Ashley Spires’s Most Magnificent picture book universe is about to become a lot bigger. In addition to a third title that was released in September (The Most Magnificent Maker’s A to Z, Kids Can), the author-illustrator’s work has inspired a family board game and an animated preschool television series, Millie Magnificent, with a global release set for fall 2024.
A Growing Girl
It’s been nearly a decade since Spires’s book The Most Magnificent Thing (Kids Can Press, 2014) debuted, followed by The Most Magnificent Idea eight years later. Her next book revolves around the unnamed Girl and her dog who work together to turn her ideas into reality. Spires told PW, “It’s wonderful to see how a story about a little girl who likes to make stuff has resonated with so many creative minds who are able to adapt it to reach even more audiences of young makers.”
Yasemin Uçar, editorial development director at Kids Can, said, “With each new challenge, the Girl is adding to her ‘toolkit,’ gaining new insight into the creative process and what she can still learn from it.” She noted the progression from Magnificent Thing, in which Girl becomes frustrated when her plans don’t work out, to Magnificent Idea, when the main character must contend with her own lack of creativity.
The latest Most Magnificent title represents a departure from the previous two books and highlights vocabulary in a nonfiction format. “Instead of focusing on a single aspect of the creative process, it takes us on an alphabet journey through the many ups and downs of making, as the girl and her ‘assistant’ work on all sorts of projects, showcasing the concept of growth mindset in a more comprehensive way,” Uçar said. She believes that Spires’s stories continue to resonate with kids and adults because of the main character’s relatable challenges. “Ashley strikes just the right tone, mixing humor with empathy, validating difficult emotions and celebrating the act of trying and persevering,” she added.
From the Shelf to the Small Screen
Spires’s books have also generated interest outside of publishing, expanding into the toy world. In 2022, Fat Brain Toys contacted Kids Can about partnering on a board game that promotes kids’ j-solving skills. The content of their Make That Most Magnificent Thing game ties into the books by teaching players to come up with their own inventions, much like the girl in The Most Magnificent Thing. The game hit store shelves earlier this year and has received a strong response, according to Uçar.
For fans who can’t get enough of the series, they’ll be able to see Girl come to life next year in Millie Magnificent, a 3D animated television series from Nelvana. Each 11-minute episode, which incorporates the book’s themes of ingenuity, creativity and perseverance, centers on a kid-specific problem in the girl’s home or neighborhood. The show marks the first time that actual names have been given to the two main characters—Millie Sparks and Wallace—who work with their friends to find creative solutions. Designed for ages two to five, Millie Magnificent will be broadcast on Treehouse (Canada), Canal+ (France), NRK (Norway), Yle (Finland), and RTS (Switzerland) and is slated to premiere next fall. A U.S. distribution partner has not yet been named.
And in spring 2025, young readers can join Girl on her [next adventure with the third Most Magnificent book, during which she discovers the ups and down of teamwork. “Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go smoothly,” Uçar hinted.
