The Best Story [Hardcover]

Eileen Spinelli (Author), Anne Wilsdorf (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: May 29, 2008 | Age Range: 6 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 390L (What's this?)

The best story is one that comes from the heart The library is having a contest for the best story, and the quirky narrator of this story just has to win that rollercoaster ride with her favorite author! But what makes a story the best?

Her brother Tim says the best stories have lots of action. Her father thinks the best stories are the funniest. And Aunt Jane tells her the best stories have to make people cry. A story that does all these things doesn?t seem quite right, though, and the one thing the whole family can agree on is that the best story has to be your own.

Anne Wilsdorf?s hilarious illustrations perfectly capture this colorful family and their outrageous stories in Eileen Spinelli?s heartfelt tale about creativity and finding your own voice.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–3—Spinelli fashions a plot that goes to the core of storytelling: writing from the heart. Motivated by the Red Brick Library's contest to "write the best story" and the added attraction of "a ride on the Sooper Dooper Looper roller coaster" with her favorite author, this pigtailed, blond (unnamed) heroine sets out to win the prize. Stymied, she consults her brother, who suggests action; her father, who wants plenty of humor; her Aunt Jane, who advises to make people cry; and cousin Anika, who longs for romance. The resulting hodgepodge satisfies no one—including herself. Only after Mom's astute recommendation (writing from the heart) does the would-be author find satisfaction. Whether she wins the prize or not is left to speculation, but readers will realize that her "best story" is the one she accomplishes on her own. Wilsdorf perks up this somewhat predictable, but nevertheless affirming, tale with energetic, comical drawings awash in lively colors. As the story variations flow off the girl's writing pad, images of a pirate, a shark, a monkey, a cat, and a girl named Grace frolic across the pages in a variety of guises and situations. In addition, the amusing background details are sure to provoke a giggle. While this book may not attract individual readers, it will work well as an introduction to creative writing in the classroom and give hope to any young writer trying to turn an idea into a good story.—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA
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About the Author

Eileen Spinelli lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Anne Wilsdorf lives in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Product Details

• Age Range: 6 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (May 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803730551
• ISBN-13: 978-0803730557
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Multigenerational
  • #42 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World
  • #96 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Siblings

More About the Author

Eileen Spinelli is no stranger to the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers list. Since her debut in 1991 with Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, an IRA/CBC Children's Choice book and Christopher Award winner, she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, and the critically acclaimed Sophie's Masterpiece. Eileen lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eileen Spinelli Has Done it Again ! July 17, 2008

By Ellen Nathan

Format:Hardcover

Eileen Spinelli, a master of capturing the poignant moments in children's lives has done it again with, The Best Story. The girl, seeking the advice of all family members, is writing a story to submit to The Red Brick Library story contest. None of the advice produces the story she can believe in until her mother suggests that, the best story, is one that comes from your heart. The author doesn't name the girl, nor give us the results of the contest which makes us think about what is important in life.

Ellen Nathan

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Moral to the Story! November 4, 2009

By Jeremy J. Knutson

Format:Hardcover

When we first saw this book at the library this week, the author's name did not sound familiar to me. After reading The Best Story, we will definitely be on the lookout for more Eileen Spinelli books! The Best Story is a tale of a young girl who wants to enter a story writing contest at her local library. She goes home determined to write a fabulous story and win the grand prize. This book is about her realization that all the help she tries to get from her family members does not help her create a fabulous story. In fact, only when her mother says, "I think the best story is one that comes from the heart. Your own heart." does she realize the true purpose of creating a story of her own. I love the fact that the author never says whether the girl wins the contest or not. Because that's not the point! The point is that she created a work of art from within.

My daughter loves to write and illustrate her own books. I enjoy reading them, because I know that even though they may not be the next best seller, they have a little piece of her in each page. I really like this book, and I'm so happy that we stumbled on it. What a great way to encourage your child to "create from within"! Sometimes our children sadly look to others (family, their peers, teachers, etc.) for ideas when it comes time to create or make decisions. I hope that somewhere along the way, I encourage my children to look to themselves for inspiration.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Little Book! February 3, 2009

By Judy Puckett

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Eileen Spinelli does herself proud in this wonderful little story about a girl who has to write and essay and is not sure what to write. This is a great read aloud for children who are learning to write narratives.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eileen always writes the Best Stories!! March 29, 2009

By Books Come Alive

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I use this book for Kindergarten, First, Second and Third grades to help stimulate their desire to write. The humor is just enough to set off the beautiful advice from Mom (Eileen).
I love it!!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Story February 5, 2013

By Mrs. Hope F. Lipsky

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book was a great way to encourage young authors to put their ideas on paper. It's definitely worth using in the classroom or at home.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent story February 4, 2013

By reginanrusty

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

a wonderful story with cute illustrations. we gave the book to my second graders class for her birthday. the kids and teacher loved it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story to inspire young writers! September 16, 2012

By Amy

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I like that this book gives young writers the understanding that the best stories spring from your own life! My students responded positively to the author's message.

4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good December 15, 2008

By cambridge reader

Format:Hardcover

Just the right amount of text per page and overall length of story for a 3.5-4 year old, and exciting illustrations. Great message about persistence and finding your own voice, not to mention the love of writing and reading. The supporting characters were a little too stereotyped for my taste (boy likes action books, females like romance and crying) but in the end the main character seems to synthesize all that, so that redeems it for me.