Too Much Noise

An old man named Peter lives alone in a small house where every sound bothers him. He seeks advice from a wise man in his village about how to solve his noise problem. The wise man provides Peter with an unusual solution that involves bringing farm animals into his house. Peter follows these instructions, leading to a series of increasingly chaotic situations in his home. Through Peter's journey to find peace and quiet, this children's book explores themes of perspective and contentment. The story's structure and resolution offer young readers insights about how to view life's daily challenges.

Parents and teachers report this book works well for teaching young children about problem-solving and sound awareness. The cumulative story structure helps kids anticipate and participate in the reading. Readers liked: - The simple, repetitive text pattern that builds reading confidence - Illustrations that match the escalating noise levels - Use as a classroom read-aloud for sound/noise units - Appeal to children ages 3-7 Readers disliked: - Some found the resolution too simplistic - A few noted the dated illustration style - Limited plot depth for older readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 reviews) "Perfect for teaching onomatopoeia," noted one teacher reviewer. "My preschoolers ask for this one again and again," shared a parent. A librarian commented that "while not the most sophisticated story, it reliably engages young listeners during storytime."

Peace at Last by Jill Murphy Mr. Bear searches for a quiet place to sleep as he encounters various noises throughout his house.

The Napping House by Audrey Wood A house full of sleeping creatures creates a chain reaction of noise and movement.

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood Different types of quiet moments unfold throughout a child's day.

City Sounds by Craig Brown A young boy experiences the sounds of the city from morning until night.

Listen, Listen by Phillis Gershator The sounds of each season build upon one another through nature and daily activities.

🔊 Author Ann McGovern wrote over 50 children's books during her career, including the beloved Stone Soup. 🏠 The story's main character, Peter, lives in a small house that creaks and squeaks—a common issue in older homes where wood frames settle and create noise. 🦊 The wise man's advice in the story mirrors actual sound-masking techniques used today in modern offices and homes to create more comfortable environments. 📚 The book was first published in 1967 and has remained in print for over 50 years, becoming a classic read-aloud choice for elementary classrooms. 🎨 Illustrator Simms Taback, who created the book's artwork, won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 2000 for a different book, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.