Welcome to my blog series Picking Pages: Picture Book Peeks where we pick our favorite Picture Book pages! Today we’re looking at ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD by author Jen Arena and illustrator Jessica Gibson. It was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022.
This is a new blog series that I decided to create in order to highlight the visual nature of picture books, and how the words and illustrations are so closely tied together. The purpose is to promote amazing books, and to give a little “peek” at the interior. Each post will also allow you to vote (“pick”) your favorite page out of two choices.
I wasn’t sure which book I was going to feature first, but I had already picked out ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD as one of the choices — and then I met the author in person at an event! How cool is that? Kismet, one might say.
She even autographed it! See:
Jen was so sweet! I loved meeting her and hearing her talk on an author panel. I also enjoy introducing my kids to authors — the people behind the books! — and getting the autographs made out to them.
Without further ado, may I introduce: Acorn.
The main character of this book, a little acorn, is a high-spirited and joyful soul. It is so much fun to follow Acorn on his journey as jumps from his tree. He’s been cautioned not to jump — the world is dangerous! But he craves adventure.
He does meet a few obstacles in his journey, of course, but luckily for Acorn, things work out in the best of ways. After all he’s been through, he stays true to himself: he’s still wild.
And I have to say, this is the first time I’ve deeply identified with an acorn. But I really do. This books represents me in a way that almost makes me cry every time I read it, and I love reading it to children. Even my own not-so-young-anymore children.
As to a favorite page (or spread if you prefer), I believe this one is my fave. I call it “the roll.” Here is our little Acorn buddy, escaping from mundanity but rolling down a hills full of hungry squirrels. He’s even caught. Danger abounds! But he faces that danger head on.
Of course there’s also this page. I call it “the seasons.” I adore when I find hidden treasures like this inside picture books. The story progresses in such a way that we can teach kids about an important concept. Here it’s the changing of seasons. The passage of time. It’s done so beautifully that I had to add it in as a contender for favorite.
How about you? Which page is your favorite?
Vote here:
Thanks for voting!
And remember, the best ways to support your favorite authors and illustrators includes buying their books, leaving them reviews, marking them as “want to read” on Goodreads, checking their books out of the library, and sharing how much you love the books on social media. Here are some helpful links:
- ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD on Bookshop.org
- ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD on Amazon
- ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD on Goodreads
- The author’s website: Jen Arena Books
- The illustrator’s website: Jessica Gibson
And if you’d like to Pin this blog post for later, you can save this image on Pinterest:
Have you read ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD? Share with me your thoughts in the comments.
Happy Reading!
xo Rosemary
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