Too Much: My Great Big Native Family is a charming and heartwarming picture book. A celebration of beauty and diversity of Native cultures. A must read story!
~ Momma Braga
Synopsis
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.
#MelAndNikkiReview
Too Much: My Great Big Native Family is a charming and heartwarming picture book by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George. The story follows Russell, a young Native boy who feels overwhelmed by his large and noisy family. He wants to have some space and attention for himself, especially when he gets a part in the school play. But he soon realizes that being alone is not as fun as he thought, and that his family is always there to support him.
The book celebrates the beauty and diversity of Native cultures, as Russell’s family members come from different tribes and backgrounds. The illustrations are colorful and expressive, capturing the emotions and personalities of the characters. The book also explores themes of identity, belonging, and family, showing how Russell learns to appreciate his roots and his relatives.
Too Much: My Great Big Native Family is a delightful and uplifting read for children and adults alike. Make sure to check out the author’s note at the end of the book. Readers can learn about the big intertribal family the author grew up in, and her sons’ intertribal family experiences.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this beautiful book, click here. (#ad)
About the Author
Laurel Goodluck writes picture books with modern Native themes that reflect Native children’s cultural experiences and everyday life, showing they have a unique and powerful perspective. Her books include Forever Cousins, Rock Your Mocs, She Persisted: Deb Haaland, and Too Much. Laurel was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, coming from an intertribal background of Mandan and Hidatsa from the prairies of North Dakota and Tsimshian from a rainforest in Alaska. She received a BA in psychology and an MA in community counselling and family studies from the University of New Mexico. Laurel began writing by crafting a curriculum for community advocacy involving Native teen leadership and later for children newly diagnosed with mental health challenges. Laurel lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her Navajo husband, where they raised two children who are also bent on storytelling.
About the Illustrator
Bridget George (Nimkiinagwaagankwe) is an Anishinaabe illustrator from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. She was born and raised on the shores of Lake Huron – the traditional territory of her people. She currently makes her home with her son Noah and husband David in London, Ontario. Bridget’s author-illustrator debut It’s a Mitig! Garnered the prestigious Periodical Marketers of Canada’s Indigenous Literature Award. She has also illustrated Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom and Too Much by Laurel Goodluck.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Amazon affiliation links are included in this post. This book was sent in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
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