I'm not sure how the hint system works. It skips the intro phrase, but it seems to do nothing in the levels. The lightbulb always turns green. In any case, you have to start with the houseplant.
So I got past the bike level and am now stuck on the school level. I've already gotten rid of the purple chair, pink desk, light green desk, and orange chair. I was trying to get the blue-ish books to fit above the chalkboard and I can't see them but the game doesn't count it. Figured it out.