Old Turtle and the Broken Truth

By Douglas Wood

Book Overview

Powerhouse team Douglas Wood and Jon J Muth present a sequel to Old Turtle, the award-winning wisdom tale of peace and love for the earth.

Seekers of all ages have been inspired by the stirring message of Old Turtle, the beloved, award-winning wisdom tale of peace. Now Old Turtle returns in a timeless story about love, acceptance, and the nature of truth.Long ago, as truth descended onto earth, it split in two: one piece landing among the people and the other blazing through the sky. When the people discover the piece of truth, it gives them strength and happiness. But over time, it turns them arrogant and greedy. They do not share their truth with others, wars rage on, and the earth begins to suffer. Then a Little Girl eager for change journeys to find Old Turtle, seeking the precious piece of wisdom that will mend the people's broken truth, making it -- and them -- whole once again.Douglas Wood's stirring and eloquent fable, soulfully illustrated in luminous watercolor by Jon J Muth, offers readers of all ages inspiration, hope, and a healing vision of peace.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439321093
• ISBN13: 9780439321099
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

An Answer to an Age of Extremism

In an age of religious extremism, where every little group is convinced that it is the holder of the Truth, and every other group is mortally and sinfully wrong, this book presents an opportunity for discussion with your children. It does not answer what The Truth is (well maybe minimally). It discusses what it means to fervantly believe in a "broken truth" an incompete truth, that in the end puts you at odds with everyone else. It is an excellent lead in to the discussion of how it could be that human war over Truth (as if Truth needs assistance from Humans and guns).

Compelling Story + Elegant Watercolors:=Ageless Picture Book

I picked this book because I love turtles and I was intrigued about what on Earth (or anywhere, for that matter!) the Broken Truth might be....Through Douglas Wood's narrative, I was taken to a land where every stone was a teacher and every breeze a language, where every lake was a mirror and every tree a ladder to the stars.....And then in a brief moment, the sight of the Broken Truth falling to the ground in an especially poignant watercolor by illustrator Jon Muth.I found the unfolding story to be told gently and with great care. As one other reader noted, it echoes so clearly many of the challenges which are inherent in humankind today. And then, on the other hand, I am very familiar with this place where every stone is a teacher, every breeze a language, every lake a mirror and every tree a ladder to the stars.... Very worthy read... and very worthy of sharing with children and grown children everywhere.

Most children's books aren't just for children...

This story of a broken truth and the secret to peace and happiness is a remarkable tale for children and adults. Children may not grasp the full meaning of the story, but they may appreciate that it is a child who helps the world. Adults will find that the simple truth gives them chills. The watercolor illustrations are as beautiful as the tale. I bought this book for my friend's birthday. Once you read it, you, too, will want to share it with those around you.