TOO MUCH

An Indigenous child’s view of the chaos and joy of being part of a large family.

Russell is one of nine in an intergenerational family filled with commotion. Even simple activities such as sharing a meal or watching a movie can leave Russell feeling lost in the shuffle. Upon landing a role in the school play, Russell is overjoyed—“but no one hears me” at the bustling dinner table. As the burgeoning actor rehearses, the overwhelming feeling of too much family time prompts Russell to keep opening night a secret. The first act goes off without a hitch, but Russell can’t ignore the “one empty row” and the lack of “waves, whistles, or woo-hoos.” Cheerful cartoony images by George (Anishinaabe) light up the moment when Russell calls the family into the theater for the second act. Afterward, as the family gathers to celebrate Russell’s acting debut, the child finally has the floor and expresses gratitude for having “the best family ever.” Author Goodluck (Mandan/Hidatsa/Tsimshian) concludes with backmatter describing her own intertribal family’s experiences as part of units with extended and nonbiological relatives. Though the narrative sometimes feels a little disjointed, the cultural significance of large family structures in Native communities is on loving display in this picture book.

A tender, slightly chaotic tribute to extended Native families.