Too Much: My Great Big Native Family

by Laurel Goodluck, Bridget George (Illustrator)

A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.

When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much !

Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Indigenous, Childrens, Native American, Cultural, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t come from a large family, I appreciated Goodluck’s love letter to those that do. I recommend checking out the authors note as she explains how having a large Native/Indigenous family at events and every day family gatherings is a cultural practice passed down through the generations. Although it is easy to feel lost in or left off in a large family, Goodluck reinforces all the love that can be shared in large families. Definitely worth checking out!

[Khadijah VanBrakle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing picture book from a great author. This family story is touching and a great read.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joyful celebration of a large, close, extended family! Though Russel questions if it is all too much, he soon realizes that his family and their support is part of what makes his life wonderful. I love the joy of the story and illustrations–just such a shining star, just like Russel!

[Brittney Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We come from a large family so the girls were quick to relate. We are in our Space era… so the theme of Russell’s play was a huge hit for my middle daughter. The storytelling and the movement of illustrations is fluid and eye catching.

Thank you Simon Kids 📖

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[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a strong theme on family and gorgeous illustrations, Too Much: My Great Big Native Family should be on every shelf!

Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.

[Sue H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rusell has a part in the school play -- but his very large extended family do not seem to notice him practicng or hear him when he tries to tell them about his accomplishment. Rusell decides to just do it on his own this time. However, when he looks out into the audience and doesn't see his family, he realizes what he needs to do --and they come to his rescue and support his big achievement.

The book is cute -- I think it is definitely relatable to people who are from large, often multi-generational families and/or very busy families. I felt for Russell, but also found it a little odd that a family together that often did not check in on how each other were doing and what is going on in the kids' lives. The fact that the Mom knew about the play but never asked about it afterwards also seemed strange -- but I suppose it is possible.

I really appreciated the author's note that spoke more about family structures and community involved in raising her and her sibling. I think there is a lot to learn there.

[Elena L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell gets a part in the school play and wants a chance to shine on his own. He desires to share the exciting news with his big Native family, however it feels impossible when they are all gathered.

In this heartwarming story, it tells that there is not too much togetherness and there can never be too much love. It celebrates the family time, the support from an undeniable family's love. From two Native creators, the cultural aspects are precious and the blue-toned illustrations emphasize the beautiful message (even though the narrative feels a bit loose in the middle).

In short, it is a lovely picture book and the author's note about family is great.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Simon kids . All opinions are my own ]

[Jodi]

I loved the illustrations and the author's note was great, but I thought the narrative got a little lost throughout the story. Did Russell really want to do something on his own for once because his family is "too much" or did he just give up trying to tell anyone about his play because he was being ignored? Either way, there's one thing that will always make me emo and that's when a kid sees their family in the crowd and totally lights up, and that moment was lovely here!. There is some theater lexicon that would go over most kids' heads, but I totally appreciate how dedicated Russell is to his craft.

[A.J. Eversole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the biggest, lovely things about Native culture is how we are all tied to one another. It sometimes feels like we have cousins on cousins on cousins and everyone has at minimum three or four degrees of separation from one another. This book hones in on that idea and fleshes out the exploration of whether it is frustrating or not when a big family becomes "too much". The best thing about the theme is that it applies to many families across the world, we are not alone in having big families. It's accessible in this way and is able to reach a wide audience because of it.

Would highly recommend!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell is very excited about his part in the school play - but when he tries to tell his family about it, no one hears him. It's family time or there is too much other noise, etc. Even when it is time for the actual performance it seems like his family is going to miss Russell's big moment.

Truly appreciate this slice of life that shows how Indigenous people are here in our everyday lives. Authors note at the end that talks about extended family is fascinating and touching (also mind-boggling for me to comprehend as my own family is so small). Put this in your collection as a mirror for your Indigenous students and a window for others. So important.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Simon and Schuster through Edelweiss+.
Readers see this family's experience through the lens of one child. They have earned a role in the school play but have little time to rehearse because it is often "Family Time." The extended family does so many things together and this child feels lost in the mix. On the night of the play, she doesn't invite her family. Then regrets that so calls at intermission. She comes to appreciate how important family times can be and that love is always amazing. The illustrations have humorous moments woven in along with portraying the sense of constant togetherness.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is such a loving tribute to life in a big, chaotic family -- enriched by cultural details from two Native creators. I am not Native, but I do have a big family and so sometimes I feel just like Russell in this book and I think a lot of other kids will too. The narrative gets a little lost at times, but the central theme is always presented strongly. And, as chaotic as life may get, the family love for Russell is always there. Blue tonal illustrations are used throughout.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young thespian is practicing for a production and his practice is constantly interrupted by activties with his native community. On the night of the big show, he sees empty seats and is worried. Will his family turn out to support his opening night?

This is a beautiful look at a very large loving Native family written by and illustrated by people who are Native. My students will certainly feel "seen".

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! The art was wonderful, the story will hit home for many kids feeling like a forgotten piece sometimes in a big family, and I thought it was a great representation of a large, Native family living their daily lives together.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy is excited to have a part in the school play. However, when he tries to tell his family about it, they never hear him because of there being so many people. This is about a Native family, but it could be about pretty much any family.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell gets a part in his school play...but every time he wants to practice, he has to go visit his family...aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Sometimes it feels like his family is TOO MUCH. But ultimately, he learns an important truth about family.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Russell gets the part in a play, he struggles to inform his boisterous family as they gather. When Family time takes up too much time to prepare, he decides to do the play without them. However seeing their empty seats, he realizes he needs them to be involved.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that this is a Native story, but did not love that the protag's family didn't show up for the play until they were called before the second act... Not really sure how that shows the huge love they have for the protag.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A native American boy gets a part in the play, but his family is sometimes a little too much and he doesn't get time to practice, etc. A good book about how important family is but also needing balance.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful, but the storyline fell a little flat for me. It was a little disappointing that the family was not there for the first act of his play. I was confused whether this was because Russell never told anyone or because he gave up trying?

[Lil Omaha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute kids book but a little confusing if kids don't understand play speak.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great author's note as well

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cute and funny and heart-warming.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about how a large extended family can feel overwhelming at times, and how you’re just a speck in the masses, but how you’re also surrounded by so much love.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt bad for the boy in this story. He is too shy to speak up with his big family therefore they didn't know that he is in a play and needs to practice. They even miss the first act of his play!

[Alison Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book of a deeper understanding and appreciation for the family he has.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the engagement of who one child can feel left out in a big family, has to call them between acts to come to the play and it's amazing that they can get there but overall a solid story about family.