Too Many Toucans

Toco the toucan has found the perfect spot for a treehouse of his very own.

The tree is leafy and shady and full of sweet berries. He can picture the house already: warm and cozy, with a little thatched roof and flowers for the butterflies. And it’s so him. He just hopes the new neighbors are friendly!

Another toucan shows up to help, then another, and another. Toco is thrilled to have help, and he really wants to make friends! But, wait—his plans didn’t include a tower, or a bouncy trampoline, or six windows. Well, what’s a few extra windows? The toucans are just trying to help, after all.

But soon the other toucans have totally taken over! Toco wants to say something, but he feels overwhelmed and lost in the shuffle. Can Toco find his voice and speak up about what he really wants?

Included is a reader’s note for adults on talking to kids about the difference between assertive and bossy and when it’s important to speak your mind.