Because of an Acorn

by Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, Frann Preston-Gannon (Illustrator)

Key Features Description Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning. Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning. Standards RI.1.3. Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text. RI.1.3. Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text. Product Details Item #: NTS824487 9781338244878 Paperback Book 32 Pre-K - 2 Lexile® 50L Guided Reading GR Level E DRA 8 Key Features Item #: NTS824487 9781338244878 Paperback Book 32 Pre-K - 2 Lexile® 50L Guided Reading GR Level E DRA 8

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Science, Nonfiction, Animals, Storytime

Paperback

First published August 2, 2016

About the author

Lola M. Schaefer is an educator, writer, and gardener, and the author of many acclaimed books for children about math, art, science, technology, animals, and nature. She uses shovels, hoes, rakes, and scissors when she works in her garden. Lola M. Shaefer grew up in Indiana, and now lives in northern Georgia.

Reviews

[Steve H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The circle of life, somewhat cryptically examined through mixed media illustrations and very few words. I was initially excited to see the topic addressed for children, but this book will definitely need some more mature interpretation to explain The Acorn> tree> bird> seed> flower> fruit> chipmunk>snake>hawk>acorn process. The simple artwork is fairly engaging and could be a subject for conversation with young readers.

[iosephvs bibliothecarivs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand the ecological message that this book was trying to express but unfortunately the simple text didn't make sense. It was supposed to be 'this leads to that, and that leads to this, and this leads to that, etc.' but some of the connections weren't obvious, which defeated the purpose. The illustrations were the best part.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely book explains what an ecosystem is in a very simple, lyrical way, using very few words. "Because of an acorn, a tree. Because of a tree, a bird..." The kids tried to guess what was going to be on the next page each time, and guessing correctly was not always that easy! At times the "clue" on the illustration is somewhat hidden and not very obvious.
The kids enjoyed this one.
The back-matter, which is written for older readers, explains the ecosystem in more detail and discusses ways that children can help preserve the environment.
Brilliant nature / science concept book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetic look at the interconnectedness of an ecosystem.

Back matter gives more information about the location of this particular ecosystem and provides ideas for children to adopt to positively impacts forests.

Great read aloud for PreK-2.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful concept that builds and flows—and that ending! Plus, info at the back to get kids caring about trees, ecosystems, and how they can help them.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

With mixed media illustrations that evoke the collages of Lois Ehlert, this picture book introduces the concept of the forest ecosystem and the food chain to young readers.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a one of those books that helps children to explore what it means to be a part of a food chain, especially when the start of it is a foundational species. As a result the first part of the story itself is shown as a split fork in the path for although the acorn can be used otherwise as food it starts off as providing the tree that is necessary for the forest needed to attract other animals like the bird.

The writing of the text is actually really quite simple for it mainly revolves around six words with the first four mentioning the cause of an action and the last two the effect that the action has. As a result children should have no problems following the story or its meaning at all but for adult caregivers who are helping to read the book to them it surely could get repetitive even if the children are helping you to read it.

What I truly enjoyed about this book, though, was its illustrations. They were beautifully well done and very detailed in their presentation. As a result just by overlooking the illustration the reader may be able to guess what may happen next such as the snake head lurking at the bottom of the flower stem or the hawk hovering in the background. Although there are also other animals included that don't contribute to the plot of the story.

Finally the book finishes off with a detailed explanation of the white oak trees, their place in the ecosystem and how their young plants contribute to the forests of the Cumberland Plateau as well. This was really something that caught my interest since such ecosystems are not specifically targeted when it comes to nature books but instead thrown into a deciduous, coniferous or mixed forest broad category. The only complaint I would have to say in this certain regard was the fact that the author was a bit okay it seems if you removed the link from a food web in a larger ecosystem since it is sometimes possible for the web to continue without harmful results.

Otherwise the last addition to this part was just some final tips on what you can do to help theses types of ecosystems with the basics of using less paper products, more fabric ones; recycling paper products and buying products made from recycled products as well as visiting a nearby forest. Good tips all around.

This would definitely make for a good science read, especially when exploring ecosystems and food webs for the first time due to the simplicity of the subject matter.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A children’s book that describes the life cycle of an acorn and oak tree. It describes all the benefits to the other flora and fauna of the acorn. Truly lovely illustrations and some memorable knowledge to be gleaned for little ones about the circle of life.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Loved the illustrations and circular text.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art work

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet beautiful

[Kennady · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book names everything that makes up a forest, starting with an acorn. It also shows a food chain between different animals and plants.

I gave this book 5 stars, I thought that this book could teach kids many different things. The illustrations were eye-catching and very detailed. Overall, I would suggest this book for younger kids.

[Deania · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is simple and very easy to read. You learn what the acorn becomes, how it travels. What kind of acorns are there? The book has information about what certain animals eat and why we need to plant more acorns and what can we do to help our ecosystem.

