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    The Children's Book Review

    Too Many Things, by Tracy Bryan | Dedicated Review

    Leah SylvanBy Leah Sylvan3 Mins Read Author Showcase
    Too Many Things by Tracy Bryan Dedicated Review
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    Review sponsored* by Tracy Bryan
    The Children’s Book Review | March 29, 2017

    Book

    Too Many Things

    Written by Tracy Bryan

    Illustrated by David Barrow

    Age Range: 4+

    Hardcover: 38 Pages

    Publisher: Create Space & Ingram Spark

    ISBN: 978-0692830147

    What to expect: Minimalism, teamwork, interactions between parent and child

    Too Many Things is a brightly illustrated book that tells of a young boy, Jamie, who is frustrated by his parents’ frequent weekend shopping trips. He feels that his family already has enough “stuff” and he wants his parents to stop buying things they don’t need such as, more toys and clothes. He ultimately convinces them to change their ways and teaches readers a lesson about minimalism along the way.

    Tracy Bryan provides readers with a refreshing perspective on simplification. Children are not typically seen as the ones craving simplicity, so the message is that much more vivid when presented in such a way. Jamie, in very classic child fashion, pleads with his parents, but instead of begging for more things, he begs for less.

    Jamie: “We just have too many things.”

    Jamie’s Mom: “Too much stuff we like to shop for.”

    And once his parents are convinced by Jamie’s words:

    Jamie’s Mom: “We don’t need to go shopping this weekend.”

    Jamie’s Dad: “Why don’t we organize the things that we already have?”

    The story moves from focusing on not acquiring more things to organizing, and in some cases, parting with the possessions that the family currently owns. This provides a lesson to readers, young and old, about how to shed excess stuff and that being together is most important. Along the way, David Barrow’s vivid illustrations provide an engaging and age-appropriate backdrop for each new task the family tackles together.

    This book would be well suited for the young pre-reader or early reader who enjoys stories about how families work together and make decisions as a team. It is also recommended for parents who believe their children would benefit from learning about living more simply, appreciating each other, and giving things away.

    Available Here: 

    Buy on Amazon

    About The Author

    Tracy Bryan is an award winning self-published author for kids aged 4-12. She writes whimsical non-fiction picture books about emotions, coping skills, mental health and mindfulness. Tracy also likes to tackle social issues and speak directly to her readers about important topics that affect everyone. Tracy hopes to educate, inspire and empower kids and their families with her books. Tracy writes a monthly personal Blog for adults on her website and one for kids aged 6-12 called The Awesomeness Blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. To learn more about Tracy or contact her, please email tracy[at]tracybryan[dot]com or visit her website tracybryan.com.

    Read our exclusive interview: Too Many Things: A Discussion with Tracy Bryan 

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. Tracy Bryan, the author of “Too Many Things,” sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. Too Many Things: A Discussion with Tracy Bryan
    2. Sew What?, by Glen A. Penrod | Dedicated Review
    3. The Fly with One Eye, by R.M. Halterman | Dedicated Review
    4. A Flock of Fun, by Raven Howell | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Books About Materialism David Barrow Dedicated Review Minimalism Teamwork Tracy Bryan
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    Leah Sylvan

    Leah Sylvan is a former analytical and deadline-driven IT project manager who is working on tapping into her creative side. She loves to read, eat delicious food, run, listen to music, and enjoy all things that relate to to her two beautiful daughters. (Except the gross stuff - her husband gets to handle the gross stuff.) Her favorite childhood books as a young kid were Shaggy Dogs and Spotty Dogs, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and The Cat in The Hat. As a big kid ... Nancy Drew books... ALL of them! She wishes she could travel to more distant places in the world, but also yearns to stay local and set foot in every corner of her beautiful home state of Colorado.

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