Too Many Toucans - Paula Bowles - ★★★★.¼

AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: Paula Bowles

GENRE: Children's Picture Book

PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2026

RATING: 4.25 stars.

In a Nutshell: A picture book that delivers on content, message, language, and illustrations. Covers an important topic in a fun way. Definitely recommended.

Plot Preview:

After a long journey, Toco the toucan has finally found the right tree for his dream home. He starts drawing plans for his treehouse, thinking of a warm and cosy place that will be perfect for him and hoping that the neighbours will also be friendly. Well, they are, overly so. The other toucans show up one by one to help, which makes Toco quite happy at first., But he soon realises that they are building the treehouse they want, not the one he wants. Toco tries to make peace with their version, but he soon feels overwhelmed. Will he be able to tell them what he really wants?

In a world that is increasingly loud and aggressive, quieter children (and adults) often resort to the habit of staying quiet and allowing others to dictate their choices. It takes many years to go beyond people-pleasing and start speaking for your rights. (I still haven’t figured it out entirely!) As such, it helps to have a resource that can assist little ones in standing up for themselves, and that too, in the right manner.

This story offers an easy demonstration of why it is important to speak up for yourself early and clearly. Toco waits until a bit too late. Only after all his dreams come crashing down (literally) does he gain the courage to speak up. A part of me wishes Toco had spoken up earlier, but I guess there’s no lesson to be gained in that. Children will hopefully learn from his experience that waiting or hoping for things to improve on their own doesn’t work unless we take some concrete action.

The plot carries several other necessary life lessons, such as knowing how/when to say ‘No’, being aware of too much interference, understanding that every offer of help isn't necessarily helpful, and standing up for what you want (as long as it is right.) Thus this story carries with it many meaningful opportunities for discussion.

This doesn’t mean that the story is all moral and no fun. On the contrary, there are several comical scenes, no thanks to the neighbouring toucans popping up in hard hats and high-vis vests and carrying power tools. I started feeling sorry for that poor tree! Good to see it wasn’t damaged by their extravagant attempt at a treehouse.

The writing style further adds to the positives of the book. The text, written in simple prose, contains several adjectives, exclamatory sentences, salutations, and onomatopoeic words, making this book a valuable option for classroom sessions on these topics. The writing would be perfect for ages 5-8. This language also makes the book a wonderful resource for readaloud sessions.

The illustrations, sketched by the author herself, are awesome! That adorable cover is the perfect indicator of what the inside pages look like. Every page is a treat to the eyes with the brightly coloured toucans and the equally bright surroundings. I like how the forest is painted in lighter pastels instead of the usual darker hues. It adds to the vibrance of the story.

The book ends with a reader’s note aimed at adults and written by a clinical child psychologist. The note is very helpful, listing out how using assertive communication is better than aggressive or passive communication. However, this note, written in a small font size and coming in two full-length columns over two pages, is way too elaborate for a picture book. Many adults don't read such lengthy notes, and some might not even know to expect a note meant for adults in a picture book with toucans. I wish the note had been somewhat briefer, and also that a separate version aimed at children had been included.

Overall though, the book does a great job of explaining to children the importance of saying no and of speaking their mind without sounding angry or bossy.

Definitely recommended. This book would be a great asset to homes, classrooms as well as in behavioural therapy.

My thanks to Magination Press for providing the DRC of “Too Many Toucans” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.