The Oak Inside the Acorn

In his touching picture book, master storyteller Max Lucado reveals that each one of us was created for a special purpose. The Oak Inside the Acorn is a heartwarming parable that encourages children to be the best they can be for God. This parallel to the bestselling book for adults, Cure for the Common Life, reminds parents to focus on their children's God-given abilities, while Children will see that all they need to do is to "Just be the tree God made you to be."

Little Acorn sees himself as very small and he's unsure of what he's supposed to do in life. Eventually, he grows into Big Oak, but he still wonders about his purpose. Though he tries as hard as he can, he can't grow oranges like his friends the orange trees, or produce beautiful flowers like his friends Pink Petunia or Rosie. But finally, he discovers that his mighty branches were created for a very special purpose! Recommended for ages 5 to 10.

It was hard for Little Acorn to believe he would ever be a big, strong oak tree. Soon Little Acorn grew into Little Oak. But now what was he to do? He couldn’t grow oranges like the orange tree or flowers like the rose bush. He just grew and grew until he became Big Oak, and his branches were big and strong-but still he didn’t know what he was to do. Then one day Big Oak found that his strong branches were just right for a very special purpose. The Oak Inside the Acorn is the story of the miracle inside each of us. For within every child is the special person God created, just waiting to grow.

Invoking the theme that we all need to discover our God-given abilities and follow God's plan for us, Lucado's (The Crippled Lamb) gentle parable parallels the lives of a tree and a girl. A tiny acorn shaken from its mother's strong branches becomes a mighty oak-not by trying to be like other trees and flowers, but by heeding the mother oak's sage advice: "Just be the tree God made you to be." Likewise, a girl does some soul-searching of her own-often under the protective shade of the mighty oak-as she grows up and prepares to make her way in the world. Suffused with echoes of The Giving Tree, Lucado's story will likely reverberate with a wide audience. Angelini's hazy, bucolic oils capture flora and fauna at their sunlit best, and will likely have readers longing for a stroll among trees and flowers. Ages 5-10. (Nov.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Letting go of your childhood is hard to do, and a bit scary. Nature forces Little Acorn to let go of his mother's nurturing branches and begin a life of his own. Little Acorn is not sure what he is suppose to be. He can't bare fruit like the orange trees and he has no beautiful blooms or sweet scents like the flowers. A farmer plants him in the family's back yard, and there he grows bigger and taller every year, right along with a little girl. When the little girl grows into a young lady, Big Oak uses one of his own little acorns to teach her to be what God wants her to be.

What I Liked: I like the lesson; to be what God intended us to be.

What I Disliked: I was a little disappointed with this book. This author is one of my favorites, but the message in this book was simply not as strong as I had anticipated. The message was clear, it just didn't reach out and grab me like most of his other books do.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Recommended Ages: 5 - 10

Reviewed by Loretta, a Christian Children's Book Reviewer

Average Rating:

4 of 4 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Misty Allen (Rifle, CO), October 24, 2008

I love Max Lucado's chidren's books. This story I will have on my bookshelf for the rest of my life. Beautiful story for children and adults, too!

Reviewed by Jane Russett (Adams, MA), February 27, 2008

A beautiful story to give to a daughter or girl that encourages her to become what God intends her to be. It would make a wonderful graduation present!

Reviewed by Loretta (USA, FL.), April 12, 2007

The Oak Inside the Acorn is written by Max Lucado and illustrated by George Angelini. Letting go of your childhood is hard to do, and a bit scary. Nature forces Little Acorn to let go of his mother's nurturing branches and begin a life of his own. Little Acorn is not sure what he is suppose to be. He can't bare fruit like the orange trees and he has no beautiful blooms or sweet scents like the flowers. A farmer plants him in the family's back yard, and there he grows bigger and taller every year, right along with a little girl. When the little girl grows into a young lady, Big Oak uses one of his own little acorns to teach her to be what God wants her to be. What I Liked: I like the lesson, to be what God intended us to be. What I Disliked: I was a little disappointed with this book. This author is one of my favorites, but the message in this book was simply not as strong as I had anticipated. The message was clear, it just didn't reach out and grab me like most of his other books do. Overall Rating: Very Good.

Reviewed by Jennifer (Guam), January 19, 2007

This a wonderful story that my 5 year-old and six year-old boys ask me to read all the time. It is entertaining, warm and uplifting. My kids have well over 100 books on their bookshelf right now and this book is one of the their absolute favorites! Well written! Not just for small children. Highly recommended!! It would also make a "they'll-love-it-for-sure" gift!!! I can't say enough good things about this book and it's important message. Buy it!

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