Too Many Toys
David Books Series
What’s inside...
Spencer has too many toys! His father trips over them, his mother falls over them, and the house is overflowing with junk. Now it's time to give some of the mountain of goodies away, but Spencer finds it hard. In the end, he fills a box, but decides the one toy he can't part with is the box itself. Caldecott Honor winner and bestselling author-illustrator David Shannon makes readers laugh aloud when young Spencer's mountain of toys becomes overwhelming. A book that will be read again and again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Spencer could do with the toys he doesn't play with anymore?
Why do you think Spencer has so many toys, and how does it make him feel?
Which toy would you keep if you were Spencer and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Spencer? What did you do?
How do Spencer's parents help him decide what to do with his toys?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own toy collection and feelings towards them, relating personal experiences with Spencer's.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to prompt deeper thinking and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the concept of donation and sharing, and explore together whether this could be a solution for excess toys.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story more engaging and relatable for your child.
Encourage imaginative play by asking your child to think about alternate endings or what they would do differently if they were in Spencer's situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Organization
Explanation: The protagonist, Spencer, learns to manage and organize his numerous toys, highlighting the importance of keeping spaces tidy and decluttered.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by regularly sorting and organizing their own toys, which can foster a sense of responsibility and orderliness in their personal environments.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the story, Spencer faces the challenge of deciding which toys are truly important to him. This reflects the process of making thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: Young readers can learn to make considerate decisions regarding their possessions and prioritize what truly matters to them in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: As Spencer gives away some of his toys, the book illustrates the joy and importance of sharing with others.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their belongings with friends or donate to those less fortunate, promoting empathy and a sense of community.