Clutter Cut Inc. by Lester Lex, illustrated by Guillermo Piloto
SilverHouse Books
ISBN: 978-0982931264
Published November 2011
Paperback, 32 pages

Clutter Cut Inc. is about a boy names Cloot who has too many toys.  They clutter his room. Some he's never used, others are old and broken or missing pieces. Cloot's Dad gives him an idea about sharing his toys, but Cloot feels glum and not sure if he can give his toys away.

The Dad understands his boy's dilemma and helps Cloot make a decision by writing out their goal of helping boys and girls who feel sad, like kids in the hospital. So Cloot gives his toys away and feels so good about what he did that a wonderful idea sprouts from this initial clean-up project.

This book is a heartwarming and delightful story told in rhyme and colorful illustrations. Although adults can be decisive and straightforward about getting rid of their children's toys, for children, on the other hand, this can be a major dilemma. Toys are their world! I couldn't help thinking of Toy Story when I read this book. I liked how Cloot's Dad handled the toy clutter and taught his son to share the things he loves the most. He allowed his son to experience the joy of giving.


The watercolor illustrations are attractive and bright, and I especially loved Cloot, with his huge expressive eyes. He reminded me of my son. The pictures really brought out well the life of an ordinary kid whose imagination is vivid as he plays with his many many toys. My son spent time looking over them since he loves to draw and color. This is a great book to help young ones find objects in the pictures because there are so many things to find in one picture! The only illustration that needs more clarity is the book cover. The title of the book does not stand out enough. Both my kids (11 and 8 year-olds) looked at it and asked me what the title was, and although we thought the lettering using toys was clever, it wasn't clear.

Apart from this, we thought this was a beautiful book for pre-schoolers and up. It's a great way to introduce the whole let's-get-rid-of-toy-clutter dilemma in a positive and engaging way, especially now that Spring is here and parents will want to involve their kids in--you got it!--spring cleaning.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.
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About the illustrator:

“Ever since I was a little boy I have loved cartoons. It’s not as bad for you as they say, because from them I developed a passion to draw and this is what I now do. And when I’m not drawing I still watch cartoons.” Guillermo Piloto

Find out more about Clutter Cut online at www.silverhousebooks.com/ClutterCutInc.html

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.