By Ashley Spires
This book is about a spunky girl who sets out to build the most magnificent thing with the help of her best friend/sidekick/dog. Her first attempt does not turn out to be what she expects. She tries multiple times without success. She gets frustrated, mad, and explodes. To quote the book, “it is not her finest moment,” but she deals with her emotions constructively and does not give up.
This is one of my daughter’s favorites. She told me she likes when the girl gets mad and frustrated. Sometimes when we are reading the book and we get to that scene, she says, “I do that.” That scene resonates with her. Alana is fascinated to see another kid exhibit emotions that are familiar to her. I have witnessed my daughter get frustrated in her attempt to make the most magnificent thing. I overhear her saying, “I can’t do this!” just like the girl in the book. At moments like these, I quote the book back at her and ask her how she is going to push the mad out.
I like this book because it teaches important life lessons. Don’t give up. The book also skillfully handles natural kid emotions without shaming them and sets a good precedence for not allowing these emotions to take over.
The magnificent thing the girl sets out to build is also a sweet gesture of friendship. It is a feel good book that is well written with words that will expand your child’s vocabulary. This is one of my favorites as well. I hope you enjoy it.
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