Gilly: The Golden Acorn Collector

Original Illustration by Jesse Smith & Dan Hazelton

In order to escape the ever-growing number of poachers off the coast of the Galápagos Islands, Gilly started venturing west. Out there was an island he had heard of from his father before he had passed. There was some place that had never been inhabited by man, Psilo Isle. He didn't know much about Psilo Isle except that he would find safety from the ever more glutinous tactics of men.

The journey took him almost 3 months across the ocean, much longer due to the counter-currents along the way. As he got closer to the island he started to notice little glimmers of gold on the green ocean floor. It wasn't often, but every time he stumbled across one he would snag it up. By the time he hit land, he had collected a total of 12 golden acorns.

To Gilly, these acorns were nothing more than interesting little collectibles. However, to the squirrels on Psilo Isle they symbolized a life without worry of food or shelter. Just one golden acorn could satisfy the needs of an entire colony of squirrels, and many have died trying to get them. Most creatures throughout the island don't pay Gilly much mind but he's always confused when he's attacked by a bunch of pesky squirrels. Luckily, he's a tough little turtle!

• 175 gsm fine art paper
• 24 x 18