Common Sense Media Review
Fun tale of boy learning to find his voice in a big family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
TOO MUCH: MY GREAT BIG NATIVE FAMILY by Laurel Goodluck is about a young Native boy named Russell who lives in a big family that enjoys doing things together. When he gets an important role in a school play, he tries to find a way to be heard and share his big news with his loud, busy family. As the family goes from one activity to the next, he reflects on whether his family is just "too much." When he finally finds a way to share his news, he receives an outpouring of attention and support from his family.
Is It Any Good?
This story is a feel-good celebration of large families with a cheeky dose of humor and fun that children and adults alike will enjoy. From the packed family car to the snoring grandpa in the movie theater, Too Much will keep readers smiling from page to page. Kids will root for Russell as he finds his voice within his family, a journey that will resonate with any child learning to speak up for themselves in busy, active environments. This story drives home the best part of being in a large and close-knit family: Out of all the things that feel big and loud, love is the biggest.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of their favorite activities to do together. What was a fun thing Russell's family did in Too Much?
In the illustrations, different items appear to float across the blue background. How many different items can you find? Do they "go" with the event in the story or the words on the page?
In the author's note, the author shares about how her own big family sometimes felt like "too much." What did she say was the best thing about having a large family? What's something unique about your family?
In the story, Russell is so excited about the news he wants to share with his family but he has trouble communicating it. Is it sometimes hard to find the words you want to say? What is something you'd like to share with your family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Bridget George
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 23, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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