Old Turtle

February 20, 2017
Wood’s Old Turtle, last seen in 2003’s Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, returns in his third and most accessible book, in which a group of children and adults with pressing questions seek his counsel. Dominated by rich reds and golds, Ruth’s graphite and watercolor images create a sense of joy, even when the questions turn to evil and death. Old Turtle answers each inquiry with calm, steady encouragement, and his considered responses (“Death is but the shadow that life casts. It is always with us, and to fear it is to fear life itself”) will linger with readers young and old. Ages 4–8. Illustrator’s agent: Allen Spiegel, Allen Spiegel Fine Arts.

February 3, 1992
Long ago, an argument arose between mountains and rivers, stars and ants, lions and bears on the nature of God. A terrible cacophony of quarreling voices rang out until wise Old Turtle quelled the din, explaining that ``God is all that we dream of, and all that we seek. . .all that we come from and all that we can find.'' But soon disagreement was heard again as the world's people raised voice and fist against each other, harming the natural order. Illustrated in exquisite watercolors, this eloquent plea for unity and understanding between people and nature is both frank and understated. Chee captures the mysterious beauty of the world in pastels imbued with quiet energy, complementing the lilting cadence of the poetic text. Certainly both author and artist have combined rare talents to produce an enchanting book, yet one that is barely accessible to a child. Difficult ideas, painterly art and sophisticated language make this a book primarily for adults. All ages.

January 15, 2017
The third Old Turtle story is a companion to the previous two (Old Turtle, illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee, 1992, and Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, illustrated by Jon J Muth, 2003) and focuses on defining the purpose of life.Seeking answers to heavy questions, a multiracial chosen few set out with the Old Woman to find Old Turtle. Each one "carries alone the weight of his or her question," such as "Why are we here?" and "Can you tell us about play?" One double-page spread encompasses their journey. Once they reach Old Turtle, her answers are lengthy, spiritual, and lyrical. "We live that there might be more of life in the world. More live-li-ness. More beauty, more generosity, more variety, more of the gift of life itself." Spanning pages and paragraphs, answers delve into the meanings of happiness, family, play, balance, evil, and, particularly, death, when "we merely return to the source of our life." The illustrations, created with graphite pencil and scanned watercolors, are appropriately ethereal and breathe life into the messages, expressing a sense of well-being and creating a comforting, Zen-like feeling. Collectively, this trio of books offers a spiritual fable with a universal message. This publication is timed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Old Turtle. Adults searching to explain the mysteries of life to patient children will find these three a reverent answer. (Picture book. 5-8)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 1-4-In this third outing, enough time has passed that many no longer believe that Old Turtle truly existed. A group of five people of varying ages and ethnicities who have "questions that [haunt] their sleep and [trouble] their waking hours" visit the Old Woman whose grandmother found Old Turtle when she was a child. She joins them in their quest, and after wandering through the mountains, they are drawn to Old Turtle, who answers them each in turn, dispensing her wisdom. Some of the topics are weighty-delving into the meaning of life and the nature of evil and death-but the children ask about family and play in a way that seems remarkably untroubled. Unlike the first volume, this one features no explicit mention of God, widening the audience to include those who are spiritual but not religious. Less inclusively, the book conveys the message that having a mother and a father is the norm for families. Ruth's pencil and watercolor illustrations are suffused with a glowing warmth and delicate beauty that invite the eye to linger. VERDICT Lacking a compelling plot and presenting complex, sometimes unrelated themes in a lengthy text, this is best for digesting in chunks one-on-one or in small groups. Purchase where the earlier Old Turtle titles are in demand.-Laura Simeon, Open Window School Library, Bellevue, WA

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