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Acorn Was a Little Wild
Jory John’s Bad Seed series meets After the Fall by Dan Santat in this charming picture book about a young acorn’s grand adventure and the incredible transformation that follows.
Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement!
But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out.
Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement!
But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2022
About the author
Jen Arena
19 books98 followersJen Arena is lucky to have been surrounded by great children’s books her whole life. As a teenager, she worked at a children’s-only indie bookstore in Pennsylvania, and after graduating from college, she made her way to New York City, where she found a job in children's book publishing. Since then, she’s written many books for kids. She recently left New York and now lives in Florida, surrounded by sunshine, palm trees, and really weird birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 30, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Acorn Was a Little Wild, written by Jen Arena and illustrated by Jessica Gibson, a playful tale of one very adventurous young seed.
Acorn was the first of his generation to take a flying leap from the tree. The great oak warned him not to, that squirrels would get him, but Acorn didn’t care – he was ready for an adventure. This began the little seed’s journey into the wider world, filled with ups, downs, a plenty of surprises along the way. What will become of our little acorn? Will the squirrels get him after all? Or is he destined for something more.
Positively delightful. Acorn’s entrance into the unknown is amusing and heartening, especially when viewed as a metaphor for a child striking out on their own. What makes this narrative especially enjoyable, however, is Acorn’s unflappable optimism and zest for life, even in times of trouble. It keeps the tone funny and cheerful, encouraging an adventurous spirit and a sunny outlook to young readers. Arena’s text is energetic and fun to read aloud, and Gibson’s cartoonish naturescapes give lively personality to every plant and creature. The length is perfect for any storytime, and JJ had a ton of fun with this one. Overall, an absolute treat, and we highly recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 11, 2022
Acorn was a little wild.
Acorn didn't listen to the warnings of the other acorns. Instead, he jumped right into dangerous adventures. He didn't care; he gloried in the joy of all the elements of life.
Acorn Was a Little Wild celebrates the delight of taking a chance, daring to do something a little scary, being a little wild.
Acorn didn't listen to the warnings of the other acorns. Instead, he jumped right into dangerous adventures. He didn't care; he gloried in the joy of all the elements of life.
Acorn Was a Little Wild celebrates the delight of taking a chance, daring to do something a little scary, being a little wild.
May 23, 2024
My 8 year old was smiling the whole time I read this to him.
October 3, 2023
So cute! Good way to let children know it's okay to change and accept what comes your way.
June 25, 2024
I’m not sure the book is “perfect for teaching resilience” like the book blurb said but it was a very cute read nonetheless.
September 21, 2024
adding this because I’m crying at work over an acorn living its BEST life
June 22, 2024
This Show Me Nominee would be a terrific addition to the lessons in a life cycles unit.
April 1, 2022
This is a delightful book that works as a story about growing up and as an informational introduction to how seeds become trees. An acorn growing on an oak tree has a zest for adventure and jumps off its tree. The old Oak and other acorns warn him that there is danger and wildness and squirrels, but Acorn wants to ROLL! And roll, he does. Acorn revels in the sensations of being out in the world and does, of course, have a perilous encounter with a squirrel. Jessica Gibson’s warm and action-packed illustrations are full of browns, red, greens, and motion! The acorns and animals’ facial expressions add much to the storytelling.
This is a story that may also serve to soothe young children who wonder about adapting to changes as they grow up: Acorn loves being freewheeling and wild, but also learns he loves being planted underground with the cool soil and wiggling worms, and finds ways to be a free spirit even after becoming a stately tree.
This would be a nice addition to any storytime about plants, growing things, and forests, and also storytimes about growing up and changing. Suitable for any young children old enough to sit for a story.
This is a story that may also serve to soothe young children who wonder about adapting to changes as they grow up: Acorn loves being freewheeling and wild, but also learns he loves being planted underground with the cool soil and wiggling worms, and finds ways to be a free spirit even after becoming a stately tree.
This would be a nice addition to any storytime about plants, growing things, and forests, and also storytimes about growing up and changing. Suitable for any young children old enough to sit for a story.
June 15, 2023
Super cute and fun story with just as exciting illustrations. Has a perfect layout of a read-aloud setting. Offers a great springboard for conversations about how we change growing up, but will always remain ourselves.
Read
May 23, 2022Real cute and people are so into trees right now. This is a fun book about the life cycle of an oak tree, starring an acorn who's "a little wild" and loves having adventures.
October 27, 2022
Cute art!
October 28, 2024
(4.0) This tale follows a trailblazing Acorn who embraces life’s challenges while remaining very optimistic.
