Stef Gemmill (text) and Katharine Hall (illustrator), Toy Mountain, EK Books, October 2021, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925820966
Many young readers will relate to Sam as he complains to Grandma that his toys are old: there are so many new ones at the Tiny Hands toy factory. Luckily, Sam’s dreams are about to come true as the toy factory is in need of a toy tester and Mum says Sam can have the job. Big boxes begin arriving and soon the house is stuffed full of the new toys Sam has been sent. As Sam works the toys begin to form a precarious mountain that crushes his favourite old toys. Can he save them before it’s too late?
With vibrant colours on every page, this book is most suited to the very young age range. Those with curiosity about where things come from, and excitement about how great new toys can be. The many uses of onomatopoeia describing the sounds of the toys will make reading this story aloud a fun experience for all.
While this story is for the youngest age range I wonder if there was a missed opportunity to touch more on the themes of waste and excess, though perhaps this is something adults can do as the book is read.
A simple story about a boy who learns the value of enjoying what he already has.
Reviewed by Cherie Bell
