Book Review: Because of an Acorn

By Annell Gerson

One need only think of Good Night Moon or The Very Hungry Caterpillar to be reminded that books need neither excessive words nor pages to be powerful, timeless and beloved. But such brevity does not make writing childrens books easier than writing for adults. In fact, the challenge of writing a meaningful message with so few words and merging those words with just the right illustrations in a way, that appeals to both the adult reader and child listener gives rise to a complicated matrix of possibilities. So, when author and artist manage to massage page and palette and create that perfect mix of message and image, you get magic.

Because of an Acorn, by Georgia author Lola M. Schaefer and her son Adam Schaefer, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon, is just that magic. In only sixty words painted across 27 pages, the Schaefer/Preston-Gannon team begins with an acorn and proceeds to beautifully chronicle the spiraling circle of life. The message is simple, ecosystem connections clear, illustrations enchanting, cadence melodic and memorable. In fact, much like todays children can correctly reply to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see? and all the rest of that iconic books subsequent queries, its very likely tomorrows children will know the response to each of the, Because of a/an____ phrases presented in the Schaefers book.

Because of an Acorn also includes an appendix with supplemental content to enrich discussion regarding the Cumberland Plateau, white oak trees, acorns (of course), ecosystems, food chains and forests as well as suggested, practical ways children can conserve and appreciate nature.

Ms. Schaefer will conduct a childrens story time, geared for children ages 2-12, at the Milton Literary Festival on November 12, 2016. The festival is free and will host over thirty Atlanta area authors. As part of the event activities, Because of an Acorn will be the spotlight of the communitys first Childrens Book Trail Walk. Details regarding this and other festival events can be found at MiltonLiteraryFestival.com.