Children's Book Review: Too Many Toys

After the winter holidays is when my mind is on clearing out the junk that accumulated in my house over the year. Well, it seems like Spencer’s mom has the same idea in Too Many Toys, written by David Shannon, creator of the hilarious Diaper Dave series.

Kids today have way too many toys. It’s hard to appreciate any toy when they're underfoot in every room in the house. Let's hope for your sake that Spencer has more toys than the kids in your life. His toys cover the floor of his bedroom, are piled high in his closet, and are forming a trail down the stairs and into the living room.

Spencer isn’t totally to blame. See, he gets toys from just about everyone he knows and for all occasions: his mom and dad, of course, but also his grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, the dentist, the doctor, and even the teen slacker working the counter at the Kidburger. Sound familiar?

When his mom and dad hop in pain from stepping on jacks and Legos in their bare feet, enough is enough. Spencer is told to pick through his toys and keep only the ones in good condition and that he still plays with. And with that, the littlest negotiator begins bargaining procedures.

After much haggling a box is filled and ready to cart away. But wait! Why are there toys still scattered everywhere? And where is the box? Spencer discovers that you just can’t have too many toys—no matter what they're made out of!

If you're interested in cleaning out the clutter in your life, check out some of these titles.

David Shannon reveals where he got the idea for Too Many Toys.