Too Much Stuff!
What’s inside...
Temina is excited about taking a trip on an airplane and wants to bring all her toys and dolls with her. Her mom tells her she can only bring one doll, but Temina secretly sneaks more than one onto the plane. Her generosity in sharing her toys with other children on the flight creates a memorable experience for everyone, and she is later rewarded in a surprising way. The story is filled with humor and surprises, complemented by delightful artwork.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the main idea behind having 'Too Much Stuff' in the story?
How do the characters in the book react to all the stuff they have?
Can you think of a time when you felt you had too much stuff? What did you do about it?
Why do you think it’s important to keep our possessions manageable?
How do you feel when your space is cluttered compared to when it’s organized?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss with your child their thoughts on owning many things and what 'too much' might look like.
Encourage your child to imagine being a character in the story and ask them how they would handle the situation.
Use real-life examples of tidying up at home to draw parallels with the story, making the theme more relatable.
After reading, lead a fun decluttering activity inspired by the book to reinforce the message in a practical way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Too Much Stuff!', the main character learns the joy and value of sharing excess belongings with those who need them more.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys or clothes with friends or donating to those in need, fostering generosity.
Example Lesson: Moderation in possessions
Explanation: The story highlights the problems that arise from accumulating too many things, teaching children that too much stuff can be overwhelming.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of keeping only what they truly need or value, making room for creativity and play.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact, they learn about each other’s needs and situations, which teaches empathy and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize the circumstances of others and can practice empathy in school and social situations, helping them build strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsible decision-making
Explanation: The book teaches children to make thoughtful choices about what to keep and what to give away, emphasizing decision-making skills.
Real-World Application: This concept can be used in everyday life when children decide how to organize their time, choose activities, or manage their belongings in a responsible way.