Too Much Noise (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
What’s inside...
In 'Too Much Noise,' Peter is an old man who lives in a house that he finds too noisy. The creaking bed, the clucking chickens, the mooing cow, and other noisy animals around his house make it hard for him to sleep. Seeking a solution, Peter goes to the wise man of the village for advice. The wise man suggests a rather unconventional approach by telling Peter to bring more animals into his house. As Peter follows the advice, bringing in animals like a sheep, a dog, and others, the noise level increases rather than decreases. Eventually, the wise man advises Peter to remove all the animals. When Peter does so, he finds that the house is much quieter than before, even with the original noises he once found bothersome. The story teaches a lesson about perspective and appreciating the relative tranquility of one's initial situation.
Age
2-7
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Peter
Wise Man
Discussion points
Why do you think Peter thought his house was too noisy? What would you do if you were in his place?
How did the animals change the noise level in Peter’s house? Was it for better or for worse?
What does this story teach us about solving problems? Can adding more to a situation sometimes make things better?
How did you feel about the ending of the story? What would you have done differently if you were Peter?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the different sounds they hear at home and ask them to describe how it makes them feel.
Discuss the idea of problem-solving with your child, using examples from the book and relating them to real-life situations they might face.
Ask your child to imagine other unique ways the character could have solved his problem, promoting creative thinking.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your voice for different characters and noises to make the story more engaging and fun.
After reading, spend a moment together in silence, discussing the contrast with the noise in Peter's house and reflecting on what quietness brings to the mind and environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of perspective
Explanation: In 'Too Much Noise,' Peter feels his house is too noisy and seeks a solution. However, he discovers that adding more noise with different animals paradoxically makes him realize the noise was not as unbearable as he initially thought.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sometimes changing their perspective on a problem can lead to a surprising solution. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and adaptability in daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of one's environment
Explanation: As the story progresses, Peter begins to appreciate the original state of his home, realizing it wasn't too bad after all. This shift in perception highlights the importance of contentment.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find comfort in their own surroundings and be grateful for what they have, rather than always seeking more or different.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and decision-making
Explanation: Peter attempts various methods to reduce noise, leading to understanding and decision-making processes. He assesses each new addition and its impact.
Real-World Application: It equips children with the ability to think strategically about problems and make decisions based on the outcomes of their actions, a vital skill in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and adjustment
Explanation: Throughout the book, Peter learns to adjust his expectations and accept his environment with the added noises. This story arc represents acceptance after efforts to change a situation have been exhausted.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept situations that cannot be changed and adjust their attitude towards them, fostering resilience and emotional maturity.