The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

from goodreads

4 stars

Miss G is always inventing things. She has heaps of drawings and plans and goes through so much tape is is rather ridiculous. Some of her creations are pretty interesting. Often she runs to her room saying"I have a great idea for the best thing ever!"

What can be frustrating at times is when she needs help with her creation and she expects you to know exactly what she needs and wants. When you tell her you don't know what you want her to do, she does not always believe you and then gets mad when you tape something at the wrong spot. Or sometimes her plan does not always work out the way it did in her head... that can be frustrating too.

When I say this book on my library's main page I knew I had to get it out. It screamed Miss G because I had heard those words before.

Synopsis

A little girl along with her puppy assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing.

My Thoughts

This author totally got the little girl inventor thing down. The brilliant ideas, the thorough drawings, the many, many, many trials and the frustration when things weren't going quite as planned.

I liked how the author shows that many of the greatest things are created through the trial and error process and that you might not get it perfect the first time. I liked how methodical the process was. I liked how a cooling off period or walking away period is sometimes what is needed when you are stuck. I also liked how the author showed that while some of her models weren't good for what she wanted they worked for other people. Sometimes when we set out to create something we might create a thing we didn't expect but is useful for others.

The drawings were quite nice. They were simplistic yet exactly what this story needed.

This is a great book to encourage kids to solve their own problems, think things through and keep trying. I really enjoyed it.

Loula is leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I don't know why there is such an allure about running away. But, there is. When I was little I remember wanting to run away into the woods and live as I pleased. That was squashed when the box of toys I wanted to bring was too heavy and no one was willing to help me carry it.

Every now and then I day dream about running away to a hotel, just me, room service and a good book.

Do you have any running away fantasies?

Synopsis

Loula has horrible brothers and she has had it. She is going to go to Africa. With the help of her mother's driver, Gilbert, she sets off on her adventure.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book. My kids, they could take it or leave it. It is definitely not one of their favourites.

I think this book would be enjoyable when you realize the characters are using their imaginations. For some younger kids they might take it too literally and not get it.

I love the character of Gilbert. How lucky all children would be if they had a Gilbert in their life. He is kind and generous and knows how to make Loula feel special. Gotta love him.

This is a great book that captures the art children have of being able to create their own worlds. They don't actually need to be in Africa to go there. I think sometimes we as adults forget that.