An ecosystem is a community of living organisms, along with
non-living things like air, water, and soil that interact in order to sustain
the health and prosperity of the system as a whole. The members of an ecosystem
strike a delicate balance, a circle of life, if you will, that repeats itself
in every forest, ocean, lake, desert, swamp, and stream that you might come
across on earth.
Because of an Acorn (ISBN 1452112428) a picture book written by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer and illustrated by
Frann Preston-Gannon is a book about that balance. In very few words, the
authors communicate the interconnectedness of the different populations within
an ecosystem. It starts with an acorn becoming a tree and then a tree becoming
a home for a bird and on and on until we come full circle.
This book is based on the ecosystem of the Cumberland
Plateau. The forest is drawn in browns, grays, and every shade of green
possible. The bright orange, yellow, blue and red of the fruits, and flowers
and the bird complement the earthy colors of the rest of the pages. You can
almost smell the soil and the leaves and the rain.
It is an animal eat animal world and although no animal is
pictured eating another animal, it is clear that a chipmunk is eaten by a snake
and a snake is eaten by a hawk. The authors communicate their message about the
interdependence that exists in nature clearly and concisely. They do this in an engaging, almost lyrical way that informs the reader about ecosystems and food chains while conveying a deeper message. The book also reminded this reader
that we humans are a part of this chain as well. We are not only connected to each other, our fortunes are also tied to the health of the ecosystems that surround us.
The back matter includes includes some background
information about white oak trees, acorns, forests, and animals and includes
tips on how we can help to conserve our forests.
Because of an Acorn
would be a great addition to a unit on ecosystems and food chains.
