WINNIE'S PILE OF PILLOWS

Winnie the walrus discovers the perils of possessiveness.

Balancing on her tail as if it were a pair of legs, her pointed tusks framing her muzzle, Winne shows off her room. It’s just as she likes it, with her favorite things hidden from her brother and her pet tortoise snoozing on a chair. Winnie’s Aunt Becky collects glass animals but (crucially) believes in curation, planning to keep “the most interesting ones” for display and give away the rest. Later, in preparation for storytime, Aunt Becky surrounds Winnie in comforting cushions; Winnie’s overjoyed and decides to acquire a plethora of pillows. Now there’s scarcely space on her bed, and she’s anything but comfortable. When the pillows slide to the floor, they bury her beloved room. Piling them carefully doesn’t work. Winnie realizes that Aunt Becky had the right idea: Selection is everything. She picks out the best cushions and happily donates the extras to charity. The simple, garishly colored, cartoon-style art looks amateur, while the story is slow paced and wordy. The author, a decluttering guru, clearly hopes to inspire kids to downsize, but young readers will find Winnie’s quick turn-around unconvincing.

Sound advice, though delivered in a lackluster package.