Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea

Ollie Alexander Kandersteen, successful amateur gardener, longs to be a tree: Strong. Tall. And mighty enough to stand up to Everett, the bully next door. Ollie is rather short for his age, and when things are too heavy or too high to reach, Everett is sure to point it out. Ollie wilts, he withers. Inside and out, he feels small.

But when Everett, feeling jealous of Ollie’s gardening skills, steals Ollie’s sapling, an idea takes root...
＂I couldn’t. I shouldn’t.＂
But he does! Ollie SWALLOWS an acorn. He waits, wonders, and rumbles ... Burp!

With a little care and cultivation, a tree-mendous transformation begins! Ollie’s feet root, his arms branch, his locks leaf, and his limbs stretch to the clouds. He’s finally strong and tall enough to confront Everett. But when he does, he finds out that being the biggest doesn’t always mean you’re the mightiest and getting even with a bully might just make you feel smaller than ever.

Readers of all ages will root for and relate to Ollie in this whimsical story about working together despite differences, the power of kindness, and what it truly means to be mighty.

Andrew Hacket always dreamed of writing picture books, but never believed it was possible. Then one day he thought, ＂I could. I should.＂ So he did (with a lot of hard work). And while he hopes no one swallows acorns as a result of his story, he does hope kids will be inspired to grow kindness in their communities and stand up for themselves--without eating anyone, of course. A second grade teacher, Andrew lives in Holden, Massachusetts with his wife and three children, all of whom are very mighty. Visit him at www.AndrewHacket.com.

Kaz Windness is an illustrator and author who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at an art college and enjoys growing herbs and vegetables in her garden. She is a Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design valedictorian graduate. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.