More, written by I.C. Springman and illustrated by Brian Lies. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Thomas Allen. 2012. ages 3 and up

"Nothing.
Something.
A few, several,
more, and more,
and more.

A question I often ask myself in these days of abudance for many and little for others is just this....when is enough enough? In this fine book, I. C. Springman perhaps helps us discover the answer.  Her magpie does not seem content with what he has. Well, it's tough to dispute that when he has nothing. That soon changes and as it does, so do his wants change.

You know that magpies have a penchant for collectibles, and  this one is no different. It is with the help of friend Mouse that Magpie begins an  accumulation of found items that threaten to engulf him. In fact, it isn't long until one nest cannot hold all the 'wealth' and so he fills another. This has devastating results for with a mighty crash, his world literally falls apart. When the bough breaks, it is of great concern to the mouse. You see, Magpie is buried beneath all that has tumbled from the nests.  He needs help and Mouse is happy to oblige.

As the mice remove piece after piece from the hoarded items, they have cause to worry and  significant questions to ask about real need. Magpie senses that it may have been too much, and eventually agrees that 'less is more' and not much at all might just be enough. A valuable lesson in our age of abject consumerism, driven by media and public opinion about what is to be valued for each one of us.

There are only forty-four words but they are powerful. Accompanied by the incredible artwork that Brian Lies creates, this book is to be savored and shared lots...plenty...almost never 'enough'! The details create feelings of abundance and fear as the stash grows until it is finally too much...that crash is scary! There is so much to see in each of the illustrations created to bring life to this thoughtful and meaningful tale...you will be astounded by the message packed into this lively picture book.