/STEAM teachers, make note of this one!
January 14, 2025
I was stoked when I saw there would be another Magnificent book, and I know my students will be as well - and this book did not disappoint! With eye-catching illustrations and covering themes of teamwork, making (and revising and re-making), this will be a great read aloud book for our library and can also tie in with some makerspace activities. Super excited to be able to share this book with my students after it is published - it will be great to read at the beginning of the school year.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
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