Free Kid’s Devotional Inspired by “The Oak Inside the Acorn” Book

Are you looking for books that can be used with your devotions? If so then be sure to grab our FREE Tiny Seed, Mighty Tree Kid’s Devotional inspired by The Oak Inside the Acorn story. It’s a simple and easy devotional great for all ages.

As a homeschooling mom of two daughters getting ready to graduate from college (cue the proud mom tears), I’ve had the joy of watching them grow into very different individuals. Their interests, passions, and strengths have evolved in ways I never expected. While some things about them have stayed the same, other things have changed as they’ve grown. And that’s okay! In fact, it’s all part of God’s plan.

Unfortunately, I didn’t discover the book, The Oak Inside the Acorn, until my girls were in high school. I wish I’d found it sooner, but when we finally read it together it was very meaningful for us. And now, looking back, I think it’s a book I would have used multiple times in our homeschool lessons. The beauty of this story is that it speaks to kids of all ages.

The Oak Inside the Acorn – A Story of Growth for All Ages

The story of the little acorn growing into a mighty oak tree is simple yet powerful. It reminds us that growth doesn’t always happen quickly or in ways we can see, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Just like the acorn, our children are growing into something beautiful, even when we can’t always see the progress right away.

If I had found The Oak Inside the Acorn earlier, here’s how I would have used it throughout our homeschooling journey:

For 4-7 Year Olds:

At this stage, our little ones are just beginning to understand the basics of learning and growing. The Oak Inside the Acorn would have been perfect for teaching them that growth takes time. It’s simple enough for younger kids to understand—God is at work, even when they can’t see the changes happening.

We could have planted seeds or drawn trees, talking about how they, too, are growing just like that little acorn!

8-10 Year Olds

By this age, kids are becoming more aware of their own interests and talents. As they start to explore different things, their passions begin to take shape. Some of these interests might stay the same, while others will evolve.

The Oak Inside the Acorn would have been a great way to teach them that God has a unique plan for each of them. Even though their paths may change, He is still shaping them into the person He created them to be.

For 11-12 Year Olds:

At this age, tweens are starting to understand their gifts and passions more clearly. Interests and strengths may shift, and that’s okay! This book would have helped my daughters (and me) understand that sometimes, as they grow, they may not always know what their future holds.

The Oak Inside the Acorn reminds them that growth happens in God’s time, not on their timetable, and their unique gifts are part of a bigger plan.

Teens age 13-16

The early teenage years can be filled with uncertainty about the future. Whether your kids are considering college, careers, or what’s next, it can feel like everything is changing. I really wish I had this book when my daughters were in middle school and their early high school years. I could have used it to encourage them that God is still growing them, especially when the future feels unclear.

It’s a wonderful reminder that even if their interests and goals shift, God has been at work in their lives all along.

17-18 Year Olds

I’m grateful that we found this book when our daughters at the end of their high school years. It was a huge season of uncertainty dealing with COVID, college tours, illness and more for them individually and us as a family.

Even though this is a picture book, I encourage you to share The Oak Inside the Acorn with your older teens as well. The transition to adulthood can be daunting—whether your son or daughter is headed off to college, intending to complete a technical program, joining the military or entering the workforce.

We were able to use this story to encourage our girls to trust in God’s timing and remind them that He is with them in the midst of their big decisions. It may help your emerging adult as they face a new season as well.

For Parents:

Please know that this sweet story isn’t just for kids! As a mom, I found the message of growth and trust in God’s timing so encouraging for me too.

There were plenty of days I wondered if I had done enough to prepare them. The book reminded me that growth – theirs and mine – takes time and that I needed to trust God and surrender them to the plans He has for them. It gave me perspective, encouragement and yes, a little comfort, as I watched my daughters grow get ready to graduate and leave home for college.

As a homeschool parent, you may be worried if this homeschooling thing is really working or if you are even on the right path. I encourage you to work through the devotional, spend time in prayer and ask God to help you as you guide your children into adulthood.

FREE Kid’s Devotional for Your Family

Whether your kids are just starting their homeschooling journey or preparing to leave the nest, The Oak Inside the Acorn has something valuable to offer. The beauty of this book is that it’s not just a one-time read—it’s a resource you can come back to over and over again, applying its message to different stages of your child’s growth.

We’ve created the Tiny Seed, Mighty Tree Kid’s Devotional to go along with this timeless story. It can be used as a family devotion time or with individual kids at different ages broken down into the following age ranges:

• 4-7 year olds
• 8-10 year olds
• 11-12 year olds
• 13-14 year olds
• 15-16 year olds
• 17-18 year olds
• Even parents!

Each age group has tailored questions and activities to help your child (and you) reflect on how God is growing them into the person He has designed them to be.

If you want to dive deeper into the story with your children then this kid’s devotional can be a great companion tool. It can help guide discussions and reflections as well as provide encouragement for both parents and kids alike during this homeschooling season of life.

Where Can I Get The Oak Inside the Acorn?

If you haven’t grabbed a copy of The Oak Inside the Acorn yet, I highly recommend adding this story to your collection! It’s a short and sweet read, but the message is powerful. Look for it at your local library, a favorite bookstore, or even borrow it from a friend.

If You Love The Oak Inside the Acorn

If your family enjoys The Oak Inside the Acorn, here are a few other books that share similar themes of growth, purpose, and trusting God’s plan:

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I really wish I had discovered The Oak Inside the Acorn sooner. But I’m thankful we read it together as my daughters were preparing to step into adulthood. The message of growth and trusting God’s timing is something every parent and child can hold onto. Whether your kids are just starting out or getting ready to graduate, God is at work in their lives—shaping them into the people He created them to be, just like that little acorn growing into an oak tree.

So, I hope you’ll take the time to add this special story to your homeschool reading list. It’s a book you’ll want to revisit time and time again as you encourage your children to embrace their unique growth and journey.

And, don’t forget to download our free kid’s devotional at the post of this post!