April 21, 2022
Acorn drops from his tree eager to experience what life has to offer, "I just want to roll," he says. As he bounces down the hill he runs into a squirrel, which makes him nervous at first but eventually thrills him because he is "a wild little thing'. As the story continues, Acorn sees both the good and bad of life. When he finally ends up buried and starts to grow, at heart, he remains wild at heart. Even though his life and circumstances change, he finds a way to enjoy each stage. Later on, as a full grown oak tree, he encourages the acorns to 'Go for it!' Growing up can be a scary thing for some kids, but as this book clearly demonstrates, it can also be an amazing and remarkable process. Themes of courage, finding the good in life, and being yourself shine through in a fun and entertaining way. Gibson's delightful illustrations provide a bright and cheerful compliment to Arena's text. A delightful book about the ups and downs of life.
July 21, 2023
I'm a gigantic fan of Acorn. I love that this story is about how it's okay to be different from other acorns (or people) and take risks that they might not. He jumps off the tree and encourages other acorns to do it, too! And then he becomes a tree with his own animal friends and they're all happy and he's still a little wild! I love that he's scared when he's buried alone but then it results in him growing into a tree, like how we're often scared to do something that will help us grow.
Why am I emotional over this book about an acorn???
Anyway, the illustrations were also very cute and funny and made me want to hug the acorn. Great book. A plus.",,,1,0
Why am I emotional over this book about an acorn???
Anyway, the illustrations were also very cute and funny and made me want to hug the acorn. Great book. A plus.",,,1,0
November 10, 2023
I wish there were more fall/Thanksgiving/November children’s books out there, so when I see one, I always grab it (even though my boys are currently almost 18 & 21 😁).
This is a cute little story about an acorn with a wild side. He might not listen well and gets himself into some little pickles but as he changes, he enjoys most of the journey and by the end, he has fully become what he was meant to become.
Illustrations: 4
Story: 3
Read Aloud: 4
This is a cute little story about an acorn with a wild side. He might not listen well and gets himself into some little pickles but as he changes, he enjoys most of the journey and by the end, he has fully become what he was meant to become.
Illustrations: 4
Story: 3
Read Aloud: 4
January 24, 2024
Ah! This is an absolutely adorable and fun picture book. Acorn loves to be a little wild even though he's be warned to not venture off. His adventures will make readers giggle yet be a little worried for him, but that is okay because he is... wild! A great nominee for next school year's Show Me Readers Award.
June 27, 2022
Acorn is a little wild and loves the feel of rolling down a hill, being swung from branch to branch carried by a squirrel and even finds joy in being buried underground and beginning to grow and change. I love the illustrations in the book.
April 8, 2022
This book brought me joy.
April 21, 2022
I just love this book. I don’t know of any children’s book that celebrates savouring experience as much as this one. Lots of surprises! Gorgeous illustrations. I just loved it.
February 22, 2024
he's just a little guy <3
April 26, 2024
THE BEST BOOK ANOUT AN ACORN that I have ever read!! Why did I nearly get emotional reading this?!
Man, that acorn was a little wild. Buying for my library collection ASAP!
Man, that acorn was a little wild. Buying for my library collection ASAP!
May 8, 2024
Loved this one about a wild acorn who jumps from his oak branch and goes on an adventure.
February 22, 2024
Reading age
2 - 5 years,
2 - 5 years,
Read
April 7, 2024Surfer bro grows up
May 7, 2022
Oh my goodness! I love this book!!! It encourages wild adventure and free spirited living in the sweetest story of an acorns lifecycle.
July 8, 2023
2023-24 SC Picture Book awardee
One of my favs
One of my favs
October 19, 2022
Fall Storytime. Humorous book told from the perspective of an acorn...who loves adventure! This is sure to become a yearly favorite.
October 4, 2022
Acorn was a little wild thing. He is the first in his generation to jump off the tree leading to a ton of adventures, including a whole transformation! Taking a risk can lead to big changes that are worth it! A different perspective on the tree life cycle than I have ever read. A great read aloud for kindergarten or 1st grade in the fall or spring. Also good for a STEAM storytime about plants! Could be good for WPL's Garden Explorers too.
January 10, 2023
A wonderful story about a young acorn that chooses to listen to their wild side and adventure through the world of the story meeting squirrels, dogs, worms, and other creatures, while learning all about it's own wild nature and encouraging other, future acorns to do the same.
January 17, 2024
A cute picture book for fall. This adventure follows the “wild” acorn as he released from his tree. He experiences many fun things and changes. Up to date lingo/wording is used in this story.
Colorful and cute illustrations.
Colorful and cute illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews