Demasiados Juguetes

PreSchool-2-Using the distinctive style that earned him a Caldecott Honor for No, David! (Blue Sky Press, 1998; Spanish ed.: Everest 2003), Shannon recounts the story of Spencer, a boy who not only owns too many toys, but also whose collection continues to grow with gifts for every occasion, including the 4th of July! He describes the various presents Spencer receives and the colorful characters who give them. The boy's many playthings are also listed by category. All leads to a climatic scene filled with friends and family, and the unmanageable number of toys that continue to spread all over the house. Mom and Dad decide that some of the clutter must go. The ending is just too clever to give away. Shannon's wit and ingenuity enable him to aptly describe a child's difficulty with parting with his possessions, and the accurate translation stays true to the English-language original. It is especially heartening to find the words in the art translated as well. Children will identify with Spencer, parents with Spencer's mom and dad, and storytellers will love the pace of this tale. Highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores. Marietta Barral Zacker, SOMe Book Nook, South Orange, NJ