[Parker Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of an Acorn is by Lola M. Schaefer, the story talks about the circle of life through a acorn prospective. The books talks about a acorn on how it breaks down how it affects the ecosystem greatly. Next the books talks about how every living thing in the forest helps create the ecosystem.

This book is a great way to show children how the circle of life happens, and it is a good read. There are lots of important information throughout the book. I have always liked books that shows children that it takes multiple lifeforms to create a ecosystem. This is why I rated this book the way I did. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read it.

[Ashleigh Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Because of an Acorn" is a simple, yet intriguing book. This book shows the "life cycle" of a forest, and how each piece affects the development of a natural forest. "Because of an Acorn" shows that even the smallest element (the acorn) can affect the largest element (the forest as a whole). This is a great book to use with children because it teaches the lesson that even small people or things can make a big difference. This is important to teach to young children, especially. This book, as a result, would be great to use within an early childhood classroom.

One of the other things that is nice about this book is that it is very easy to read. By the end of their Kindergarten year, a child could probably read this book on their own. Despite this, "Because of an Acorn" would still be great to use in any subject area, especially in science.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because of an Acorn is a basic nonfiction picture book illustrating the connections that exist between all living things. The minimal text is great for preschoolers, though it is not enough in every instance to drive home the connection the authors are trying to make. (Miss Muffet needed a lot of explanation and clarification as we read.) The illustrations are immersive and appealing, and they portray the realities of the natural world (a hawk capturing a snake, for example) honestly, but not too graphically. I liked the book better upon a second reading, but I felt that I could have used a bit more text in the main part of the story. There are detailed notes at the end of the book, but they were too dry even for me, let alone for a child.

[Melissa Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of few words but great illustrations and room for interactive conversations with students. This is a book that I would like to use in the classroom simply to introduce ecosystems for students to allow them the opportunity to make connections and predictions about what an ecosystem is and how the different organisms play important roles.

[Darshana Khiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice simple introduction to the idea of interconnectedness and ecosystem, good for preschoolers through KG.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat little book that deals with the circle of life in easy to understand words and pictures.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple baby/toddler book about all the things that happen because of an acorn dropping. Clear text and simple bright pictures.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated title for children to learn the life cycle of the forest ecosystem. Well done.

[Jaclyn Golino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer is a non-fiction children’s book designed for 4-6-year olds; it has won a Charlotte Zolotow Honor and a Children's Choice Book Award. The story outlines the various connections between the layers in the ecosystem by following the cycle of an acorn. I rated this book five stars based off its ability to effectively incorporate literary elements. To begin with, the plot was compelling yet simple. From page to page, it builds upon each necessary part in the ecosystem that provides for the other; one little acorn can turn into a tree, then provide for a bird which then plants a seed that sprouts a flower. The characters within the story could be considered the bird, snake, tree, acorn, seed, or flower. Although they are not in human form, they play a vital role in the plot; they are the organisms focused on in creating the ecosystem. This is effective because we can read textually and see visibly the layered relationship that exists in a forest. The theme represented in the story is that nature is one cohesive system that relies on many parts of it to sustain it; creating a chain effect. The language in the text is repetitive: “because of an acorn a tree” “because of a chipmunk a snake” “because of a snake a hawk”. It emphasizes the role of the different parts of the ecosystem that are in need for the other parts; their existence relies on the previous organisms’ existence. The illustrations in the book are a collage of paintings. There are many earthy colors used within this, including various shades of green, brown and blue. The colors give a colloquial feeling while the mix of 2D and 3D images create a sense of realism and fantasy. I believe this book would appeal to children because of its superior illustrations that depict an accurate relationship within the ecosystem. When working with children one could use this book to teach the children about the environment and its many layers.

[Amanda Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book very simply depicts the circle of life and the food chain when it comes to nature. It starts with an acorn and breaks down how that single, tiny acorn can effect an ecosystem so greatly. It takes the reader through many different organisms in a forest, animals and plants alike, and shows how each one connects the one before it. While the story is very simple with few words, the end of the book gives a more detailed description of what an ecosystem is and why it is important for every inhabitant to be there. It also provides the reader with ways to help preserve the environment around them.

I loved this book! First of all, the illustrations were incredible and I liked how at the beginning and end of the story, there was a hole in the page connecting to the picture behind it. I loved how simple this book was but how at the end, it gives a more in depth look at what each piece of the ecosystem contributes. This makes it beneficial for all ages! The authors said this was a book for, "naturalists, young and old" and I found that to be very true.

