OLD TURTLE

by Douglas Wood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 1991

In a poetic fable, all creation debates the nature of God, each thing imagining that God reflects its own image: the antelope insists that God ""is a runner, swift and free,"" while the willow murmurs that ""She is a great tree...always growing, always giving."" The wise old turtle ends the argument: God is all these things, and more. She also makes a prediction: ""There will soon be a new family of beings"" who will be reminders of what God is. However, the people in turn begin to argue about God, and also to harm the rest of creation. Then the ocean, the breeze, and even the stars remind them of God's presence and love, and in time the people begin to listen. Wood's graceful phrasing and understated irony give his plea unusual power, especially as complemented by Chee's outstanding watercolors, joyfully celebrating the world's beauty; his portraits of Old Turtle are masterfully detailed and delightfully subtle. A handsome, thought-provoking book, especially appropriate for collections that support religious instruction.

Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1991

ISBN: 0439309085

Page Count: 48

Publisher: "Pfeifer-Hamilton (1702 E. Jefferson St., Duluth, MN 55812)"

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1991

Categories: CHILDREN'S