Patrick and Dad learn how to cope with their grief together in this beautifully illustrated, uplifting story about resilience, connection, and growth.
When Patrick suffers a huge loss, he finds comfort in holding an acorn that drops at his feet. The more acorns he collects, the less empty he feels… but soon there are acorns hiding in cupboards, under the rug, and even in Dad’s work shoes. As the tide of acorns grows, Patrick’s belongings are buried under them, until all he has is… perhaps… too many acorns.
Join Patrick and Dad as they learn how to cope with their overwhelming grief together, rediscovering the things that make them happy while holding their memories close.
Through gentle language, illustrations and metaphor, Too Many Acorns explores big emotions in a way that is manageable and understandable for young readers. It is a heart-warming story about the ways we find to cope in the hardest times, perfect for sharing with little ones who are experiencing the loss of a loved one, or any other emotional upheaval.
Susannah Crispe is an Australian children’s author and illustrator with a passion for animals, art and adventure. She writes and illustrates her books from a light-filled studio in Canberra, drawing inspiration from her adventurous son, cluttered bookshelves and the world beyond her windows.
Midwest Book Review
“Through gentle language, illustrations and metaphor, Too Many Acorns explores big emotions in a way that is manageable and understandable for young readers. It is a heart-warming story about the ways we find to cope in the hardest times, perfect for sharing with little ones who are experiencing the loss of a loved one, or any other emotional upheaval.”
Get Kids Booked (via Instagram)
“The illustrations hold so much of the emotion and meaning in this beautiful book. The feeling of being overwhelmed with sadness is a difficult concept, that is so well represented in this story.”
Kat_Book Worm
“Although not explicitly stated, this is a book about loss and how a child can cope. Whether it is grief, family separation or relocation- a child can feel lost, alone, isolated and not in control. This beautiful book shows how we can embrace our world and move through the challenges, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Bottom Shelf (Teacher Librarian)
“The story can become a conversation starter for helping little ones begin to articulate their feelings, particularly those big emotions like loss and grief and anger that are hard to put into words.”
Blue Wolf Reviews
“Large, simple illustrations enhance the story which has a serious undertone, as it tells how Patrick and his father both ascend from the gloom that has encapsulated them.”
In The Good Books (via Instagram)
“A story of comfort and hope for those that have ever felt overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, loss or grieving.”
Buzz Words Magazine
“I must admit that I didn’t read the blurb before reading this story with my kids, and I’m glad I didn’t. The author/illustrator purposely keeps us in the dark about what is driving Patrick’s obsession and when we got to the climax, my kids felt clever that they’d worked out the reason why Patrick felt the way he did by identifying the clues in the illustrations. This is a thoughtful read for kids aged 4 to 7 to explore feelings associated with losing something precious”
School Days Magazine
“Patrick and has suffered a great loss and he is struggling, so when one day he picks up an acorn and feels how lovely it feels in his hand, it comforts him. He picks up another acorn and then another, they make him feel so much better. This tender story with its empathetic and calm illustrations tells a lovely story using nature”
