THE MOST MAGNIFICENT MAKER'S A TO Z

Alphabetical advice and encouragement for creative kids.

In the third installment of the Magnificent books from author-illustrator Spires comes an A to Z of creation keywords and phrases for little inventors and artists, along with warm pieces of advice on making a project work. Spanning from straightforward vocabulary like “B is for BRAINSTORM” and “E is for EXPERIMENT” to the alphabetically redundant “O is for OLD OBJECTS” and “X is for X MARKS THE SPOT,” the featured letters consist of mostly identifiable tools and tidbits such as pencils, scissors, and horseshoe magnets that may confuse very new readers but get the job done. The same unnamed white girl and puggish dog from past titles pursue various projects in the background, providing doggedness and determination even in the face of “Mistakes. / They happen. A lot,” while the narration advises readers to “Try try try…and try again,” even if you need to walk away. “Creating is a journey. You may not have figured it out yet, / but you can try again tomorrow.” While this may not be the most magnificent “gift from the imagination,” it does offer valuable advice for eager young makers and their inevitable impediments.

ABCs for any budding creator.