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Oaky
OAKY is a gentle and metaphorical children’s book about a little acorn. Oaky was born in the kingdom of squirrels in an ordinary family of acorns, but he was different. The colour of his skin was different. His thoughts were different. Even his hat was different – it was all the colours of the rainbow and it leaned to one side of his head instead of being straight. However, the little acorn always found the strength to be what he was – distinct. Oaky helped those in need. He taught others how to stay away from nutcrackers and how to catch dandelion parachutes. He was so brave he even told the squirrels not to eat nuts because they were not “nutritious.” Oaky’s good manners, his willingness to assist others, and his brevity made him very popular and loved. This picture book is a tender and inspirational reminder that being different is not the only characteristic that defines us as individuals. Colourful, thoughtful, and full of funny puns, OAKY is a wonderful celebration of being unique in a uniform world.
32 pages, ebook
Published November 19, 2019
About the author
Marin .
13 books163 followersA long time ago Marin was a child. He was one year old when his father passed away. His mother remarried and Marin was raised by his loving (but strict!) grandparents. He learned to read and write long before he went to school. Books became his imaginary parents and his fictional friends.
Marin studied nuclear physics, art, and literature. He owned an advertising agency for many years.
Oh, a few more things: he does not drive, he does not drink carbonated beverages, he had never consumed food from fast-food restaurants, he does not have a mobile phone, he had never used legal or illegal drugs, and he had never visited his GP (much to the disapproval of his wife). He started his small publishing house FONTREAL (children’s picture books) in 2016. Marin lives with his wife and two children on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean - in St. John’s, NL, Canada.
ISBN and ASIN numbers of Marin's books:
THE ADVENTURE OF ALEX AND ER
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-3-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-1-2
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-2-9
ASIN: B08NWNBYTZ
THE JOURNEY OF YUAN AND KIAN
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-4-3
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-5-0
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-6-7
ASIN: B08NWPJPL9
THE TALE OF WAS AND DAS
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-7-4
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-8-1
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-9-8
ASIN: B08NWPWQ1Z
THE EPIC OF GABRIEL AND JIBREEL
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-2-3
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-4-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-3-0
ASIN: B08NWTHGJR
'TWAS THE NIGHT
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-9-2
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-16-1
ASIN: B08NWQP9CV
OAKY
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-1-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-0-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-0-9
ASIN: B08NWPQFDR
WEENY MEENY'S HALLOWEEN
ISBN print: 978-1-989661-00-0
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-01-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-02-4
ASIN: B08NWTML1P
THE STORY OF BEN AND BUTTON
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-6-1
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-8-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-7-8
ASIN: B08NWRPXQ9
NADIA'S SHOES
ISBN print: 978-1-989661-23-9
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-22-2
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-17-8
ASIN:
Marin studied nuclear physics, art, and literature. He owned an advertising agency for many years.
Oh, a few more things: he does not drive, he does not drink carbonated beverages, he had never consumed food from fast-food restaurants, he does not have a mobile phone, he had never used legal or illegal drugs, and he had never visited his GP (much to the disapproval of his wife). He started his small publishing house FONTREAL (children’s picture books) in 2016. Marin lives with his wife and two children on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean - in St. John’s, NL, Canada.
ISBN and ASIN numbers of Marin's books:
THE ADVENTURE OF ALEX AND ER
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-3-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-1-2
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-2-9
ASIN: B08NWNBYTZ
THE JOURNEY OF YUAN AND KIAN
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-4-3
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-5-0
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-6-7
ASIN: B08NWPJPL9
THE TALE OF WAS AND DAS
ISBN print: 978-0-9809748-7-4
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-8-1
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-9-8
ASIN: B08NWPWQ1Z
THE EPIC OF GABRIEL AND JIBREEL
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-2-3
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-4-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-3-0
ASIN: B08NWTHGJR
'TWAS THE NIGHT
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-9-2
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-16-1
ASIN: B08NWQP9CV
OAKY
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-1-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-0-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-0-9
ASIN: B08NWPQFDR
WEENY MEENY'S HALLOWEEN
ISBN print: 978-1-989661-00-0
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-01-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-02-4
ASIN: B08NWTML1P
THE STORY OF BEN AND BUTTON
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-6-1
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-8-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-7-8
ASIN: B08NWRPXQ9
NADIA'S SHOES
ISBN print: 978-1-989661-23-9
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-22-2
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-17-8
ASIN:
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 26, 2023
My six year old daughter, Rory, says, “I like this book because the nuts look so funny - all the different kinds of nuts, but there’s not really words on the pictures. Lots of words are on the pictures. But it’s still very good even though there’s no words on the pictures.”
I got a free digital copy of this book and the first time I read it to my daughter, I had only one page at a time. That’s why she mentions no words on the pictures, but the words actually do appropriately accompany the pictures on the to the opposite page. I just find it to be authentic to quote her so sorry that she kinda contradicts herself : ) She likes the book. I believe she wrote a review with her mom too.
