In a Nutshell is a book that explores the life cycle of a plant, but more importantly, readers are given beautiful life lessons on change and growth in this inspirational book for kids, as we see the acorn travel through the seasons.

Through luminous illustrations, In a Nutshell explores the life cycle of an oak tree and how it supports life even after it is gone. An acorn drops from a great oak and grows. Animals nibble at it, a fire threatens it, but overcoming many challenges it eventually towers high in the forest, observing the changing human scene below. Eventually its energy passes into many other life forms. An oak tree can teach much about seeds and seasons and cycles--but it also can make us appreciate the challenges it must overcome.

Great for parents, teachers, or gift givers looking for a:

• graduation gift
• gift for the new school year
• book to provide inspiration
• the perfect "planting seeds for kids" book to explore this summer!
• The ideal gardening book for kids ages 4-8

Anthony, Joseph

Joseph Patrick Anthony was born the tenth of eleven children. His family loved the mountains, so exploring with his brothers and sisters nurtured an innate love for adventure and an appreciation for the natural world. He traveled with the Navy as a trumpet player, worked in a natural food store, as a Corrections Officer, a massage therapist, and a construction supervisor, experiences which have all served to deepen his self-understanding and perspective on the human condition. Joseph's cosmological work, "Our Multi-Tiered Universe," grew out of a desire to help move the planet to a clean energy future. His website is www.JosephPatrickAnthony.com.

Arbo, Cris

Cris Arbo's art is known for intense detail and is inspired by her love and respect for nature. It has appeared in books, magazines, calendars, cards, murals, and in animated feature films, TV shows, and commercials. She has illustrated six nature awareness children's books for Dawn Publications and is also a frequent presenter at schools and conferences. Cris has four daughters and lives in Buckingham, Virginia with her husband, author Joseph Anthony and their youngest daughter, Alina. Many of Cris' favorite hours are spent in the garden.