I would use this book in a therapy session maybe focusing on cause and effect or even just for a beginning reader. During a session working on cause and effect, the client could make a chart connecting each piece of the ecosystem to the next until it comes back around to the acorn. This book provides a great opportunity to get the client outside. Maybe after reading the book, the client could go outside and try to find pieces of their own ecosystem (i.e. a mushroom or a rock) and discuss how it could aid in the circle of life. This book could also be used to practice inferencing. Many of the pages have a picture of the animal or plant that will come after it so the client could use inference skills to try and guess what might come next.

[Mrs. Walker Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because of an acorn, a tree.”
“Because of a tree, a bird...”
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The authors of ‘Because of an Acorn’ have produced a wonderful story using few words which captures the readers attention and engages them with learning an important lesson about the circle of life.
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This book introduces children to the concept of ecosystems in a simple yet effective way. The beautiful illustrations highlight the connections and relationships that are happening all around us in nature.
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💡After reading, retell the story using pictures or words of all the plants and animals that were mentioned in this book. This will allow children to see the ecosystem as a whole and give them a better understanding of the food chain within the ecosystem.
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💡After reading, ask “What was a new discovery for you from this book?” “What wonderings do you have about the world around us?”. This book will spark great conversation!
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💡After reading, go on a hike or walk through a forest and have your child(ren) observe the ecosystem in action. Have them observe and identify what they see. They will certainly have a new appreciation for living things after reading this book. Finding an acorn will now have a whole new meaning 🐿.
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💡The back of this book provides further information about the white oak forest ecosystem that was mentioned in this book. Further detail is provided on the importance of preserving our forests and taking care of the environment. There is a section called “What Can You Do To Help?” and the suggestions provided would be great to share with the readers of this book. Continue to brainstorm more ways you can help our environment.
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When you purchase this book, a portion of the proceeds goes to support the work of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
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Grab this perfect book to accompany your Autumn hikes! Happy trails 🌿🍂🍃.

[Autumn Kopesky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
In this books, it talks about what all happens because of an acorn. Such as, a tree grows. This book goes through several things that acorns help with in the environment.
Evaluation:
I think this is a great book for students to understand cycles of life. For example, an acorn falls and it will help a tree grow. The tree is where birds can build their nests, and so on a so forth. This is a good book for students in lower grades to read to understand cycles of life.
Teaching Point:
This would be a good book to read in science. Students will be able to understand how everything connects in the environment. This can be taught by as the teacher is reading the book, the create a picture on the board to demonstrate how everything is all connecting. The students can then think of something that they know connects.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's Choice Book Award

Appropriate grade level: Pre k- Kindergarten

Summary: An acorn is the cause of a lot of natural happenings, like the growth of a tree which leads to a bird building a nest in the tree. The illustrations demonstrate the connections in nature. A simple thing like an acorn is used to describe a complex, natural cycle.

Review: This book gives the reader a better understanding of the cycle of nature. It is a great way for readers to see how something that surrounds them everyday impacts them. The illustrations represent vividly how beautiful and important nature is.

In Class Uses: read aloud, explain how things grow/connect

[Alyssa Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Because of an Acorn" is a book that illustrates the connections in an ecosystem. It starts with an acorn and shows how everything else connects to one another creating a whole forest ecosystem. This is a great story to introduce the topics of ecosystems in a classroom and cause and effect. I like how the first and last pages have a cut out. The first page having the bottom half of an acorn cut out with the whole picture being a leaf on the following page. And the second to last page having a leaf cutout that makes a tree on the following page. I believe that this helps to show how the acorn to the entire forest are connected.

[Annie DeLuco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great book! I loved how simple and to the point it was. There wasn’t any explaining, but the illustrations on each page did a great job explaining what the words meant. This short story proves how everything is related. The butterfly effect and how everything is created because of something else. this book would be great for a cross content lesson. You could read it for reading class and have a discussion or writing prompt, and it could begin a lesson in science about nature. This book, although short, is a great way to start children early about learning about nature in science class.

[Lindsey Wingfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: I like the way that the book has little words and more pictures, with the students you could try to have them guess what comes next in the book. I gave it 3 stars because of not explaining more in detail about an acorn, I understand how it explains what an acorn does in nature but it doesnt give the reasons why and I think students or young children would get confused on what its trying to say.

Summary: About an acorn that falls and makes a tree grow and then come in the animals from nature and the seed becomes a flower and from their it becomes a forest. It portrays the layers of an ecosystem.

[Bri Feltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Informational Nonfiction
Grade Level: PreK-3rd
This is such a cute and simple way to show students the life cycle of an acorn and how such a simple part of nature can have a huge impact on the environment. The illustrations are detailed, colorful, and so adorable. The actually text is very minimal, so students would have no problem reading this book on their own. This books is more about the overall concept and process rather than details about the lifecycle of an acorn and its impact on the environment. With that being said, I think this book would be a good introduction to the topic and then you as the teacher can go more in depth with your students and break down each part from the book. This would be a great opportunity to take your students outside and explore nature!