It’s a short, simple, rhyming read about how it’s okay to be different, to be nice to people different from you, and how people different from you accomplish great things too. And yes, it has some dad joke puns mixed in - depends on the kid whether they will pick up on some of them.
I got a free digital copy of this book and the first time I read it to my daughter, I had only one page at a time. That’s why she mentions no words on the pictures, but the words actually do appropriately accompany the pictures on the to the opposite page. I just find it to be authentic to quote her so sorry that she kinda contradicts herself : ) She likes the book. I believe she wrote a review with her mom too.
It’s a short, simple, rhyming read about how it’s okay to be different, to be nice to people different from you, and how people different from you accomplish great things too. And yes, it has some dad joke puns mixed in - depends on the kid whether they will pick up on some of them.
June 25, 2021
Another exceptional book by Marin. This one teaches children and adults about diversity. It is an important topic with all the hate crimes all over the world. The illustrations were very colourful and I would recommend this book for young children to understand that people are different in the world today and they should all be accepted.
June 6, 2021
Oaky, the acorn with a rainbow-colored hat whose nuts and bolts were different. A creatively told story to better understand the differences of feelings and behaviors that are normal and positive variations of human sexuality.
"Prejudice is ignorance spelled differently," says Marin.
I loved the simplistic drawings, the usage of various nuts to portray the diversity in all humans. Marin has a clever way of choosing just the right words to make a point.
"In the Kingdom of squirrels, nuts no more asked themselves To Be or Nut To Be."
Though this book was written and illustrated for young children, I don't know if they will necessarily grasp the real message of acceptance to the LGBT culture. Still, they need to start somewhere, and what better place than a picture book, perhaps as they begin to question their feelings and observations about themselves.
"Oaky went everywhere with his colorful hat, while others hid in the grass." An excellent portrayal of our society, those who fear "coming out." I loved the diagram of Oaky assisting an old man-nut walking with a cane. Creative thinking. Great job!
"Prejudice is ignorance spelled differently," says Marin.
I loved the simplistic drawings, the usage of various nuts to portray the diversity in all humans. Marin has a clever way of choosing just the right words to make a point.
"In the Kingdom of squirrels, nuts no more asked themselves To Be or Nut To Be."
Though this book was written and illustrated for young children, I don't know if they will necessarily grasp the real message of acceptance to the LGBT culture. Still, they need to start somewhere, and what better place than a picture book, perhaps as they begin to question their feelings and observations about themselves.
"Oaky went everywhere with his colorful hat, while others hid in the grass." An excellent portrayal of our society, those who fear "coming out." I loved the diagram of Oaky assisting an old man-nut walking with a cane. Creative thinking. Great job!
May 13, 2023
I received a free digital copy from the author.
"Oaky" by Marin is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a little acorn who is different from the rest of his family and peers. The author has skillfully woven a metaphorical tale that teaches young readers about the importance of individuality and the beauty of diversity.
The story of Oaky is simple yet powerful. Despite being different from everyone else, Oaky never tries to conform or change himself to fit in. Instead, he embraces his uniqueness and uses it to help others. He is kind, brave, and resourceful, and his positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand endear him to all those around him.
The illustrations in the book are bright and colorful, and they bring the story to life in a way that will capture the imagination of young readers. The characters are charmingly portrayed, and the humor and puns sprinkled throughout the book will keep kids engaged and entertained.
What makes "Oaky" truly special is its message of self-acceptance and inclusivity. The book encourages children to celebrate their differences and to appreciate the unique qualities that make each individual special. This is an important message in today's world, where diversity is often undervalued and misunderstood.
Overall, "Oaky" is a wonderful children's book that is both entertaining and educational. It is perfect for parents and teachers who want to instill positive values in their children and encourage them to embrace their individuality. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to inspire their children to be their best selves and to appreciate the differences that make us all unique.
"Oaky" by Marin is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a little acorn who is different from the rest of his family and peers. The author has skillfully woven a metaphorical tale that teaches young readers about the importance of individuality and the beauty of diversity.
The story of Oaky is simple yet powerful. Despite being different from everyone else, Oaky never tries to conform or change himself to fit in. Instead, he embraces his uniqueness and uses it to help others. He is kind, brave, and resourceful, and his positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand endear him to all those around him.
The illustrations in the book are bright and colorful, and they bring the story to life in a way that will capture the imagination of young readers. The characters are charmingly portrayed, and the humor and puns sprinkled throughout the book will keep kids engaged and entertained.
What makes "Oaky" truly special is its message of self-acceptance and inclusivity. The book encourages children to celebrate their differences and to appreciate the unique qualities that make each individual special. This is an important message in today's world, where diversity is often undervalued and misunderstood.
Overall, "Oaky" is a wonderful children's book that is both entertaining and educational. It is perfect for parents and teachers who want to instill positive values in their children and encourage them to embrace their individuality. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to inspire their children to be their best selves and to appreciate the differences that make us all unique.
July 20, 2023
Interesting. Poetic. Weird.
