Caldecott Honor winner and bestselling author-illustrator David Shannon makes readers laugh aloud when young Spencer's mountain of toys becomes overwhelming.
NARRATOR: Jerry Trainor
FORMAT: Paperback book & CD
Spencer has too many toys! His father trips over them, his mother falls over them, and the house is overflowing with junk. Now its 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!
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"This book is a great way to show younger students that they do not need all the toys that they have, and they most likely have way more than necessary. It can show that sometimes it is more fun to play with simple things like a box instead of tons of toys. Teachers could lead discussions about donating items to charity that are old or not needed anymore after reading this. This book is a great lesson in finding joy in the little things. Boys will also really enjoy this book, as the main character is a boy and it is not at all "girly" in nature."
— Kaedra (5 out of 5 stars)
“This book provides a pertinent and appealing read.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)" I love the pictures in this book! My four year old son adores all the different toys and thinks they are funny! "
— Niki, 2/17/2014" Spencer is spoiled. He has so many toys, and wants to play with all of them. This book reminded me of why i so often cleaned a toy closet while my children were at school. In a nice twist, at the end of the book, Spencer discovers that the best toy of all is fueled with his imagination. A funny book to read to your kids when they're getting a bit spoiled. "
— Amy, 1/31/2014" Hilarious book about a boy with too many toys and what he decides to do about it. And the ending captures perfectly the "real" story about kids and their toys. My boys related to the story and I loved the "hidden" message in the book! "
— Amy, 1/27/2014" I truly enjoyed this book! It teaches children that although many children have many store-bought toys, imagination to make their own is the best toy of all! Good character-building concept.. Also a great strategizing tool! "
— Priscilla, 1/17/2014" Boy ain't that the truth (although there is no such thing as too many books!) "
— Byron, 12/29/2013" Mommy says: Oh, if only the children would LEARN from this book. "
— Cana, 12/16/2013" Great book about a boy using his imagination to the fullest. A boy who's mom says he has too many toys and has to go through them and get rid of some of them. A book that will certainly grab the attention of the class. "
— Logan, 12/16/2013" hilarious twist at the end. teaches about greed and sharing. crazy illustrations. "
— Jen, 12/12/2013" This was on a list for reading with my son, and we read it out loud, in which my husband proclaimed, "Did someone write a story about us?" Of course I feel that most parents can relate to the idea of their children's toy habits and the lack of interest in donating or getting rid of anything....ever. "
— Fallon, 12/11/2013" This book is classic David Shannon. I think a lot of kids can understand having too many toys and how hard it is to give them up. The ending is my favorite (but I'm not telling and ruining it for anyone). I'm not really sure if you learn anything when you are done but it is fun getting there. Ages3+ "
— Molly, 12/8/2013" This book is the story of my life....in so many words :-D "
— Heather, 11/15/2013" I am a big fan of David Shannon's picture books in general, but this is not my favourite. It's still fun, the illustrations and colours are gorgeous and vibrant. Just not one of my top picks! "
— Michelle, 11/10/2013" My son adores this book. "
— Bobbie, 10/22/2013" I used this book to teach summarizing in my third grade classroom. It provides excellent illustrations and a story many children can relate to. It also shows that maybe all you need is a box and a good imagination to have fun! "
— Cheryl, 6/4/2013" This picture book tells the story if Spencer, a boy who has way too many toys. People of all ages can relate to how he uses his imagination and creativity to ultimately find a box as the "best toy ever". "
— Rachel, 6/2/2013" This book is so funny, with great illustrations. I think most families can relate to and laugh over this story. "
— Autumn, 3/28/2013" Spencer has toys everywhere in excess and gets even more toys as gifts. The toys become tripping hazards. His mom suggests boxing up the toys he doesn't use. This eventually works out, but the box looks like a fun toy to Spencer as well. "
— Beth, 8/25/2012" So my Auden G!! "
— Staci, 8/18/2012" One of my favorite picture books! "
— Brook, 7/29/2012" Daycare kids loved this. "
— Jenny, 7/29/2012" A boy has too many toys and his mom forces him to clean them up. "
— Kirei, 4/7/2012" Great story, great ending, great pictures! Fun! "
— Mary, 2/20/2012" Spencer remembers the good times with his toys, but has to make some heavy choices to part with some of his toys. I recommend this book for 1st-4th grades. "
— Rebecca, 1/15/2012David Shannon is the internationally acclaimed creator of more than thirty picture books, including No, David!, a Caldecott Honor Book and his second New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. A native of Spokane, Washington, he is an avid fisherman. He and his family live in California.