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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Most Magnificent Team, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Kids Can Press, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up


"She didn't know that working with 
someone else could involve CHANGES.

But ... she has to admit that the ideas 
are interesting, 

and her assistant heartily approves - 
      so she agrees to the new plan.
"

A young girl and her pup do everything together. She loves new ideas, and wants to find ways to make those ideas become something important. As her pup sleeps, she makes a plan for construction. Gathering all appropriate and needed materials, the two are off to their favorite workplace. What? There is already somebody there - exactly where they want to be. 

The two acknowledge each other, and seem pleased to meet someone with similar interests. The neighbor and her cat show interest in working together. The neighbor adds an idea or two of her own, causing some concern. Ultimately, they decide it should work. Dividing up the needed tasks, they set to getting it done. While the plan seems clear to one, it does not work at all for the other. The designer wants it done her way - it is her plan. The neighbor has many suggestions to make about how to improve that plan and the construction itself. Disagreement ensues. Not willing to listen and angry about any suggested improvements, a decision is made to stop.

"They each get to work, building their own projects without 
getting in each other's way. 
The neighbor considers and assembles. The girl tinkers and 
tightens. 

Until finally they stop to admire their work ... 

Hmmm ... 

Huh."

Their styles may be different, and their ideas may not mesh; is there a way to set aside those differences and work together to build something they can both be proud of? It takes time, patience, and a willingness to stop and try again. In the end, it shows promise for future endeavors.

I guess it's true that TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK! 

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