Too Many Toys

Publishers Weekly

Even the most unreasonable child will concede that Spencer, Shannon's young hero, has too much of a good thing. But what's a kid to do? The toys just keep coming: from well-wishers, from birthday party hosts, from fast food joints, even from school, where they're rewards "for having lots of Peace Person Points." When his exasperated mother decides to cull the herd, Spencer's not-so-delicate negotiations give Shannon (No, David!) plenty of opportunity to display his flair for kid-friendly expressionism and domestic satire (one of the most annoying toys turns out to belong to dad). But what will ultimately keep kids glued to the page is the sheer breadth and depth of the overflowing inventory. Toys 'R' Spencer is a sight to behold, encompassing the tried-and-true (teddy bears, dump trucks), the spoof (a miniature Titanic) and the flat-out weird (a poultry monstrosity with Alfred E. Newman ears and a propeller head). Warning: do not administer to kids close to Christmas. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

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Children's Literature - Melissa Stickles

Spencer loves his toys. The problem is that he has too many toys and they are everywhere. His toys cover the floor of his bedroom and spill out into the rest of his house—even out into the backyard. His toys soon become a household hazard. One day Spencer's mom decides that he needs to get rid of some of his toys and put them in a cardboard box. Since every toy is Spencer's favorite, his mom has to help him to choose which toys to put in the box. After a lot of bargaining, they are finally able to fill the box with toys. When Spencer's mom goes to load the box of toys into the car, she finds that Spencer has dumped the toys into a huge pile on the floor. Spencer has decided that the best toy of all is the amazing cardboard box that holds them. The author, David Shannon, effectively intertwines splashes of vibrant color, familiar childhood images and humor to captivate readers both young and old. Shannon has written and illustrated many award-winning picture books that appeal to children and their parents, including the 1999 Caldecott Honor Book No, David! Reviewer: Melissa Stickles

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2

In many ways Spencer's situation epitomizes every child's fantasy-he has a toy collection that rivals a major toy store in depth and breadth. Simply cataloging the different types takes many engaging pages overflowing with brightly colored playthings. The problem is that the sheer number of toys has created multiple hazards. Tired of dodging disasters and sidestepping landslides, Spencer's mom decides that enough is enough and begins negotiating the downsizing of inventory. Savvy Spencer turns on the big sad eyes in order to protect his favorites. Mom's troubles do not stop there; the toy debate is weighted in the boy's favor by the constant deluge of gifts from friends and family. After sorting through the entire collection, he and his mother come up with a box of items to give away-only to find that the toy he refuses to part with is the box. A master at capturing the workings of a young mind, Shannon combines realistic dialogue with his boisterous illustrations to create another surefire hit. This book provides a pertinent and appealing read.-Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Kirkus Reviews

Spencer owns a multitude of toys: old toys and new ones, big toys and small ones, bath toys, wooden toys, board games, computer games, miniature cars and trucks, musical instruments, stuffed animals and action figures. They are everywhere, including on the floor where his parents can trip on them. One day, Spencer's mom has had enough and announces that some of the toys have to go. Shaken, Spencer cries, "BUT I LOVE THEM ALL!" There's no stopping Spencer's mom, however, who says she will help and proves to be a worthy adversary when Spencer attempts to make deals. Snappy dialogue and an absolutely on-target understanding of the psyches of both mother and child make the negotiation scene absolutely priceless. Will they both make it through the harrowing task before them? The elaborate, child-friendly pictures perfectly capture Spencer's world, zeroing in on the chaos with glee and then pulling back to demonstrate graphically the traumas suffered by both adults and child in the process. Shannon's sardonic wit will strike a chord with parents and children alike. (Picture book. 3-6)