Just Enough and Not Too Much

by Kaethe Zemach

A tribute to collectors everywhere and to the most important thing to have in one's friends.

For cheerful Simon the Fiddler, there's no such thing as too much. If he hugs one teddy bear, then he will surely love three bears three times more. And if he has four chairs, then a fifth and sixth will give him that many more places to sit. It's not until his possessions crowd him out of his cottage that he realizes what will really make him happy -- and it's not something that can be measured in numbers.
Kaethe Zemach's gladdening new picture book is a gentle fable about getting and giving, with a lesson that's "just enough and not too much."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Has also written as Kaethe Zemach-Bersin, but per call to pub. Oct. 2004, correct name used is Kaethe Zemach.

Reviews

[Joyce Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're in the middle of spring cleaning and this book fit right into the theme. In our efforts to pare down and keep only the things we use, we were a bit stumped when it came to toys, stuffed, animals, etc. Especially when we were having our daughter help us sort through things. This was a great story to help her understand that more isn't always better.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Lead to a good discussion about what we really need and how having too much makes it hard to keep the house clean.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one! And so did my almost 4 year old. Takes a place on the shelf alongside other jewish folktale type stories that are full of life, like Gilman's Something from Nothing or Edwards' Chicken Man. My one qualm is that it just seems sort of random that the main character decides he needs MORE all of a sudden. I'm not looking for like, an indictment of capitalism, but I would have thought something like, seeing some advertising, or a rich king or something would prompt this change of state. Anyway, the images are warm and fun and interesting, with lots of details my kid liked to point out and ask about, and a simple cosy story about sharing and community which really reminded me of Too Many Pumpkins, by Linda White, which I'd recommend to anyone who liked this book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owning more 'stuff' doesn't make a person happier. I really like that message, but little things bothered me. Why did Simon give so much attention to a toy animal? Maybe because kids could understand his desire for more toys? On one page, Simon is shown walking with a lady and holding a baby in his arms. I misinterpreted this as Simon getting married and having a baby. Warning: read the story before attempting to read it to aloud.

This would be good to read a week or so before cleaning closets, shelves, and toy boxes.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute book about being satisfied with what you have and sharing your wealth with friends.

[Charlotte Helgeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sums up the a life philosophy is an inviting manner. Clear illustrations that follow the story and adds side characters for thought.

[Katey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon live a simple life but then decides he wants more. He gets more of everything and then his house becomes full. He decides that this is not what he wants. He wants his simple life back. Simon then has a party and invites his friends over and gives them his stuff. This story teaches about materialism and how having more will not make you happy.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young fiddler who leads a very simple life one days decides that he doesn't have enough. So he goes about cluttering up his house and life with more and more stuff. Eventually he realizes that he doesn't enjoy what he has done and ends up throwing a party to give all his extra stuff away.

Enjoyable illustrations.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kid's will really enjoy this book for both the text and the illustrations. It is a fun book that could also teach a lesson about contentment. Although this teaches a good lesson, it is also just a fun book to read. I think it is important to read, just to read!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet, with a wonderful message about materialism and happiness. My 4 & 5 year old love it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to own this book! It is about how too much clutter will make you unhappy. Simple is better! It has a great meaning that children and adults will understand! Love it!

[K Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun about wanting more Hats, chairs, toys, Storytime

[Suzy]

And excellent book that teaches your kids you just don't NEED everything. The title says it all.