Too Much Stuff

This is a story about a wolf salesman who seems to be trustworthy to the sheep. He is trying to sell his amazing ‘stuff’ to the sheep, so we kind of know from the start that it is going to be a trick.. The sheep are amazed by the ‘stuff ’ and start buying more and more but then discarding it everywhere until there is no more room to move. It is not until a young lamb steps up with an idea to recycle that the sheep realise that perhaps they didn’t really need all the ‘stuff ’ in the first place.

This story has a very strong environmental message and one that we can all relate to, because who doesn’t have too much stuff? The message is really clear in that we should only buy what we need and we need to all manage with less stuff so as not to end up with too much trash like the sheep, and we all buy into consumerism and wanting more.

The book has a lovely flowing rhyme and bright, colourful illustrations. It is very lighthearted even though it has a serious message and I am sure it will be enjoyed by many children and families.

Title: Too Much Stuff

Author & Illustrator: Shann Whitaker

Publisher: Hayhay Books

ISBN: 9798681170846

RRP: $23.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: 2020

Ages: 4-8 years

Reviewer: Angela Thompson, Library Lead Teacher, Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: The bright sun was shining in the clear mountain air. The sheep were out grazing, blissfully unaware.

You can buy this book here