I like interesting and weird books so I keep reading Marin's books even though I expect to be annoyed by the constant telling. This book is no different. Marin nearly always tells us, very rarely shows us...
I like puns in general, but there were too many of them and some of them were too much. Too much pepper is too much pepper.
The font picked for this book makes it difficult to read it. 'U' and 'a' look too much alike and 'y' and 'g' are too similar as well, so I ended up reading 'goa' instead of 'you' and kept wondering what is that 'goa' he is talking about and finally, I realized that he actually said, "And you should always help and never a-salt others." So... this book is a bit preachy too and I don't like preachy books. Best books deliver the message without spelling it out.
I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It's an interesting book about being different. The author, in his own words "a straight man" dedicated the book to "a gay Canadian man" who inspired it.
I like interesting and weird books so I keep reading Marin's books even though I expect to be annoyed by the constant telling. This book is no different. Marin nearly always tells us, very rarely shows us...
I like puns in general, but there were too many of them and some of them were too much. Too much pepper is too much pepper.
The font picked for this book makes it difficult to read it. 'U' and 'a' look too much alike and 'y' and 'g' are too similar as well, so I ended up reading 'goa' instead of 'you' and kept wondering what is that 'goa' he is talking about and finally, I realized that he actually said, "And you should always help and never a-salt others." So... this book is a bit preachy too and I don't like preachy books. Best books deliver the message without spelling it out.
I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It's an interesting book about being different. The author, in his own words "a straight man" dedicated the book to "a gay Canadian man" who inspired it.
May 26, 2023
A beautifully illustrated story highlights the importance of being kind and generous of spirit to all. I would love to see children, and perhaps some adults, enjoying this book and embracing its inclusive message. Not only is this book soul inspiring, the illustrations are intensely vibrant and captivating. I found myself staring at them intently with all the tiny bits of detail. Well done. I highly recommend this book.
May 30, 2023
Clever and beautifully illustrated book about Inclusion, diversity, & kindness!
Marin Darmonkow's children book titled Oaky is a meaningful and cleaver book, one that I hope finds it's way into elementary schools across the globe! Oaky's demeanor displays to the reader what it's like to be unshakable and know of your innate self worth. Proudly displaying what it's like to be beautiful human being inside & out!
Marin Darmonkow's children book titled Oaky is a meaningful and cleaver book, one that I hope finds it's way into elementary schools across the globe! Oaky's demeanor displays to the reader what it's like to be unshakable and know of your innate self worth. Proudly displaying what it's like to be beautiful human being inside & out!
April 21, 2023
This is an interesting book about a unique nut who does not view the world the way others do. This quirky children's book is actually about being different, accepting yourself as being different and about how viewing the world differently than others can benefit others. I received a free copy of the book from the author.
September 3, 2024
“Oaky” is a heartwarming children's book about a unique little acorn that teaches the importance of accepting differences. The story is touching, and although the illustrations didn't resonate with me, the overall message and charm of the book make it a great read. It is a great reminder that being different is a cause for joy!
June 30, 2023
This is a lovely book about diversity and loving your quirks and uniqueness. After all, your quirks make you, you, and that is just beautiful. I loved reading this to my 6-year-old.
Thank you, author, for sharing this book with me.
Thank you, author, for sharing this book with me.
March 1, 2024
The story of how Oaky embraced his flaws and imperfections is truly inspiring. This book encourages its readers, especially the children, to stay true to oneself. "Other roles are already taken, the world just needs you to be you."
July 9, 2024
An unusual story about a acorn that was like no other he looked different, and acted different and inspired those around him to be brave. The illustrations are unusual for a children's book, but I very much liked this story. Recommended.
April 9, 2023
My five year old daughter Rory says "I love this book."
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.
May 4, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author and I enjoyed how sweet Oaky is and how he embraces being different.
May 8, 2024
I like this book very much because of its eye-catching illustrations, and bright colored pages that will get the attention of the young readers. The story is funny and cute.
October 6, 2024
Exceptional story about diversity.
February 17, 2023
This book is an absolute delight. Its theme is inclusion, but the moral message is not rammed home with all of the subtlety of a bulldozer (which is so often the case with children's books these days), but, rather, with the playful touch of a magician. The clever humour of the text together with the colourful and witty illustrations is simply irresistible, such that the author delivers the message without the reader ever quite realising how, why or when it happened. This one short, deceptively simple story does more in thirty pages than any government could achieve in a thousand Social Inclusion Initiatives. Just as Shakespeare's plays can rival the academic research of any university Psychology department, so 'Oaky' is testament to the fact that the imagination can be as incisively truthful as it can be transporting. I received a free copy of this book for review.
January 22, 2021
Oaky is a very unique acorn who isn't afraid to be different. He doesn't hide in the grass, he gets out and shines! Oaky brings light to his friends and anyone he meets because his ideas are brilliant! I want to be like Oaky. Another great book by Marin!
July 1, 2023
COOL illustrations! It's like they're metallic and come to life. Nice book about inclusion, being different, and accepting people (or nuts) for who they are
I received a book for free
I received a book for free
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews