Because of an Acorn: questions to ask and activities to try
Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests and a seed becomes a flower. Because of an Acorn is a beautiful first look at how everything in nature is connected.
What age is it for? Because of an Acorn is best for ages 3–7. Good for: How everything in nature is connected.
Because of an Acorn (Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- How everything in nature is connected
Read it on or after an autumn walk. Peek through the cut-outs and ask what will happen next. Children love chains of cause and effect, so let them make up their own.
What it helps with
- Curiosity about nature
- Seeing how one small thing can matter
- Cause and effect: because of this, that happens
- Caring for the world around us
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What grew from the acorn?”
- “Which animals needed the tree?”
- “What happens because of a bird?”
- “What would happen if the acorn wasn’t there?”
- “What small thing can you do that helps nature?”
- “What do you see on our walks that’s connected?”
5-minute activities to try together
Acorn hunt
Collect acorns, leaves or seeds on a walk. Talk about what each one could grow into, or who might eat it.
Because of me
Make a chain: “Because I watered the plant, it grew; because it grew, a bee visited...” How long can you make it?
Free printables: Because of an Acorn worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Tiny Seed (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Patience, feeling small, and keeping going
- Age
- 3-7
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
Tad (Benji Davies)
- Best for
- Growing up at your own pace, and being brave about change
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.