Ava, fond of her granddad, experiences love, change, loss and growth through their strong connection with an oak tree through the seasons.
The story unfolds in spring when Ava waits for Granddad and heads to the tree to enjoy swinging. At the same time, the man points out that the tree has the wisdom of a lifetime to offer. “Sooner than soon”, the little girl enjoys a picnic in the summer with her grandfather and finds all about the wildlife that the tree is home now. The tree’s qualities are sharing and kindness, and that’s why many friends enjoy it—a good role model for Ava, who wishes to build the same world of her own. However, every season follows a change. How will Ava cope when the days are chilled and Grandad is unwell?
The following spring is entirely different for the pair when they find that the old oak tree falls on the ground dead. Tears are inevitable, but Granddad keeps an acorn from the tree that they plant together. Even though Ava has to look after the sapling and the tree on her own, she finds that “all the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved – are not gone” when “a small part still lives on…” in your heart.
“Ava and the Acorn” explores many themes about life’s change through the seasons, love and connections with significant others, and the inevitable emotions that accompany them. Written in a poetic rhymic style and with captivating illustrations by Paddy Donnelly that catch the details of every season, it offers a memorable story for young children and adults.
It deserves to be on every bookshelf!
Further Information:
If you loved Ava and the Acorn, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: Ava and Acorn
- Author and Illustrator: Lu Fraser & Paddy Donnelly
- ISBN: 978 1 44496 484 4
- Publication Date: 2024
- Page Count: 40
- Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
- Recommended age: 3-7
- Categories/Topic: seasons, relationships, grandad, love, loss, nature, life cycle
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Amazon
